Is 550 CC's Enough for a Butt Augmentation?

One of the biggest challenges that we face for a Brazilian butt lift is the amount of fat that is available. Often patients who are thin ask for a lift and unfortunately due to lack of fat a proper result cannot be achieved. Although highly dependent on the proportions of the body in my experience at least 400cc per side is needed to make a significant difference. The perfect candidate is a young patient with tight skin envelope that has significant excess of fat in the lower abdomen and flanks (muffin top). These individuals can have a sculpting of their central trunk and can then enjoy a very effective augmentation. In general gaining weight for this operation is not such an appropriate thing to do. As you lose your weight, the odds are that you will lose the buttock fat as well. Patients that do not have significant fat need an implant.

The amount of fat needed for a Brazilian butt augmentation depends on how much projection you want to have. In other words, the bigger the butt or the more fat is needed to get the best shape, the more fat you will need. Typically, during this procedure about 5-7 liters of fluid are removed.  From this amount, about 30% - 40% is usable and viable fat. 
You need to discuss with your surgeon the desired shape that you want. Many times due to ethnic differences the thights are also augmented to get a better waist to hip ratio and this requires additional fat.
 

I agree with the above author. Fat transfer to the buttocks must be individualized. You should expect that around 50% of the fat will be re-absorbed so I tend to overcorrect and place around 500-700 cc per side when I perform this procedure. That being said you may only need  a smaller volume to achieve your goals. The liposuction to remove the fat from the flanks and lower back is just as important as the transfer to the buttocks to achieve an aesthetic result. You might want to talk to your doctor and ask him how much fat he anticipates will survive and how he plans to place it to sculpt the gluteal region.

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

 

Daniel A.  Medalie, MD