Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

A Brazilian butt lift enhances the size, shape and overall contour of the buttocks using your body’s own fat. This procedure can create a fuller, lifted and more balanced figure while improving the proportions of your waist, hips and thighs.

A BBL may be ideal if you want to address:

• A flat or small butt that lacks natural volume or projection.
• Sagging or deflated contours due to aging, weight loss or pregnancy.
• Asymmetry between the buttocks or uneven body proportions.
• A desire for natural-looking enhancement without implants.

Many women choose to include a Brazilian butt lift in a mommy makeover, helping them reclaim their youthful curves after completing their families. A Brazilian butt lift can also help to restore your natural figure following major weight loss, especially in combination with post-weight loss body contouring procedures.

Dr. Campanile takes pride in custom-tailoring each procedure to meet the needs of the individual. He will work closely with you to help you achieve your best plastic surgery results.

A Brazilian Butt Lift is best suited for those who want to enhance the shape and volume of their buttocks using their own body fat rather than implants. Ideal candidates are adults who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations and sufficient fat in other areas of the body for harvesting and transfer.

You may be a good candidate for a BBL if you:

• Are in good overall health and do not have medical conditions that could affect healing.
• Are at or near your goal weight and have maintained a healthy, stable weight for several months.
• Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery to support recovery.
• Have enough excess fat available for liposuction and fat grafting.
• Want to improve buttock shape, symmetry or projection without synthetic implants.
• Have good skin elasticity, which helps to achieve smooth, even contours.

A personal consultation is the best way to determine whether a BBL could be right for you. During your Brazilian butt lift consultation, Dr. Campanile takes time to get to know you, understand your goals and ensure that a BBL is both safe and appropriate for your needs.

You’ll discuss your desired shape, areas of concern and the overall look you’d like to achieve. Dr. Campanile will perform a thorough physical evaluation, including the areas where fat can be harvested and the quality of your skin and underlying tissue.

He’ll also:

• Review your medical history.
• Explain the fat transfer process, recovery expectations and possible risks.
• Outline customized surgical options to match your anatomy and goals.
• Discuss realistic outcomes so you know what to expect from your results.

By the end of your visit, you should have all of the information you need to make well-informed decisions about your treatment and whether or not a Brazilian butt lift makes sense for you.

When you schedule your procedure, Dr. Campanile and his team will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare. In general, however, you can expect to:

• Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products for several weeks before and after surgery, as nicotine can interfere with healing and fat survival.
• Avoid certain medications and supplements, such as NSAIDs and some herbal supplements that can increase bleeding risk.
• Maintain a stable, healthy weight, since fluctuations can affect both fat harvest and your final results.
• Prepare your home for recovery, including a comfortable space to rest and specialized pillows or cushions to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks.
• Arrange for help from a family member or friend for the first few days after surgery, especially with driving, meals and household tasks.
• Follow pre-surgery nutrition and hydration guidelines, as a well-nourished body heals more efficiently.

Dr. Campanile typically performs BBL procedures under general anesthesia, and the process can take between 2 and 4 hours to complete, depending on how much fat is being transferred.

The Brazilian butt lift is a two-step procedure. Dr. Campanile will begin by using liposuction to harvest fat cells from the donor area, usually near the hips, thighs or abdomen. In some cases, the thighs, upper arms or even back may work as well.

After the fat is harvested and prepared for transfer, Dr. Campanile will use a syringe to inject the fat cells directly into the buttocks. He will carefully transfer the fat into several places on and around the buttocks in order to create the most natural curves. Because not all transferred fat cells will survive, your initial results may appear more dramatic than your final results.

After the procedure, Dr. Campanile will apply small bandages or compression garments to the areas where liposuction was performed to help minimize swelling and support healing. You can expect to return home the same day and will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

Recovery time after a Brazilian butt lift varies for each individual and depends on a number of factors, including the extent of your procedure and how your body responds to surgery. Most people return to work after about 2 weeks and resume more vigorous activities after about 6 weeks. Dr. Campanile will give you detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

Assuming you have the help you need, your recovery period shouldn’t be too stressful. For most people, the hardest part of BBL recovery is avoiding sitting down for about 2 weeks after the procedure. Dr. Campanile advises that patients sleep on their stomachs or sides and use special support cushions when sitting is necessary.

Compression garments will be worn over the areas treated with liposuction to help reduce swelling, and light walking is encouraged early on to support healthy circulation. While initial swelling and bruising gradually subside within a few weeks, your final results will continue to refine over several months as the transferred fat settles and your body adjusts to its new contours.

You should notice an immediate difference in your shape right after your Brazilian butt lift, though your initial results will appear fuller than your final outcome. This is because some swelling and overcorrection are expected, and not all transferred fat cells will survive. As your body heals and the swelling subsides, your results will gradually refine and take on a softer, more natural look and feel.

Most patients will have a good idea of what their final outcome will look like around 4 to 6 weeks after their BBL, with final results becoming visible after about 3 to 6 months. The fat cells that successfully establish in the buttocks will remain there long-term, making your results long-lasting.

However, major weight fluctuations can affect your BBL results in the future, so Dr. Campanile encourages patients to maintain a healthy, stable weight in order to enjoy lasting results.

• Will Sitting for a Desk Job Hurt Your Brazilian Butt Lift? Wondering if sitting all day could sabotage your Brazilian butt lift results? Here’s what you need to know to keep your curves in top shape.
• Recovery and Care after a Brazilian Butt Lift: Get clear, practical advice on how to care for your body after a BBL, including early wound care, when to safely resume activity and how to support your long-term results.
• 3 Reasons People Choose Body Contouring after Weight Loss: Thinking about getting a BBL or other body contouring procedure after weight loss? See why this is a popular option.