A Brazilian butt lift can be a great option to improve the shape and size of the buttocks; however, certain patients are better suited to the procedure, and it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery, recovery, and results. In general, you are likely a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you agree with the following:

 

• You want a buttock augmentation without implants
• You have good skin tone in the hips and buttocks
• You have adequate fat stores in other areas to harvest for injection into the buttocks
• You are willing and able to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks
• Despite its name, a Brazilian butt lift is not a traditional “lifting” procedure—it does not address loose skin on the buttocks. If you are bothered by excess, sagging skin on the buttocks or thighs, thigh & buttock lift surgery may be a more suitable option.

During your Brazilian butt lift consultation be prepared to discuss:

 

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments, and specifically any problems you had
• Current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Previous surgeries

 

Your cosmetic surgeon will also:

 

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your BBL options
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of BBL and any potential risks
• Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used

In preparing for Brazilian butt lift, you may be asked to:

 

• Maintain a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your surgery will regulate your digestive system and help your body defend itself from infections.
• Stock up on supplies. As your surgery date approaches, make sure you have on hand all the necessary items you will need for an easy and comfortable recovery.
• Just breathe. Begin practicing relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety. This will come in handy on the day of your surgery and also during recovery. I recommend meditation, breathing exercises, and restorative yoga.
• Don’t skip your workouts. Prior to surgery, it is important to exercise so you can tone the muscles around your buttocks and upper legs. Patients who are in good cardiovascular shape and close to their ideal body weight tend to recover faster.
• Avoid smoking. This is mandatory for the weeks leading up to and following surgery. Patients for any cosmetic procedure should stay away from all nicotine products.

A Brazilian butt lift involves three basic steps:

 

• Fat is removed from the hips, lower back, thighs, abdomen, and/or other areas with liposuction
• The extracted fat is purified and prepared for transfer
• The cosmetic surgeon injects fat into specific points on the buttocks to increase volume and improve shape

 

Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. It is typical for a portion of the injected fat not to “take” in its new location—an experienced cosmetic surgeon will take this into account and may initially inject a slightly greater amount of fat into the buttocks than is needed to ensure your final results most closely achieve your goals.

Having an operation on the buttocks requires some special modifications during recovery. While pain is typically minimal and easily controlled through pain medication, you will not be allowed to sit or lie directly on your buttocks for about 2 weeks after a Brazilian butt lift.

 

During this time, you will need to sleep on your stomach or side, and either lie this way or stand for all activity except using the toilet. When you are ready, your cosmetic surgeon will allow you to sit in a modified position, using a “donut” seat or placing a pillow under your thighs to avoid pressure on the buttocks. Normal sitting activity is typically allowed after 8 weeks or so.

 

Given you follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions, you should be able to resume light daily activities within 1 week after surgery and return to work within 10 to 14 days.

What to expect in Brazilian Butt Lift

 

Brazilian butt lift results are meant to last for many years. Fat cells removed with liposuction will not return to the area, and fat cells that survive transfer to the buttocks will remain for years to come. However, significant weight fluctuations can affect your results, so maintain a stable weight to keep your results looking their best.

 

Results are typically final within 6 months of surgery, after residual swelling has gone away and you are fully healed. By this time, your curvier buttocks and improved lower body proportions will be noticeable in how you look and in the way clothing fits.