How Long Will A BBL Last?

Expert Author
Raja Mohan Plastic Surgeon | Facial Plastic Surgery Irving, TX

Dr. Mohan is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he majored in mathematics. MIT is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States. He became interested in plastic surgery in his final year of undergraduate studies and performed a prestigious research fellowship at... more

A Brazilian butt lift or BBL is a plastic surgery procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of your body to the rear to create a more rounded and fuller appearance. In addition, a BBL can address specific problems such as shapelessness and sagging that can occur as we age.

Unlike other procedures, a BBL does not use silicone implants to alter the appearance of the rear. Instead, it uses your fat, which provides natural, long-lasting results. Plus, the BBL is safe because the surgeon is not implanting a foreign body. This procedure also has a lower rate of infection and adverse reactions than buttock implants.

How Long Does It Last?

Surgeons say the results of the BBL are ‘semi-permanent.’ Because fat cells change over the years, a BBL usually will not last for the rest of your life.

But you can expect to keep about 60-70% of the transferred fat for years, as long as you take the necessary steps to keep your results. Some patients find that their BBL can last for decades without needing another treatment.

How To Maximize BBL Results

You can help your results last by taking some basic steps that your surgeon will discuss before your procedure.

First, it’s essential not to sit on your rear for several weeks after you have your BBL. You need to give the transferred fat time to ‘settle in’ and to provide it with as much blood flow as possible. When you sit on your rear, you reduce the amount of blood flowing to the new fat, leading to more of the cells dying.

Also, you should not sleep on your back during the first few weeks after surgery. Staying off your backside as much as possible during this period will ensure that most of the transferred fat survives and provides you with the best result.

Second, it’s essential to stay close to your ideal body weight in the years after your BBL. If you gain or lose a lot of weight, it will alter your BBL results, which could require you to have revisions surgery.

Some additional tips for maintaining your BBL results are:

  • Watch your diet: During your recovery period, it’s essential to eat foods your body needs to heal. Some great choices are avocados, salmon, butter, coconut oil, walnuts, and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Wear suitable garments: If your doctor gives you a compression garment, it’s essential to wear it to help the healing process. However, you also should not wear tight clothing during the first month of recovery; this can damage the new fat cells transferred to the buttocks.
  • Wait to exercise: Most surgeons recommend waiting six to eight weeks before you engage in vigorous exercise again. You should, however, go for daily walks to increase the blood flow to speed healing and provide more blood and oxygen to your newly transferred fat.

Not All The Fat Will Survive

It’s essential to follow the above steps to maximize your BBL results because about 30% of the transferred fat will die during the procedure. This is normal, and your plastic surgeon will account for this by overfilling the buttocks during the BBL. This will allow you to achieve the best results.

As noted above, it’s essential not to sit on your rear as much as possible during the first few weeks of recovery. Instead, many surgeons recommend that you sit on an air cushion during this period.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A BBL?

You could be a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you:

  • Have lost the rounded, natural shape of the buttocks because of aging or weight changes.
  • Do not feel as if your clothes fit you well.
  • Have sufficient fat reserves in other parts of your body, such as the abdomen, for fat transfer.
  • Do not smoke or are willing to quit.
  • Have an average body weight and will maintain it after your BBL.
  • Don’t intend to get pregnant because this will lead to weight changes.
  • Have an overall healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise and proper diet
  • Have not had any recent complications related to any surgery.

Outlook

If you have been thinking about having rounder, fuller buttocks without silicone implants, a BBL can be the ideal procedure to achieve your dreams.

The BBL uses your own fat to give you a more defined rear, and you also benefit from having fat removed from a problem area, such as your abdomen.

When performed by a skilled, board-certified surgeon, you can be confident that your BBL results will last for many years.

Learn more about the BBL procedure and Dr. Raj Mohan Plastic Surgery of Dallas by visiting him online.

References

Dr. Raja Mohan BBL Procedure. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.rajamohanmd.com/procedures/body/brazilian-butt-lift-augmentation/

How Long Does A Brazilian Butt Lift Last? (2020). Accessed at https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_does_a_brazilian_butt_lift_last/article.htm

Purpose Of A Brazilian Butt Lift. (2021). Accessed at https://www.verywellhealth.com/brazilian-butt-lift-purpose-5085904