A significant number of people are unhappy with the shape of their body. Depending on the nature, location, and desired outcome of the problem, there are a wide variety of treatment options. For example, in cases where sagging is dominant, lifting and tightening surgeries are performed; while in cases of volume deficiency, implants or fat injections are preferred.

Liposuction (Fat Removal)

First used in aesthetic surgery in 1980, liposuction is one of the most widely known body shaping methods. Since then, its application area has expanded considerably. Besides being an indispensable method for neck, breast, and peripheral body shaping, it can also be used as an adjunct treatment for post-operative contour correction in breast reconstruction and other reconstructive surgeries. In addition to the standard technique, VASER-assisted and laser-assisted techniques are frequently used in liposuction surgeries.

Basically, it is based on the principle of mechanically breaking down fat with the help of ultrasound or laser, and then suctioning it out using cannulas inserted under the skin. A small incision of approximately 1 cm is sufficient at the entry points of these cannulas into the body. Although it may seem like a simple technique, skin anatomy, the differences between the superficial and deep layers of the skin, and the adhesion zones containing denser connective tissue responsible for the body’s natural appearance can inevitably lead to contour irregularities and even circulatory problems resulting in skin loss after liposuction if these factors are ignored. Therefore, a detailed preoperative assessment, marking of critical areas, and drawings are crucial. The planning should determine in advance which areas, at what depths, and roughly how much fat will be removed. When liposuction is combined with a proper diet, lifestyle changes, and regular exercise, the likelihood of being satisfied with the results is much higher. Conversely, those who do not diet and exercise are often unhappy with the results.

All or part of the fat obtained through liposuction can be injected into areas where volumetric fullness is desired, such as the breasts, buttocks, and face, during the same surgery. This is called fat injection and constitutes one of the most important components of body shaping treatments. In this method, some of the injected fat is expected to dissolve and be absorbed, but all fat cells that successfully adhere to the target tissue remain permanently. This makes it unique compared to other fillers.

In our clinic, with the Vaser technique that we successfully apply, we have observed that patients return to their daily lives sooner, experience less pain due to less bleeding, and have less skin sagging compared to the classic method.

What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

A Brazilian butt lift is a popular aesthetic procedure that involves fat transfer to help create more fullness in the buttock area.

A Brazilian butt lift is a specialized fat transfer procedure that increases the size and shape of the buttocks without buttock implants (silicone). Liposuction removes excess fat from the hips, abdomen, waist, or thighs, and then some of this fat is injected into the hips.

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) or Brazilian butt aesthetic surgery can improve the proportions of the entire lower body, removing fat from the patient’s “problem areas” and making the hips more defined, while achieving proportional balance in disproportionate and excessive areas.

Who is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Suitable For?

A person’s buttock shape and proportion are largely determined by their genetic makeup; both your skeletal structure and your body’s fat storage affect the appearance of the lower body. A healthy diet and exercise can help achieve a healthy body weight and tighten muscles, but many patients are not satisfied with their flat hips despite a healthy lifestyle.

A Brazilian butt lift can help overcome genetic factors by reshaping the hips and surrounding areas such as the hips, waist, and thighs.

What are the Benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

It enhances the curves of your lower body.
It adds fullness to your hips while reducing fat in your hips, thighs, or abdomen, shaping the body.
It helps clothes fit the body more attractively.

In those with flat hips, it provides hip projection, giving a younger, more aesthetically pleasing shape.
It helps to recreate balance between your upper and lower body.

Who is Suitable for Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery?

Brazilian butt lift surgery (buttock lift) can be a very good option to improve the shape and size of the hips. Some patients are more suitable for Brazilian butt lift surgery.

In general, individuals with the following characteristics are likely good candidates for a Brazilian butt lift:

If you want a butt augmentation operation without implants,
If there is no excessive sagging in the buttocks,
Contrary to popular belief, BBL can be safely applied even to patients who think they do not have enough fat tissue (unless they are cachectic, i.e., have pathological weight loss, e.g., anorexia nervosa).

Those who have had fat injections into the buttocks should be able to avoid sitting directly on their buttocks for a few weeks.

Despite its name, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is not a traditional “lifting” procedure. In other words, there is no intervention on sagging skin in the buttocks. If there is sagging skin in the buttocks or legs, a thigh and buttock lift may be a more suitable option.

Differences Between Brazilian Butt Lift and Silicone Buttock Implants

A significant advantage of Brazilian butt lift surgery is that it increases buttock size without implants (silicone buttock implants). Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery is an operation that produces very natural-looking and noticeable results.

However, if a person is very thin, the fat removed from the body may not be sufficient, and the only way to achieve the desired increase in size may be silicone buttock implants. Silicone buttock implants may be a good option for some patients; however, it is important to understand the additional risks of having implants (buttock implants), including capsular contracture and a higher risk of infection. Buttock implants may look less natural compared to a skillfully performed Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery.

How is a Brazilian Butt Lift Performed?

A Brazilian butt lift or Brazilian Butt Lift surgery involves three basic steps:

1- The first stage in a Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is the removal of fat from the buttocks, waist, thighs, abdomen, and/or other areas using liposuction. For this purpose, we prefer fat removal with Vaser Liposuction. Vaser Liposuction is a method that operates on the principle of minimal damage and maximum respect for fat tissue, using sound waves to remove fat from the body without damaging it and transfer it to the areas where it is needed. Therefore, the survival rate of the fat removed and transferred to the buttocks is very high.

2- The removed fat is purified and prepared for transfer.

3- The aesthetic surgeon performs “buttock fat injection” to specific areas to enlarge, increase volume, and give the buttocks the desired shape.

Not all of the injected fat will remain in the area; some will be absorbed. For this reason, many surgeons inject slightly more fat than necessary, taking this absorption into account.

Recovery After Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

Recovery after Brazilian butt lift surgery requires some special precautions. Pain after Brazilian butt lift surgery is typically minimal and easily controlled with painkillers. After a Brazilian butt lift, you are not allowed to sit or lie directly on your buttocks for approximately 2 weeks; lying on your stomach is recommended.

After a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), you will need to lie on your stomach or side, and stand for all activities except using the toilet. When you are ready, you will be allowed to sit in a modified position using a “donut” style chair or placing a pillow under your thighs to prevent pressure on the buttocks. Normal sitting activity is usually permitted after about 8 weeks.

Following your plastic surgeon’s instructions, you can resume light daily activities within 1 week after surgery and return to work within 10 to 14 days.

Are the Results of a Brazilian Butt Lift Permanent?

The fat cells transferred to the buttocks after a Brazilian butt lift will remain for years. However, weight fluctuations will affect the appearance of the buttocks, so weight control after a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is important.