Want a beautifully shaped butt? Let's talk about the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)!

Nowadays, many people are very interested in their appearance and body shape. Especially with social media, these things have increased even more. So, a very popular cosmetic surgery in the world that many people turn to to get the shape they want is the Brazilian Butt Lift, or as we all know it, BBL. Maybe you have heard of this too. So today, let's talk about what this BBL really is, how it is done, and its advantages, disadvantages, and risks, clearly and simply.

What is Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

Simply put, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure that uses your own body fat to enhance the appearance and shape of your buttocks. In this procedure, fat is removed from one area of ​​your body and transferred to another.

Many people think that this is a "lift" because of the name, which means that it lifts and tightens loose skin. It's like a facelift. But BBL is not really a "lift." It's about adding more volume to the buttocks and improving their shape. If your buttocks are sagging or have excess skin, a BBL won't fix it. In that case, you should talk to your doctor about a regular "butt lift" surgery.

This surgery is performed by plastic surgeons. It is also called "Buttock augmentation with fat grafting" and "safe subcutaneous buttock augmentation (SSBA)".

What does this actually do to the body?

Think of it this way. A BBL surgery does a double job.

1. First, the plastic surgeon removes fat from areas of your body where excess fat is stored (for example, your stomach, hips, thighs). We call this procedure liposuction .

2. Second, the removed fat is cleaned, prepared, and injected into specific areas of your buttocks.

Once you are fully healed after surgery, your buttocks will look bigger, rounder, and more prominent than before. Additionally, the areas where fat was removed (like your stomach and hips) will be slimmer, giving you a smoother body contour. This means you get two benefits in one surgery.

Who is suitable for BBL surgery?

Having a BBL is a completely personal decision. Making your own decisions about your body can be a great source of mental strength. However, to be eligible for this surgery, you must meet a few criteria.

• Age: Your body must be fully developed. This is usually best considered after the age of 18.
• Good health: You must be in good physical health, free from serious illnesses.
• Realistic Expectations: You should have a realistic understanding of the results you will get after surgery. You can't expect to look like a model overnight.
• Sufficient fat: The most important thing is that you have enough extra fat elsewhere in your body to inject into the buttocks area.

How long do the results of this last?

The results of a BBL are considered semi-permanent . With proper care, these results can last for several years, sometimes even more than ten years, without any additional treatment.

But remember, our bodies naturally change as we age. These changes can also affect BBL results over time. To maintain results for the long term, it is important that you maintain a stable body weight . If you suddenly gain too much weight or lose too little weight, the shape of your buttocks may change.

What happens before the surgery?

If you're considering a BBL, you should first meet with a qualified plastic surgeon. The doctor will carefully examine your mental and physical condition.

You can ask yourself questions like:

• Why do you want to have BBL surgery?
• What do you expect from this surgery?
• Do you constantly worry about imaginary or very minor flaws in your body?
• Is your husband, wife, partner, or friend encouraging you to do this?
• Are you aware of the risks of this surgery, especially serious conditions like fat embolism (fat cells getting stuck in blood vessels)?

In addition, the doctor will ask about your general health, any other illnesses you have, allergies, and any medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).

Next, your body will be examined and liposuction will be performed, which means determining the best areas to remove fat.

What happens during the surgery?

BBL surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, meaning you are asleep and not feeling any pain. This is called general anesthesia . However, if only a very small amount of fat is being transferred, you may be given local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected area.

After you are anesthetized, the plastic surgeon and his team will follow these steps:

1. Liposuction: A small, stainless steel tube-like device called a cannula is used. This tube is inserted into the fat layer between the skin and muscle through very small incisions in selected areas of the body. Then, a suction device is used to suck out the unwanted fat into a syringe. Typically, a BBL requires a large amount of fat, about 300cc to 500cc (about 1 1/3 to 2 1/4 cups) per side of the buttocks.

2. Fat cleaning: The extracted fat is not simply injected. It is cleaned to remove blood, oil, and other unwanted substances and is then made suitable for injection.

3. Fat Injection: Next, 3 to 5 small incisions are made in specific locations on the buttocks. The cleaned fat is injected into the buttocks through these incisions using a syringe. Most often, the largest amount of fat is injected into the upper part of the buttocks. The fat is injected into the subcutaneous tissue , not into the muscles.

4. Stitching the incisions: Finally, the small incisions made at the fat removal and injection sites are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Aren't there risks and complications?

Like any surgery, BBL has certain risks and complications. It is essential that you are fully aware of these before undergoing the procedure.

To minimize this risk, it is essential to choose only a reputable plastic surgeon who is highly qualified and experienced.

How long does it take to heal?

The recovery period after BBL surgery is a bit difficult and requires a lot of dedication.

• The first few days: This is the most painful time. The buttocks may be swollen and bruised. You may need to take painkillers prescribed by your doctor to control the pain.
• First 2 weeks: During this time, the pain and swelling will gradually decrease. You will need to wear a compression garment over the areas where the fat has been removed. The most important and difficult rule is that you cannot sit on your buttocks or sleep with your weight on that side for at least two weeks. You can only sleep on your stomach or side.
• Weeks 2-8: After two weeks, your doctor may recommend that you sit on a specially designed "donut" pillow for a short period of time. This pillow helps to prevent direct weight from falling on your buttocks. It will take about 8 weeks to sit without any support.
• 1-3 months: After a month, you can start light exercise like walking. However, it is not recommended to do heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a month or two. It may take between 3 and 6 months to fully heal and see the final results.

What if you are an office worker?

If your job requires you to sit at a desk, you will need to take at least 10-14 days off before returning to work. Even after you return to work, it is best to use a standing desk so that you can work while standing until you are fully recovered.