Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: BBL Your Way To Beauty

BODY - PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES

6 min read

a woman in a bikini leaning out of a van
a woman in a bikini leaning out of a van

What is Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a popular cosmetic surgery that involves transferring fat from other parts of your body to your buttocks to achieve a more enhanced, shapely, and youthful appearance. The procedure typically consists of the following steps:

  • Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back using liposuction.

  • The extracted fat is purified and processed.

  • The purified fat is meticulously injected into different areas of the buttocks to create the desired contour and volume.

Popularised in the 1960's by Brazilian surgeon Ivo Pitanguy, BBL has gained a strong following not only in the United States but also in many other countries.

Vietnam is no exception, as the demand for Brazilian butt lift surgeries has been on the rise in recent years. The procedure has gained popularity due to its ability to provide natural-looking results and its relatively low risk compared to traditional butt augmentation methods. With the growing influence of social media and the emphasis on body aesthetics, more and more people are seeking out this surgery to achieve their desired aesthetic goals.

What Can't BBL Do?

While a BBL can significantly enhance the shape and size of the buttocks, it cannot:

  • Correct sagging skin resulting from massive weight loss or aging. Additional procedures like thigh lift and skin removal may be required.

  • Replace extensive muscle loss or deformities.

  • Prevent the natural aging process from influencing the results over time.

Who is a Good Candidate for a BBL?

Anybody interested in undertaking Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is encouraged to first speak with a qualified surgeon to discuss the goals and desired outcomes. Good candidates for a BBL are usually include people are typically:

  • In good overall health.

  • Have sufficient fat stores in donor areas for liposuction.

  • Are non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking for a specific period before and after surgery.

  • Have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes.

Organising consultations with qualified plastic surgeons will begin the process of identifying if a BBL is the right procedure.

How Much Does a BBL Cost in Vietnam?

The cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift in Vietnam is influenced by factors such as the surgeon's expertise, the clinic or hospital, the extent of the procedure, anaesthesia, pre- and post-operative care and other aspects of the procedure. Prices usually include free consultations and post-op follow-ups to review and manage your recovery. Make sure you confirm all costs and inclusions with your surgeon and clinic or hospital, before your surgery.

Average: USD 3000
Range: USD 2600 - USD 3400

How Should I Prepare for a BBL?

When preparing for your Brazilian Butt Lift procedure it is important to make sure you are ready and in the best condition before your surgery. Some general guidelines include:

  • Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, size, and shape. The surgeon will take measurements, evaluate your health, and may take preoperative photos.

  • Provide a detailed medical history, including current medications, any previous surgeries or medical conditions.

  • Follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications (especially medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, and certain supplements - which can increase bleeding), and fasting before the procedure.

  • Stop smoking & alcohol consumption at least 2 weeks before your surgery. Smoking can impair blood flow and delay healing, and alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with anesthesia.

  • Arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day of the procedure. If you are coming to Vietnam, you can organise transport and other services with us: Hotels|Transport|Visas.

  • Prepare surgery recovery kits and other resources and assistance during the initial recovery period including food, water, comfortable clothing, compression bandages & garments, wound dressings, and saline washes. Some of these things may be provided by the clinic or hospital - be sure to ask your surgeon.

  • Plan time off from any work, commitments or other activities that should be avoided during the initial recovery period.

It is important to rest and allow your body to recover - closely follow these guidelines, as well as the instructions from your surgeon, to minimize any potential risks or complications.

Here at Vietnam Surgeons we also offer further information on how to prepare for any surgery in Vietnam, and how to ensure your have the most comfortable recovery.

What are the Steps of a BBL Procedure?

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure typically involves:

  1. Anesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used.

  2. Liposuction: The first step of the procedure involves liposuction to harvest fat from areas of the body, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back. Small incisions are made in the targeted areas, and a thin tube (cannula) is inserted to loosen and remove the fat.

  3. Fat Purification: The extracted fat is then purified, which involves processing the fat to separate healthy fat cells from blood, oil, and other impurities. This step is crucial to ensure that only healthy fat cells are used for the transfer.

  4. Fat Injection & Sculpting: The purified fat is then strategically injected into the buttocks in multiple layers and at various depths to achieve a natural-looking enhancement. The surgeon carefully layers the fat to create a natural and enhanced contour, and then sculpts the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and volume, paying close attention to symmetry and proportion.

  5. Closing Incisions: The small incisions made for liposuction are closed with sutures, and the area is dressed with surgical tape or bandages.

  6. Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and stable. Postoperative instructions include wearing a compression garment to minimize swelling, avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for several weeks, and following specific guidelines for activity levels and wound care

What Should I Expect During My BBL Recovery?

After the surgery has been completed, recovery from Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is likely to include some or all of the following:

  • Initial swelling, bruising, pain and discomfort.

  • Placement of drainage tubes to minimize fluid accumulation.

  • Wearing a compression garment to support healing.

  • Adhering to activity restrictions and avoiding sitting directly on your buttocks for at least 4 weeks.

  • Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery.

What Results Can I Expect After BBL?

The results of a BBL take several weeks to begin appearing, usually after the initial bruising and swelling has subsided. Additionally, the use of compression garments are highly encouraged for as long as possible to support and stabilisation the new fat deposits within the contours that you and your surgeon chose. After the first 1-2 months of healing, post-surgery, results generally include:

  • Enhanced and fuller buttocks with improved contour.

  • More balanced body proportions.

  • Long-lasting effects. Remember, these newly located fat cells in your buttocks will still act as fat deposits in your body and will grow with any weight gain, potentially changing the shape and contours of your new buttocks in the case of significant weight gain or weight loss.

  • Increased self-confidence and satisfaction with your appearance.

Risks & Side Effects of BBL Surgery

As with any surgery, a Brazilian Butt Lift carries certain risks and it is important to discuss these with your surgeon to ensure that you are aware of them. These can include:

  • Infection.

  • Prolonged bruising, bleeding.

  • Scarring.

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia.

  • Fat embolism, where fat enters the bloodstream and travels to the lungs or heart.

  • Asymmetry or lumps in the injected area.

  • Necrosis (death) of fat cells.

  • Loss of sensation in the liposuction areas and injection points, which may be temporary or permanent.

  • Dissatisfaction with the results.

BBL Surgery Combinations

Although a significant surgery in it's own right, BBL can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to obtain a whole-body aesthetic harmony. Some complimenting procedures are:

1. Liposuction: In addition to the fat removed to be redeposited in your buttocks, additional liposuction can be complete at the same time as your BBL procedure to further remove unwanted fat from your body.
2. Tummy Tuck: Combining a tummy tuck with BBL can result in a flatter abdomen and improved waistline definition, achieving the perfect bodyline that you desire.
3. Breast Augmentation: Breast lift, implants, or fat transfer offer additional body transformation beyond your lower body, further accenting your overall body appearance and creating harmony in your body aesthetic.
4. Face Procedures: In addition to achieving your body goals, you may also wish to consider cosmetic treatments for your face. Facelift, neck lift, eye-lid surgery, brow lift....

It is important to discuss with a qualified surgeon whether additional procedures are right for you and your desired body goals. Remember, some clinics and surgeons offer package discounts when combining multiple procedures.

Non-Surgical Options

If you're hesitant about surgery, there are other options available when it comes to transforming the appearance and volume of your buttocks. Consider non-surgical alternatives such as:

1. Dermal Fillers: Buttock injections with dermal fillers (temporary result).
2. EMSculpt: a non-invasive body contouring procedure
3. Targeted exercise and fitness regimes for natural glute enhancement. This is definitely the healthiest option, requiring the investment of time and dedication in the journey towards natural growth and definition.

So, Should You Get a BBL?

Choosing to undergo Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is a personal decision that should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified surgeon. Consider your aesthetic goals, health status, and readiness for the recovery process when making your decision to make sure you are well informed and prepared.