How Long Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Result Last: What to Expect

Daniel J Farrugia MD PhD FACS

May 11, 2023

Fat Transfer

If you’ve been exploring aesthetic enhancements, you may have come across the popular procedure known as the Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL for short. This body-contouring surgery involves transferring fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks, resulting in a fuller and more lifted appearance. One of the most common questions asked by potential patients is, “How long does a BBL last?” This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive answer to that question.

Understanding BBL

To appreciate the longevity of a BBL, it’s essential first to understand what the procedure entails. In a Brazilian Butt Lift, a surgeon performs liposuction to remove fat from areas of the body where it is unwanted, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, armpits, etc. This fat is then cleaned and carefully re-injected into the buttocks to enhance shape and volume.

Longevity of a Brazilian Butt Lift

The longevity of a BBL largely depends on the individual’s body, lifestyle, and the skill of the surgeon, and the technology used. Generally speaking, a BBL is designed to be long-lasting and can even be permanent. However, the first few months after the procedure are crucial in determining the long-term results.

After the surgery, some of the fat cells transferred to the buttocks will not survive for a variety of reasons, including due to a lack of blood supply. Typically, it’s estimated that about 60-80% of the transferred fat will survive long term. The body naturally absorbs any fat cells that don’t establish a new blood supply within the first few months. After this initial period, the results are relatively stable. The fat cells that have successfully integrated are there to stay, giving the BBL its longevity.

Later on in the healing process, the buttocks enters a “fluffing period” where the fat cells that survived but were “stunned” will recover and start accumulating new fat in response to the body’s hormones. This will lead to an increase in the size of the buttocks and gradually leads to the final result.

Factors Affecting BBL Longevity

Several factors can influence the durability of a BBL. These include:

Post-Operative Care: Adhering to post-operative care guidelines is crucial. This can involve avoiding sitting or lying directly on your buttocks for a specified period, wearing compression garments, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is recommended to eat a diet that is relatively high in protein (to help healing) and carbohydrates (to enhance fat cell survival) in the first few months after a BBL.
Lifestyle: Maintaining a stable weight is essential. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the size and shape of the buttocks. Avoid too much exertion in the first three months after a BBL and refrain from fat burning exercises, and avoid strict diets that may lead to a decrease in fat survival.
Surgeon’s Skill: The skill and experience of the surgeon play a significant role in the success and longevity of a BBL. An experienced surgeon will know how to place the right amount of fat in the correct places keeping your wishes, expectations, and idea of beauty norms in mind. Proper technique and specific technology will help maximize fat survival by using effective fat extraction, purification, and re-injection techniques avoiding too much manipulation of the fat cells and avoiding too much pressure during the fat transfer process.
Patient’s Health: The patient’s overall health can also affect the result. Individuals with good blood circulation are likely to have higher fat survival rates, leading to longer-lasting results. Avoid smoking and the use of any nicotine products.

Woman pinches her thigh to control cellulite

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Brazilian Butt Lift can be a long-lasting solution for those looking to enhance their curves. However, it’s essential to understand that its longevity depends on several factors, including post-operative care, lifestyle, the skill of the surgeon, the technology used, and the patient’s overall health. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and discuss these with your surgeon prior to the procedure. Remember, a successful cosmetic procedure is not just about the surgery itself but also about the care taken before and after the surgery.

Tags :

BBL, Results