What is a BBL?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks using the patient’s own fat. The procedure involves two main steps: liposuction and fat grafting. First, fat is harvested from various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, using liposuction techniques. This harvested fat is then processed and injected into specific areas of the buttocks to create a fuller, more contoured appearance. The BBL aims to achieve a natural look and feel, enhancing the curves of the body while improving overall body proportions.
Good Candidates
Good Candidates
How Fat Transfer Works
-
Harvesting Fat: The first step involves liposuction, where small incisions are made in the donor area (such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks). A thin cannula is inserted to suction out excess fat. This procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
-
Processing the Fat: Once the fat is harvested, it is collected in a sterile container. The fat is then processed to remove any impurities, blood, or oil, which ensures that only healthy fat cells are used for grafting.
-
Injecting the Fat: After processing, the purified fat is injected into the recipient area where volume enhancement is desired, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks. The surgeon uses a thin cannula to place the fat strategically in small amounts to achieve a natural look and feel, ensuring even distribution.
-
Healing and Integration: After the injection, the body begins to heal, and some of the transferred fat cells will establish a blood supply in the new location. It’s important to note that not all transferred fat will survive; typically, about 60% of the fat cells remain viable after the initial healing period.
-
Final Results: Over the following weeks and months, the body continues to adjust, and the final results become apparent. The fat will appear to drastically go down after about 3 weeks but will "fluff" up around 3-6 months.
Recovery and Expectations Following Surgery
-
Dr. Henry will be available every step of the way to ensure proper healing and to provide support. Typically, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first few weeks post-surgery.
-
Dr. Henry recommends taking at least 1 week off work, longer for more physically demanding jobs. Light workouts can usually be resumed after 1 week, but more strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 3 weeks.​
-
Patients are encouraged to wear a compression garment for 3 weeks full time followed by an additional 3 weeks part time for best results.
-
​Patients should expect a lot of drainage from the incision sites for the first 4-7 days which can be reddish in color. This is completely normal!!
-
​Dr. Henry will leave small rubber drains (1 inch) in a few of the incisions to help promote drainage. They will be removed at 1 week.
-
The patient is required to stay off of their buttocks as much as possible and will need to use a BBL pillow to sit on for around 4-6 weeks to ensure optimal fat survival
-
Patients should set up lymphatic massages following the procedure. Dr. Henry recommends 4-6 sessions to improve healing, promote drainage, and reduce hardening or fibrosis.
-
Dr Henry likes frequent follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
