One of the more interesting trends in body contouring has been the popularization of "butt lifts". As the precise definition of buttock lift is somewhat confusing, it may be better to more generally define butt lift as simply butt rejuvenation. Often previously neglected in body contouring, as societal trends have changed, surgeons are now focusing more attention on creating more voluptuous and curvy butts. When carefully planned and executed, improving the contour of the butt is an excellent solution to achieving a sexier profile.
Butt rejuvenation encompasses many different surgical techniques. What many consider a 'butt lift' or 'Brazilian butt lift' (BBL), is fat grafting to the butt. Fat is harvested by liposuction from one part of the body and then 'reinjected' under the skin of the butt to improve overall shape and produce a more full and rounded caboose. The benefit of this approach is you remove volume from where you don't want it (waist, lower back, and inner and outer thighs), and put the volume where you do want it (typically outer and upper buttock).
The butt can also be shaped by direct excision of skin and fat transfer from the low back and area directly above the buttocks. Although this is a more powerful technique, it is also a more involved surgery/recovery, and requires placement of a long scar along the top of the buttocks.
Dr. Albright will assess your body and your aesthetic body contouring goals to formulate a safe and effective surgery that meets your needs. Get in contact with Alamo Plastic Surgery which is one of the best plastic surgery clinics for butt lift in San Antonio TX. He is one of the best surgeons for butt lift surgery.
If you are looking for an experienced plastic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, who can provide personalized care, Dr. William Albright, MD, with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a trusted choice for your cosmetic needs. Call (210)-670-5302 to schedule your consultation today.
What's a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the size, shape, and contour of the buttocks using a patient's own fat through fat transfer.
Unlike traditional buttock implants, a BBL uses natural fat from areas of the body where there is excess, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or lower back, to create a fuller, more rounded appearance in the buttocks.
Liposuction is used to harvest fat from areas of the body where excess fat is present, such as the abdomen, lower back, thighs, or flanks. Small incisions are made to insert a thin tube called a cannula, which is used to break up and suction out the fat. The fat is purified and processed to separate healthy fat cells from other fluids or materials.
Once the fat has been prepared, the surgeon carefully injects it into different layers of the buttocks to ensure an even, smooth, and natural result. The surgeon uses a layered fat injection technique to strategically place fat in specific areas to achieve the desired shape and volume.
During the procedure, the surgeon sculpts the fat to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing contour of the buttocks, often while also refining the areas where fat was removed through liposuction (such as the waist or thighs).
This dual benefit of fat removal and redistribution helps enhance the overall figure by slimming certain areas while augmenting others. The small incisions made for liposuction and fat injection are closed with sutures or left to heal naturally, depending on the surgeon’s preference. Compression garments are applied to minimize swelling and support the newly sculpted areas.
How is a Buttock Lift Performed?
A buttock lift is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and tightening the tissues to improve the shape and contour of the buttocks. This procedure is commonly performed to enhance the appearance of sagging or drooping buttocks, typically caused by aging, weight fluctuations, or significant weight loss.
The surgeon makes an incision across the lower back, just above the buttocks. The length of the incision will vary depending on the amount of excess skin and tissue that needs to be removed. For some patients, this incision may extend across the hips for a more comprehensive lower body lift. The incision is strategically placed so it can be concealed under clothing and swimsuits, though scarring is inevitable.
The surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the buttocks and lower back area. Liposuction may be used to further sculpt the area and remove unwanted fat for a more defined contour.
In some cases, small amounts of fat may be redistributed or left in place to enhance the buttock shape. The remaining skin and tissues are then lifted and tightened, improving the overall firmness and shape of the buttocks.
The surgeon carefully repositions the tissues to ensure the buttocks are lifted to a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing position.
Buttock Enhancement With Fillers
Buttock Enhancement with Fillers is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that enhances the shape, size, and contour of the buttocks using injectable dermal fillers.
Unlike surgical procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or buttock implants, buttock enhancement with fillers involves injecting biocompatible substances into the buttocks to provide a fuller, more lifted appearance. This option is ideal for individuals seeking a more subtle enhancement without undergoing surgery or downtime.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is primarily designed to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks by adding volume using a patient’s own fat.
This procedure involves harvesting fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, through liposuction. The fat is then purified and strategically injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder appearance.
The BBL is ideal for patients who want to achieve a more curvaceous look without using implants. In addition to increasing volume, the procedure can also enhance the overall contour and proportions of the lower body by slimming the areas where fat is removed and redistributing it to the buttocks. The BBL is focused on augmenting the buttocks, creating natural-looking volume, and improving the overall silhouette.
Candidates for Butt Lifts
A good candidate for a butt lift, whether it's a surgical buttock lift or a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), is someone who meets the following criteria:
Excess Sagging Skin or Loss of Buttock Shape
Surgical Buttock Lift
Ideal for individuals who have sagging or loose skin on their buttocks due to aging, significant weight loss, or lack of skin elasticity. This procedure focuses on lifting and tightening the skin rather than adding volume.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Ideal for those looking to improve the shape and volume of their buttocks using their own fat. Candidates typically have some excess fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks that can be transferred to the buttocks.
Good Overall Health
Candidates should be in good physical health with no underlying medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risks of surgery. If you have health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, these should be well-managed before considering surgery.
Stable Weight
It’s important to be at a stable weight before a butt lift procedure. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the long-term results of the surgery. For individuals considering a BBL, maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the shape and contour achieved through fat transfer.
Non-Smokers
Smoking can interfere with the healing process, increase the risk of complications, and negatively impact the survival of fat cells in a Brazilian Butt Lift. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking for a period before and after surgery are ideal candidates.
Realistic Expectations
A good candidate should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. A butt lift can enhance the shape, contour, and volume of the buttocks, but the results will depend on individual factors like anatomy, skin quality, and the type of procedure chosen.
Excess Fat for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
For a BBL, candidates need to have enough fat in other areas of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks) for harvesting. If you are very lean and lack excess fat, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure.
Desire for a More Youthful or Defined Contour
Candidates typically want to improve the shape, firmness, or volume of their buttocks, particularly if they've lost shape due to aging, weight loss, or other factors.
Commitment to Post-Surgical Care
Buttock procedures, especially a BBL, require specific post-surgical care, including avoiding sitting or placing pressure on the buttocks for several weeks to ensure optimal fat survival. A good candidate is someone who can commit to these instructions and the required recovery period.
Emotional Readiness
Surgery is a significant decision, so candidates should be emotionally ready and mentally prepared for the procedure, recovery process, and lifestyle adjustments that may be needed during the healing period.
Benefits of a Brazilian Buttock Lift
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) offers several key benefits for individuals looking to enhance the shape and appearance of their buttocks. Here are some of the primary benefits:
1. Natural-Looking Results
One of the biggest advantages of a BBL is that it uses your own fat, which tends to result in more natural-looking and feeling results compared to synthetic implants. Because the fat is harvested from your body, it integrates into the tissue naturally, giving the buttocks a soft and authentic appearance.
2. Dual Benefits: Body Contouring and Buttock Enhancement
The BBL offers a two-in-one benefit: not only does it enhance the size and shape of the buttocks, but it also sculpts and slims the areas where the fat is harvested. This typically includes the abdomen, thighs, flanks, or lower back. As a result, you achieve a more balanced, contoured silhouette with a smaller waistline and fuller, rounder buttocks.
3. Customizable to Your Desired Shape
The BBL procedure is highly customizable, allowing your surgeon to tailor the fat injections to create the specific shape and projection you desire. Whether you want subtle curves or a more dramatic enhancement, the procedure can be adjusted to meet your aesthetic goals.
4. Minimally Invasive Compared to Implants
Since a BBL uses fat transfer instead of implants, it is a less invasive procedure with a lower risk of complications associated with foreign materials, such as implants. This reduces the risk of implant-related complications like capsular contracture or implant rupture. There are also no long-term risks of rejection since the fat is your own tissue.
5. Improves Overall Proportions
The BBL not only enhances the buttocks but also improves your overall body proportions by removing fat from areas where you may have excess, like the waist or thighs, and transferring it to the buttocks. This creates an hourglass figure or a more balanced and proportional look.
6. No Implants or Artificial Materials
The use of your own fat for the procedure eliminates the need for implants or synthetic materials, reducing the risk of rejection, allergic reactions, or complications associated with foreign objects. It also means there’s no need for future replacement surgeries, which is common with buttock implants.
7. Boost in Confidence
For many people, enhancing their body shape through a BBL leads to a significant boost in self-confidence. The ability to achieve a more youthful, lifted, and fuller buttock shape can help people feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance, whether in clothing, swimwear, or simply in everyday life.
8. Long-Lasting Results
When performed by an experienced surgeon, a BBL provides long-lasting results. While some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body, most of the fat will survive and permanently integrate into the tissue. Maintaining a stable weight after surgery can help preserve the results for years to come.
