February 6, 2025 Author : Rui Vieira The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that increases the volume and changes the shape of the buttocks . Its pioneer Ivo Pitanguy, a famous Brazilian plastic surgeon, now deceased. Since the 1980s, BBL has been a well-known and practiced surgery, but in the last 5-10 years its demand has increased significantly in Western countries, almoust doubling the number of interventions. This increase in popularity is due to changes in the concept of beauty, related to the volume and shape of the buttocks, which are desired to be more lifted, full and rounded. However, more recently, more and more people have also started to want to reverse the surgery, due to dissatisfaction with the result, excessive increase in the buttocks, asymmetry, cellulite or changes in personal tastes. Therefore, and since it is an intervention with aesthetic purposes, anyone thinking of doing it must have : Its complete growth and development; A good general state of physical and mental health; Fat needed for BLL in other areas of the body: Realistic expectations about the results that can achieve. How is BBL made? The Brazilian butt lift is a gluteoplasty that has the advantage of being performed using autologous fat, that is, from the person themselves , without the need for silicone prostheses or other exogenous materials. It is done under general anesthesia. Includes liposuction and gluteoplasty augmentation, in the same surgical time. The necessary fat is aspirated from areas of the body where there is excess, for example, the abdominal region, thighs, arms or others. On the other hand, liposuction is essential to enhance the gluteal contour, with the aspiration of neighboring anatomical areas: flanks, back, trochanteric region and infra-buttock / posterior aspect of the thigh (“banana roll”). The fat is treated, purified and then placed in specific locations on the buttocks through several incisions, at the level of the subcutaneous/subfascial tissue, with or without ultrasound control. The final result is usually a slimmer waist associated with larger, more shaped buttocks and defined hips and thighs . Recovery after Brazilian butt lift Recovery from a gluteoplasty with autologous fat graft takes time, patience and persistence . The first few days after the procedure may be difficult, particularly with local pain, and the doctor's instructions regarding medication must be strictly followed. For a few weeks, patients are advised not to sit on their buttocks so that the fat can consolidate properly in those areas. To lie down, they should only do so on one of the sides or the stomach. It is normal to take about 4/6 months to recover without restrictions on physical exertion. The final results of the intervention appear 2 to 6 months post-operatively, an interval that depends on the volume of aspirated and infiltrated fat, the individual and post-operative care. It is necessary to wear compression garments for some time to reduce swelling and help shape the silhouette. Some dietary adjustments may be necessary for a faster and more effective recovery. Returning to work varies depending on the type of profession, due to the impossibility of sitting down during the first few weeks. For results to be consistent in the long term, it is essential that there are no weight variations. Advantages of the Brazilian butt lift Compared to other gluteoplasty augmentation techniques, for example with prostheses, BBL does not present the complications associated with implants . On the other hand, in the long term, BBL presents more sustainable and natural results , in contrast to augmentation gluteoplasty with prostheses, which have more artificial and stigmatizing results and in which surgical revision becomes very limited. As with any body contouring surgery, the durability of the results depends on the stability of body weight over time post-surgery and the quality of the skin. Furthermore, as liposuction is performed on nearby areas with excess fat, these areas also benefit, contributing to a more elegant silhouette and better defined hips and thighs. Disadvantages and risks of the Brazilian butt lift Like any surgery, BBL is not without risks and complications. Finding a qualified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure and a hospital with all the necessary resources minimizes the likelihood of risks and complications . Among these are, for example: Asymmetry of the buttocks, the risk of which is minimized by strictly following all of the surgeon's instructions for the recovery period regarding activity, positioning (including sleeping) and compression garments. Infections, which are a greater risk the greater the volume of fat involved. Fat embolism, also proportional to the volume of infiltrated fat. Changes in the color and/or sensitivity of the skin in the areas of intervention; The results of BBL are permanent, but weight gain and normal changes associated with advancing age can significantly affect the volume, shape and symmetry of the buttocks. Meet the reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
