What is Brazilian Butt Lift?
What is Brazilian Butt Lift, what does it correct and what does it not correct?
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgery in which the patient’s own fat, harvested by liposuction from the waist, abdomen, or back, is processed and transferred to the buttocks. In Turkish it is also searched for as Brezilya popo estetiği, Brezilya kalça estetiği, fat injection to the buttock or gluteal augmentation by fat transfer. The operation has two effects: the areas where fat is harvested become slimmer, and the buttocks gain volume and roundness. Therefore the result is seen not only on the buttocks but also in the transition between the waist and the buttocks.
Knowing what Brazilian Butt Lift does not correct is also important to set realistic expectations. Although the word "lift" appears in the name, it does not remove sagging skin; a buttock lift is required for significant sagging. It does not remove cellulite or stretch marks. Because part of the transferred fat is absorbed, the volume seen in the early weeks is not the final volume. Bone structure and muscle shape also limit the result; the same amount of fat can look different on two people.
Which approach is considered based on the buttock goal?
The appropriate approach for the buttocks is chosen based on whether the problem is lack of volume, skin sagging, or fat distribution—not based on the name of the desired result. The table below summarizes the general relationship between examination findings and commonly considered approaches; the individual plan is determined at the consultation.
| Finding | Commonly considered approach | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Volume deficiency in the buttocks, sufficient fat at the waist | Brazilian Butt Lift | Waist is slimmed; buttock gains volume |
| Fat in the waist and back, buttock volume sufficient | Only liposuction | No fat is transferred to the buttock |
| Buttock volume deficiency, insufficient fat to transfer | Gluteal implant or limited transfer | Their specific risks are discussed separately |
| Sagging buttock skin after weight loss | Buttock lift, with fat transfer if necessary | Leaves a permanent scar |
| Depression on the side of the buttock | Limited fat transfer to this area | May be limited by bone structure |
| Fillers or unknown substance previously injected into the buttock | First evaluation of the current situation | Bring the name and date of the application to the consultation |
Why is safety discussed separately in Brazilian Butt Lift?
Giving fat into or under the gluteal muscle has been associated with the passage of fat into large veins and the risk of fat embolism. For this reason, a joint safety statement by international plastic surgery societies emphasizes giving the fat only to the subcutaneous plane and not directing the cannula into the muscle; ultrasound monitoring during transfer is also defined among these precautions. No method eliminates the risk completely.
Fat embolism can present in two ways. The passage of a large piece of fat into a blood vessel usually leads to an acute picture during or immediately after the operation and requires urgent intervention; therefore it is important that the operation is performed in a well-equipped hospital. The passage of small fat droplets into the circulation can present within the first few days as shortness of breath, clouded consciousness, or pinpoint red spots on the skin; if these symptoms appear after discharge, 112 should be called. Op. Dr. Hasan Büyükdoğan explains during the consultation into which plane and how the fat will be transferred, the safe volume limit and the management plan in case of a complication; do not hesitate to ask these questions.
How much fat can be given to the buttocks?
The amount of fat that can be given to the buttocks in Brazilian Butt Lift is not determined by the desired size but by the amount of fat that can be harvested, the elasticity of the buttock skin and the safe limit. Giving more fat than can fit under the skin increases pressure in the tissue; as pressure increases the nutrition of the fat becomes more difficult, and the risks of absorption and fat necrosis rise. Scar tissue in previously operated or injected buttocks also limits capacity. For this reason, in some people it may be more appropriate to reach the goal with two staged transfers rather than a single operation.
Why is part of the transferred fat absorbed?
Part of the transferred fat is absorbed because fat cells must survive by gaining nutrition from the surrounding tissue and connecting to new blood vessels in their new location in the first days. Cells that cannot establish this connection lose viability. Prolonged pressure on the buttocks, smoking and nicotine, transferring excessive amounts of fat and significant weight changes after the operation can reduce the amount of fat that survives. This is why adherence to sitting and lying instructions directly affects the result.
What can be done in the same operation as Brazilian Butt Lift?
The procedures most commonly planned together with Brazilian Butt Lift are wide-area liposuction and tummy tuck. BBL already includes liposuction; fat is most often harvested from the waist, abdomen and back. If there is excess abdominal skin after childbirth or weight loss, tummy tuck can be planned at the same time; this combination is sometimes called the hourglass aesthetic and the fat removed from the abdominal skin can also be considered as a source. Additional procedures increase the operation time, thrombotic risk and recovery burden, so whether each extra procedure is truly necessary and its effect on the recovery timeline is discussed separately at the consultation; if necessary, procedures are staged.
What differs in men and in repeat Brazilian Butt Lifts?
In men the goal of Brazilian Butt Lift is usually not a pronounced roundness but adding limited volume to the upper part of the buttocks and slimming the flanks of the waist. In men the amount of harvestable fat is often less; suitability is therefore assessed separately. For those seeking a second fat transfer, at least 6 months are waited after the first operation for fat to settle; the amount of harvestable fat and scar tissue in the buttock are also considered. If a permanent filler or an unknown substance has previously been injected into the buttock, that situation is evaluated first.
When should Brazilian Butt Lift be planned?
Brazilian Butt Lift should be planned when weight is stable, pregnancy and breastfeeding are completed, and at a time when the sitting restrictions in the first weeks can be observed. A pregnancy or significant weight change after the operation can alter the buttock shape and the volume of transferred fat; if pregnancy is being considered soon, discuss it during the consultation. Because direct sitting is avoided for the first 2–3 weeks, schedule exams, long trips or intensive work periods away from the surgery date: support cushions, periodic walking and clot prevention are discussed in advance. The final shape becomes clear in 3–6 months, so the operation should not be left to the last moment before a specific event.
Where will the Brazilian Butt Lift scar be?
Scars from Brazilian Butt Lift consist of a few millimetre entry points where fat is harvested and injected. These points are placed in natural creases such as the upper buttock fold, waist, umbilicus and groin crease. Scars may appear dark in the first months and generally mature and lighten over 6–12 months. When a buttock lift is added, there is a permanent and longer scar along the upper buttock border; this scar is planned at the level of underwear.
How to compare Brazilian Butt Lift offers?
When comparing Brazilian Butt Lift offers, look at what the offer includes and the safety plan before looking at the total price. Two operations with the same name can differ greatly in the number of harvest sites, the amount of transferred fat and the transfer method. Asking the following questions when requesting an offer will help you truly compare different proposals:
- From which regions will fat be harvested and how many areas are included in the offer?
- Approximately how much fat is planned to be transferred to the buttocks?
- Into which plane will the fat be transferred, and will ultrasound be used during transfer?
- Who will perform the operation, in which hospital will it be performed; are anaesthesia and hospital fees included?
- How many nights in hospital are planned; are compression garments, sitting cushion, medications and follow-up visits included?
- What is not included in the all-inclusive package (extra nights, massage, transfers)?
- If a problem occurs, which hospital and which clinician will provide care; if necessary what are the conditions for a second transfer?
Cosmetic Brazilian Butt Lift is not covered by SGK.
If you are coming from out of town or abroad
Op. Dr. Hasan Büyükdoğan's clinic is located on Bağdat Caddesi in Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul. Patients coming from other cities or from abroad are generally recommended to stay in Istanbul for 7–10 days after Brazilian Butt Lift; during this time the first controls are performed. Because direct sitting on the buttocks is avoided for the first 2–3 weeks, long bus or plane trips must be planned separately: support cushions, periodic walking and clot prevention are discussed in advance. For preliminary evaluation, photographs can be shared securely via the contact channels; however photographs do not replace an in-person examination and the definitive plan is made face to face. Consultations can be conducted in Turkish, English or German.
What the procedure can address
Not every patient receives the same treatment; the points below may be considered together or separately, depending on the person:
- 01Lack of volume at the lateral and upper buttock, flat-appearing buttocks
- 02Poorly defined transition between the waist and buttock
- 03Depression on the lateral side of the buttock (hip dip) appearance
- 04Fat deposits on the waist, abdomen and back that can be reduced in the same operation
- 05Volume difference and asymmetry between the two buttocks
Who may be a candidate?
Who may be a candidate?
Brazilian Butt Lift is considered for people over 18 who wish a change in buttock volume or shape, who have sufficient fat tissue in the waist, abdomen or back for transfer, who are in general health suitable for surgery and whose weight has been stable in recent months. It is important that the buttock skin is elastic and that sagging is limited. Those who have completed pregnancy and breastfeeding, can stop smoking, can comply with the sitting and lying restrictions in the first weeks and have realistic expectations are more suitable candidates.
Who may not be suitable?
- Insufficient fat tissue available for transfer
- Smoking or nicotine use that cannot be stopped before the operation
- Uncontrolled diabetes, cardiopulmonary disease or coagulation disorder; history of prior deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (evaluated additionally)
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding period or planned pregnancy in the near future
- Pronounced sagging of the buttock skin (buttock lift may be required)
- Expectations exceeding safe volume limits
- Previous injection of permanent fillers, silicone or unknown substances into the buttock (this situation is evaluated first)
Brazilian Butt Lift is not an ordinary filler procedure; using a person's own fat does not make the procedure risk-free. More volume does not necessarily mean a better result; the amount to be transferred is determined not by the desired size but by how much the buttock skin can safely accommodate and by safe limits.
The doctor's examination approach
The examination looks beyond appearance to the person's overall anatomy and expectations. Key points assessed:
- Amount of fat in the waist, abdomen and back
- Volume distribution and projection
- Elasticity and sagging of the buttock skin
- Prominence of the transition
- Difference between right and left buttock
- Recent changes in weight
- Previous injections and surgeries
- Target shape and safe limits
The process
Planning for Brazilian Butt Lift begins with assessment of the buttocks from the front, side and back during the consultation; the areas where fat can be harvested and the condition of the buttock skin are examined and standard photos are taken for planning. It is clearly discussed which regions the fat will be harvested from, which part of the buttock and approximately how much will be transferred, that the fat will be placed in the subcutaneous plane rather than into the muscle, the anesthesia plan and the post-operative sitting-lying regimen. Preoperative blood tests and, if needed, anesthesiology assessment are performed before the operation.
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1
Consultation and photographs
Buttock shape, potential harvest sites and skin condition are examined and expectations are discussed.
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2
Individual plan
Areas to harvest fat from, recipient areas and the safe volume limit are determined.
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3
Preparation
Tests are completed; instructions are given regarding smoking, medications and supplements, and compression garment and cushion are prepared.
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4
Operation
Usually lasts 2–4 hours under general anesthesia; fat is harvested by liposuction, processed and transferred to the buttock subcutaneous plane.
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5
First night in hospital
Lie face down or on the side; early walking is started and clot prevention measures are applied.
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6
Follow-up visits
Harvested and transferred areas are monitored with scheduled follow-ups; sitting and lying restrictions are updated at controls.
Technique and medical approach
The method depends on the patient; no single technique suits everyone. Main points considered:
| Approach | Description |
|---|---|
| Fat harvesting by liposuction | Fat is harvested with fine cannulas from the waist, abdomen, back or thighs. This stage both provides fat for transfer and slims the waistline. |
| Fat preparation | Harvested fat is separated from blood and excess fluids to prepare it for transfer. The goal is to deliver viable fat cells to the buttock. |
| Transfer to the subcutaneous plane | According to current international safety recommendations, fat is given only to the subcutaneous plane and not into or under the gluteal muscle. This aims to reduce the risk of fat reaching large veins within the muscle. |
| Ultrasound-guided transfer | During transfer, ultrasound can be used in real time to confirm that the cannula tip remains in the subcutaneous plane. International safety statements define this approach as a measure to reduce risk. |
| Concepts of 360° BBL and skinny BBL | 360° BBL refers to a plan where fat is harvested from the entire waist circumference (abdomen, flanks and back); skinny BBL describes shape correction with more limited volume in thin individuals. These are names for the scope of the operation rather than separate techniques; which is appropriate is determined at the consultation based on available fat. |
| Assessment with buttock lift or implant | If there is significant sagging of the buttock skin, fat transfer alone will not be sufficient; for people without enough fat for transfer, implants can be discussed as a separate option. |
Preparing for the procedure
The points below are general information and do not replace personal medical instructions. Your own preparation is set at the examination.
Recovery
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0–1 day
First day
One night in hospital; lie face down or on the side, wear a compression garment and begin short walks.
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2–7 days
First week
Swelling and bruising are most pronounced. Showering is usually allowed on day 2–3 with physician approval; direct sitting on the buttocks is avoided and the first follow-up is performed.
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8–14 days
Second week
Restrictions on sitting and supine lying continue; most people return to desk work within 10–14 days with a support cushion and frequent breaks.
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3–8 weeks
First two months
After 2–3 weeks short periods of sitting with a support cushion are allowed; bruising mostly resolves in 2–4 weeks. The compression garment is usually discontinued at 4–6 weeks; avoid prolonged sitting without a cushion and heavy exercise for 6–8 weeks.
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3–6 months
Months
Part of the transferred fat is absorbed and the remaining fat settles; the final volume and shape are determined.
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6–12 months
First year
Entry-point scars mature and lighten. If volume is insufficient, a second transfer is considered no earlier than 6 months later.
In the first weeks after Brazilian Butt Lift, aching and tenderness are felt in the fat-harvested areas and tightness in the buttocks; pain is generally controlled with prescribed medications. To allow nourishment of the transferred fat, prolonged pressure on the buttocks should be avoided. Lymphatic drainage massage is not mandatory for everyone; whether it is needed is determined at follow-up visits. If you experience unilateral leg swelling, fever, increasing pain or discharge, contact the surgical team without waiting for the scheduled visit; for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, fainting or pinpoint skin redness call 112.
Results and realistic expectations
The result of Brazilian Butt Lift becomes clear within 3–6 months as swelling subsides and the transferred fat settles: the waist appears slimmer and the buttocks fuller and rounder. Part of the transferred fat is absorbed in the first months; literature typically reports this amount as between %20–50 and it varies between individuals. The settled fat behaves like the body's other fat tissue and is affected by weight changes. Therefore no definitive permanence can be guaranteed; some people may need a second transfer at least 6 months later.
Risks and limitations
The risks of Brazilian Butt Lift are explained before the operation according to the patient's health status. The most serious risk is fat passing into large veins in the gluteal muscle and reaching the lungs (fat embolism), which can be life-threatening. For this reason giving fat only to the subcutaneous plane is a fundamental safety principle; no precaution eliminates the risk completely.
- Fat passing into veins in the buttock and reaching the lungs (fat embolism)
- Blood clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis) and pulmonary embolism
- Greater-than-expected absorption of transferred fat, volume loss and asymmetry
- Insufficient blood supply to fat tissue (fat necrosis), firmness and fat cysts
- Fluid or blood collection under the skin (seroma, hematoma), infection
- Contour irregularities in the donor areas, changes in skin color and numbness
- Need for revision or second transfer
- Anesthesia-related risks
Alternative and complementary options
In some cases other methods may be considered. Each has its own limits and is not right for everyone:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| 1Gluteal implant | Can be considered to increase volume in people without sufficient fat for transfer; there is no fat harvesting, and it carries its own risks such as infection and implant displacement. |
| 2Buttock lift | Removes sagging buttock skin after weight loss; does not increase volume and leaves a permanent scar. |
| 3Shaping by liposuction alone | Can make the buttock appear more prominent by reducing fat in the waist and back; does not add volume to the buttock. |
| 4Buttock filler injection (non-surgical BBL) | Temporary fillers developed for the face require very large amounts for a wide area like the buttock and their effect is temporary. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved fillers for buttock augmentation; injection of silicone or unknown substances can cause serious and permanent problems. |
| 5Exercises targeting the gluteal muscles | Can change muscle volume and shape to some degree; does not change fat distribution or skin structure. |
