What is a BBL?
Gluteal fat grafting, often called a BBL ("Brazilian Butt Lift"), is a buttock augmentation performed with your own fat. It combines two procedures: liposuction of areas with excess fat (waist, hips, back, abdomen), followed by reinjection of part of that fat into the buttocks to improve their curve and volume. The site's Gluteal fat grafting page, offered at the bottom of this article, sets out the essentials.
Despite the word "lift" in its name, a BBL does not tighten the skin: it changes how fat is distributed. Significant skin laxity calls for other procedures, which the surgeon can discuss with you during the consultation.
It is a genuine operation, under general anaesthesia, and not a minor procedure. The information below remains general: only your surgeon and your anaesthetist can adapt it to your situation.
Who is it for: BBL or buttock implants?
Everything depends on the amount of fat available. A slim person sometimes does not have enough reserves to harvest: augmentation with implants is then often discussed instead, with a recovery that is generally longer and more uncomfortable, and implants that may need to be replaced one day. It is up to the plastic surgeon to examine your figure and assess the suitable option with you.
A BBL is most often discussed in the following situations:
- flat buttocks or buttocks lacking shape;
- excess fat on the waist, hips or back: liposuction slims these areas and at the same time provides the fat needed;
- a hollow at the side of the hips or a difference between the two sides, which can be softened;
- a wish to use your own tissue rather than implants.
Preparation: consultations and instructions
Everything starts with a consultation with the plastic surgeon, who examines your figure, assesses your fat reserves, listens to the result you have in mind and sets realistic expectations with you. Time to think is built in before you confirm the procedure. The anaesthesia consultation and blood tests follow. The team then gives you your personalised instructions, which generally include the following:
- a stable weight for several months;
- stopping smoking and the contraceptive pill as instructed by the doctor, to limit the risk of thrombosis;
- telling the team about all your medication: only the doctor can say whether any of it needs adjusting;
- buying the compression garment and a suitable cushion, to have ready before the procedure.
The day of surgery, step by step
At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, gluteal fat grafting is performed in the operating theatre by a plastic surgeon. The procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours. Here are the main stages:
- general anaesthesia;
- liposuction of the chosen areas through small incisions;
- preparation of the harvested fat;
- reinjection into the layer beneath the skin of the buttocks only, never into the muscle;
- closure of the incisions and dressings;
- fitting of the compression garment, then monitoring in the recovery room.
Safety: why the injection site matters
The safety of a BBL depends above all on technique. The fat must be injected only into the layer beneath the skin, above the muscle. Injecting into the muscle carries a rare but serious risk: fat embolism. Current recommendations from plastic surgery societies all point in this direction. This question has its place in the consultation, so do not hesitate to ask it.
Like any operation, a BBL carries other possible risks and effects, which the surgeon explains to you:
- bruising, swelling and pain in the treated areas;
- reabsorption of part of the fat, with a variable final volume;
- irregularities or asymmetries, which may lead to a touch-up being discussed;
- deep vein thrombosis or embolism, rare, which getting up early and appropriate treatment help to prevent.
Recovery: sitting, the compression garment and the result
The hospital stay is usually one night. Getting up early, as soon as the team allows it, is part of the care.
The most notable instruction concerns sitting: it is advisable to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for two to three weeks, using a suitable cushion. It is therefore best to think about this before the procedure, especially if you work sitting down or have a long journey to make. Your surgeon will also tell you how to position yourself for sleeping.
The compression garment is worn for several weeks. The exact duration and the timing of your return to work and sport are set by your surgeon during check-ups.
The volume you see just after the procedure is not the final volume. Swelling decreases gradually and part of the fat is reabsorbed during the first few months. The final result can be assessed at around six months. It varies from one person to another, as it depends on the amount of fat available and the proportion that survives after injection.
Coming from abroad, and knowing when to call
If you live abroad, you can describe your situation in the quote request form: your file is reviewed by the relevant specialist, then the team helps you plan your consultation and surgery dates and arrange accommodation and transfers. All communication can take place in French, English or Arabic. The journey home is spent sitting down: discuss this with the surgeon and set your departure date together.
Wherever you are during your recovery, certain signs mean you should contact your surgeon quickly, without waiting for the next check-up:
- a fever, or pain that is unusual or getting worse;
- bleeding or significant swelling;
- discharge from an incision or redness around it;
- pain or swelling in the calf, or breathlessness: in this case, call without delay.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I avoid sitting after a BBL?
It is advisable to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for two to three weeks, using a suitable cushion. Your surgeon will adapt this instruction to your situation.
Does the injected fat stay permanently?
Part of the fat is reabsorbed during the first few months, and this proportion varies from one person to another. The final result can be assessed at around six months. A touch-up can sometimes be discussed with the surgeon.
Can I have a BBL if I am slim?
Fat grafting requires enough fat to harvest. If reserves are insufficient, augmentation with implants is often discussed instead. The surgeon assesses this by examining your figure.
What is the difference between a BBL and gluteal fat grafting?
They are the same procedure: BBL is the common English name for gluteal fat grafting. It combines liposuction with reinjection of your own fat into the buttocks, under general anaesthesia.
I live abroad: when can I go home?
Your return date depends on your recovery and is decided with the surgeon. Raise it as soon as you start planning your stay, taking into account the instruction on sitting and the length of the journey, and allow some margin.
This article is for general information only. It does not replace the advice of your doctor, who alone can adapt instructions to your situation.
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