Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), also known as buttock augmentation, has become a highly sought-after procedure in aesthetic plastic surgery, offering patients the ability to enhance buttock volume and refine their gluteal contour using their own fat. Unlike buttock implants, this autologous fat transfer technique utilizes your own natural tissue and provides more natural results in both look and feel.
Using cutting-edge aesthetic technology and breakthrough surgical techniques, acclaimed Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon John Luck, MD maximizes the safety of a Brazilian Butt Lift by performing surgery with advanced ultrasound-guided imagery. This visualization allows Dr. Luck to introduce the grafted fat more precisely and reduce the risk of complications.
What is a BBL?
A Brazilian Butt Lift involves harvesting excess fatty tissue from areas with sufficient fat stores — commonly, the abdomen, flanks, hips, and thighs via liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified and strategically re-injected into the buttocks to augment volume and refine your silhouette. The goal is not only to enlarge and shape the buttocks, but also to enhance overall body proportions by simultaneously reducing volume in “donor” areas from which fat is taken.
This dual-contouring effect distinguishes a BBL from gluteal implants or dermal fillers. Because the transferred material is the patient’s own fat, the results tend to be softer, more natural, and associated with a lower incidence of inflammatory immune system response.
Who is a Good Candidate for a BBL?
Buttock augmentation with a BBL can help reshape the body to achieve a more voluptuous, sensual “hourglass” figure. Ideal candidates for surgery are typically:
- In good health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
- Have an adequate amount of “donor” fat in the harvesting site(s)
- Realistic about the types of improvements possible with a BBL
- Well-informed about the limitations, benefits, and risks of surgery
- Within their ideal weight range
An ultrasound-guided BBL represents a critical evolution in the procedure, transforming what was once considered a high-risk operation into one that can be performed radically safer under the care of qualified surgeons.
How is the Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure Performed?
A Brazilian Butt Lift is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of fat transferred. The operation begins with liposuction, during which fat is harvested through small, discreet incisions. Common areas for the harvesting of excess fat include the abdomen, flanks, hips, and thighs. Once collected, the fat is purified to maximize the number of healthy, viable fat cells reintroduced into the buttock region. The final phase of the procedure involves the re-injection of fat into the buttocks under real-time ultrasound guidance.
At the forefront of the evolution in Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is the use of ultrasound-guided fat injection, which Dr. Luck employs to improve precision and mitigate risk. The use of real-time ultrasound imaging plays a major role in advancing patient safety during the BBL procedure, giving Minneapolis patients the confidence of knowing they’re receiving the highest standards of care during surgery.
What is the Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery Period Like?
Recovery after a Brazilian Butt Lift requires strict adherence to Dr. Luck’s post-op instructions. This helps protect the viability of the fat grafts and supports healing in the donor and recipient sites. Swelling, soreness, and bruising, especially in the liposuctioned areas, are normal. Pain is managed with prescribed medications and patients are instructed to avoid any direct pressure to the buttocks, including sitting or lying flat, to prevent disruption of the newly transferred fat cells for up to six weeks.
During the first two weeks, patients are advised to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and help contour the liposuctioned areas. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Final outcomes begin to stabilize around the three-month mark, although subtle refinements may continue up to six months postoperatively.
It is important to understand that not all transferred fat survives the process. On average, approximately 50–70% of the injected fat will establish a blood supply and remain permanently. The remainder is naturally reabsorbed by the body. To optimize the results, patients should maintain a stable weight, strictly adhere to Dr. Luck’s postoperative instructions, and avoid nicotine, which can impair fat graft survival.
How Much Does a BBL Cost?
The cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the procedure, the number of liposuctioned areas, and the volume of fat required for transfer. Our office will be able to provide you with a cost estimate after assessing your needs in a consultation. This estimate will include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, operating room or surgical facility charges, and other standard surgical expenses. Some patients may be eligible for third-party plastic surgery financing options to make the procedure more accessible, such as payment plans provided by CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit.
Our team of renowned aesthetic plastic surgeons at Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery offer comprehensive body sculpting services for patients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and nearby areas. We also frequently provide patient-centered care and stunning results for out-of-town patients wishing to make their desired contours a reality. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation or to learn more.