Brazilian Butt Lift Q&A by Dr. Finger

The Brazilian Butt Lift

Brazilian Butt LiftAccording to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, buttock augmentations are one of the top cosmetic procedures that increased in 2011.  The classic hourglass shape (full buttocks, narrow waist) of the female body has been thought to be aesthetically pleasing, and is what many men fine universally most attractive.  

What’s commonly referred to as the “Brazilian Butt Lift” has become increasingly popular in the United States, especially since this buttock augmentation procedure does not involve placement of implants.  The patient’s own fat is harvested from areas with excessive fat (such as the lower abdomen, flank and hips) through liposuction. These fat grafts are then injected into areas of the buttocks to produce a more attractive body profile

Who is a Good Candidate for Buttock Lift?

Buttock augmentation can enhance the natural curves for patients who are unhappy with their shape. It can also add volume and roundness to a flat or small butt for patients seeking a more balanced body profile. If you are looking for a fuller, curvier butt, a buttock lift may be a good option.

Buttock Implants vs. Fat Transfer

The preferred method for performing buttock augmentation is fat transfer, in which we use the patient’s own body fat to reshape the butt. Fat injection achieves a more natural result, has a lower risk of infection, and also contours the areas around the buttocks. In addition, implants are very firm to the touch and fat transfer feels natural.

Buttock Augmentation with Fat Transfer (“Brazilian Butt Lift”)

Buttock augmentation with fat transfer, also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift after the country in which it was developed, involves two steps. First, the patient’s own fat is harvested through liposuction. The most common areas for liposuction are the lower back, waist, flanks (love handles), thighs and stomach. This not only provides the raw material for buttock enhancement, it also contours the areas around the butt for a more dramatic result.

In the second step, the donor fat is added to the buttocks at different depths to ensure an even, attractive augmentation. This method of fat injection lends a shapely contour to the buttocks that lasts a long time. Special attention is given to the upper buttocks so the entire rear looks youthfully and naturally lifted.

Recovery

After buttock augmentation with fat transfer, patients should avoid sitting directly on the buttocks or lying on their backs for two to three weeks to maximize results. During recovery, compression garments may be worn to reduce swelling. Patients may experience some discomfort, bruising and swelling during the recovery process. Most patients return to work two weeks after their buttock augmentation and are able to resume all normal activities within four weeks. Swelling typically resolves by the sixth week.

Buttock augmentation using fat grafts may seem to be a simple procedure, but like any procedure, potential complications may occur.  We recommend seeing a plastic surgeon in your community if you are interested in getting the “Brazilian Butt Lift.”