Should I get another BBL or Sculptra injections? (Photo)

You are in good company with many others who had high hopes for BBL but instead received disappointing results (lumpiness, unevenness, lack of projection in the central and/or lower buttock, etc.). It is not quite as much the quality of the doctor but rather the quality of the procedure that is a large part of the problem. Thus, going back for round 2 BBL most often produces the same disappointing results but at another financial loss. Regarding Sculptra, it will only turn out to be your biggest waste of money of your entire life. On the other hand, buttock implants provide a more reliable, predictable, relatively safe, and permanent result, especially for adding projection to the buttock and often smoothing out lumpiness. Please keep in mind that an extremely few number of board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in buttock implants so be sure to consult with one that is reputable and experienced. Unfortunately you may have to travel far away from home to find this particular surgeon. Glad to help.

Sculptra can be effective for filling small surface irregularities or volume deficits, but it should not be expected to produce significant buttock augmentations. Butt implants and BB) continue to be the most effective routes for gluteal augmentation. It should also be pointed out that Sculptra injection has no inherent safety benefit over the injection of fat, and both should be injected superficially and with larger, blunt cannulae to avoid intravascular injection.

Based on these two photos, I would say that you achieved quite an improvement from BBL! You may have been expecting too much but limited amount of fat grafts available in person with BMI 22 may be one of the reasons that surgeon could not produce more volume enlargement. The other is elasticity of buttock envelope which may limit how much fat grafts one could inject in very tight space? It is always problem with expectations; while patient is allowed to dream and expect any result, science of fat grafting and objective results are limited even in the hands of most experienced surgeon. Your options are: secondary fat grafting; I would suggest waiting at least 1.5-2 years due of quality of fat grafts, (possibly gain few pounds before surgery) or buttock implants. Good luck.

Dear Donnaxena,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a BBL surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sculptra is a good 2nd option for thin patients but is not dramatic unless you are ready to buy 20+ syringes which can you you $15,000 or more depending on the doctor chosen. Because Sculptra is a filler it is not permanent.

Your post is insufficient in making an assessment.

In order to make an assessment we need the following information.

1) exactly what areas were treated with liposuction and how much fat was removed from each area.
2). A complete set of pictures of your body from your neck to your knees wearing undergarments showing the front, side and back standing in a neutral position. Have someone else take the pictures or use the timer on your camera.

3) A complete set of before and after pictures taken by the surgeon who did your previous procedure.

4) clear clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve.

It should be possible to harvest some fat and if this justifies having a second BBL depends on what you’re trying to achieve, how many areas you’re willing to have treated with liposuction, what areas have been treated in the past.

Unless you have unlimited funds using sculptra or fillers for gluteal augmentation it’s going to be cost prohibitive.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD