It’s important to spend time learning about any surgical procedure you may be considering, and if you’ve been thinking about a BBL, it’s essential to determine whether it is right for you. You see them everywhere you look on social media today: women with large, round, and perfectly pert buttocks. It’s no wonder that the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is now one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. [1] But before you book your own BBL consultation, it’s important to understand if this procedure will help you achieve your goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key factors that you should consider before deciding if a BBL is a right choice for you.
When you are ready to consult with a board-certified surgeon about your Brazilian butt lift options, look no further than Dr. Michael Zarrabi in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, CA. Call our scheduling coordinator at (310) 584-9990 or fill out this form and we will call you to set up an appointment.
Before and After Photos
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian butt lift is a body contouring procedure that augments the size and shape of the buttocks by transferring fat from other areas of the body to the buttocks. The procedure is also sometimes referred to as a fat transfer buttock augmentation or a fat grafting buttock augmentation.
Our societal beauty trends shift over the decades, and the ideal female form has changed quite a bit since the days of Marilyn Monroe and her hourglass figure. In the 60s, it was all about looking slim and toned like Audrey Hepburn. In the 80s, we saw an increase in breast augmentations as women aspire to look more like Pamela Anderson. In the 2000s, we’ve seen a rise in butt augmentation procedures as women seek to achieve a curvier, more hourglass-shaped figure inspired by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.
It’s Not About Losing Weight
One of the most important things to understand about a BBL is that it is not a weight loss procedure. Rather, it is designed to improve the shape and appearance of your buttocks by adding volume and improving contour. As such, it is important that you be at or near your ideal body weight before undergoing this procedure. Yes, fat is harvested from other areas of the body, but this is done in order to transfer it to the buttocks, not to help you lose weight.
During your BBL consultation, your surgeon will evaluate the amount of fat available in your body for transfer. Once removed, the fat will be purified and re-injected into the buttocks in strategic locations to create a fuller, more rounded shape.
What are Some of the Key Considerations for a BBL?
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of a BBL, let’s take a look at some key factors that you should consider before deciding if this procedure is right for you.
Are You at or Near Your Ideal Body Weight?
As we mentioned above, a BBL is not a weight loss procedure. In order to ensure the best possible results, it is important that you be at or near your ideal body weight before undergoing this procedure. If you are significantly overweight, you may want to consider losing weight through diet and exercise before proceeding with a BBL.
Do You Have Enough Fat for Transfer?
One of the most important considerations for a BBL is whether or not you have enough fat available for transfer; this fat will usually be harvested through liposuction from areas like the:
- Thighs
- Love handles
- Back
- Abdomen
If you do not have enough fat in these areas, or if your skin is too loose, you may need to combine procedures, like a 360º Body Lift, or consider another procedure.
What Are Your Expectations?
It’s important to have realistic expectations for your BBL results. This procedure can add volume and improve the roundness of your backside, but it cannot create a completely new body shape. You will probably not be invited to attend red-carpet events, nor will you most likely be gracing the cover of magazines anytime soon. If you are looking for a life-changing transformation, a BBL may not be right for you, and if you are expecting to achieve results that are not possible for your anatomy, you may be disappointed with your results. However, if you simply want a better butt, this is the one for you!
Are You Prepared for the Recovery Process?
Finally, it’s important to be aware of the recovery process associated with a BBL; this procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, but you will need to take it easy for the first few weeks to a month as your body heals. This means avoiding strenuous activity, sitting for long periods of time, and sleeping on your back. You will also need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help with swelling and bruising.
The Benefits of Brazilian Butt Lift
There are many benefits that come along with Brazilian butt lift in Beverly Hills. This procedure can help to improve your overall figure and give you the curves that you desire. In addition, it can also help to improve your self-esteem and confidence levels.
Many women who feel they could benefit from this procedure are unhappy with their current buttock’s size and shape. Some women have flat buttocks, while others may have a sagging appearance that keeps them from enjoying things like swimming or even intimate moments. The reason for a deflated posterior may be due to weight loss, the effects of aging, or genetics. (Thanks, mom!)
A Brazilian butt lift can address all of these issues and give you the youthful, lifted booty that you desire. It can also help to improve your overall proportions, giving you a more hourglass-shaped figure – don’t be shy, rock that new bikini this summer!
If you are considering a Brazilian butt lift, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. BBLs have risks, like all surgeries, but Dr. Zarrabi is a leading plastic surgeon in the Beverly Hills area and has helped many women safely achieve their ideal figures. He will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals. To learn more about the Brazilian butt lift, contact Dr. Zarrabi today to schedule a consultation.
The Pros and Cons of a Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian butt lift is a procedure that can give you the fuller, shapely backside that you desire. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of before deciding if this procedure is right for you:
- Bruising and swelling
- Numbness
- Infection
- Fat necrosis (death of fat cells)
- Asymmetry
- Seroma (fluid buildup)
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary fat embolism (PFE)
Some of these side effects sound serious, and that’s because they are. That’s why it’s so important to have a board-certified plastic surgeon perform your BBL. Dr. Zarrabi is a highly experienced and respected plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica that knows how to minimize your risks and maximize your results.
How Many Fat Cells Will Die After Grafting?
An important factor to consider when deciding if a Brazilian butt lift is right for you is the number of fat cells that are likely to survive after grafting. This can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the amount of fat that is injected, the area of injection, and the technique used.
In general, it is estimated that between 60-80% of fat cells injected will survive the grafting process. [2] This means that Dr. Zarrabi may “over-fill” your buttocks to account for fat cell death.
To learn more about the pros and cons of a Brazilian butt lift, contact Dr. Zarrabi today to schedule a consultation. When considering a Brazilian butt lift, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to see if this procedure is right for you so read up, discuss with people you may know who have had the procedure, and ask lots of questions at your consultation.
How to Prepare for a BBL
If you’ve decided that a Brazilian butt lift is right for you, congratulations! Buttock augmentation using fat grafting can help to improve your overall appearance and give you the curves that will turn heads. But before you undergo this procedure, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
- First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zarrabi. During your consultation, he will examine your buttocks, your skin, and the fat available for transfer and discuss your goals for the procedure. He will also assess your overall health to ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery.
- It’s important to be honest with Dr. Zarrabi during your consultation. Be sure to tell him about any medical conditions you have and any medications you are taking. He will use this information to determine if a BBL is right for you.
- You will also need to stop taking certain medications before your procedure. These medications include blood thinners, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
- You should also stop smoking and avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before your procedure. Alcohol can also thin your blood and increase your risk of bleeding and bruising and smoking can greatly hinder your ability to heal.
- Finally, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be able to drive yourself home because of the anesthesia.
Preparing for a Brazilian butt lift takes some time and effort. But it’s important to do everything you can to ensure a successful procedure. If you have any questions about how to prepare for a BBL, contact Dr. Zarrabi today.
What to Expect After a BBL Surgery
It’s important to avoid putting pressure on your buttocks for the first few weeks after your procedure. This means no sitting, or lying on your back for long periods of time. Think about that realistically before having this procedure done. You may need to take some extra time off of work or make other arrangements like hiring a babysitter or asking for help with meal prep.
You should also avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks after your procedure; this includes things like running, lifting weights, or other high-impact activities. Walking is fine, but be sure to avoid anything that will put too much pressure on your buttocks. In fact, walking is encouraged to avoid complications like blood clots.
You’ll also need to sleep on your stomach or side for the first few weeks after your procedure. This may be uncomfortable, but it’s important to ensure the best results.
What is the Cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift in Beverly Hills, CA?
The cost of a Brazilian butt lift will vary depending on a number of factors and you should also factor in aftercare costs. And let’s be clear, plastic surgery is not where you want to cut corners.
Dr. Zarrabi and his staff believe that everyone deserves to love the way they look. That’s why we offer financing options to help make your dream body a reality.
To learn more about the cost of a Brazilian butt lift, contact our office in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, CA today! Call (310) 584-9990 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
References
- Garcia SE. Butt Lifts Are Booming. Healing Is No Joke. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/05/11/magazine/brazilian-butt-lift.html. Published May 11, 2022.
- Carpaneda CA, Ribeiro MT. Percentage of graft viability versus injected volume in adipose autotransplants. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 1994;18(1):17-19. doi:10.1007/BF00444242