Brazilian Butt Lift / Butt Implants in USA vs. Colombia

Question

Hi, I am 21, interested in a Brazilian butt lift or implants & was debating whether to do in the US or going abroad such as Colombia. I hear many people go abroad to get it done. Is it worth it? I don't even know where to start to look for a doctor over there. Also, should I do a fat transfer or get implants based on my body frame. I am afraid that I am too wide to look hourglassey such as Kim Kardashian. What should I do? I want my hips to pop out too, is it achievable?

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Based on your photos I would recommend a fat transfer over implants, as this will allow more opportunity for reshaping your hips as well. I would not advise having surgery in another country in the event that you have a complication it will be difficult to have adequate follow up and treatment.

	I will be actually be traveling to Colombia in a few months to observe their techniques with this procedure and I'm sure they have many excellent surgeons, but be careful if you plan to leave the country for any type of healthcare.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Johnny Franco, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question as both the Brazilian Butt Lift and
the butt implants are good procedures that each have their place.  Lets discuss the difference between the two,
but ultimately you need to see your board certified plastic surgeon to help
guide you to which procedure is best for you!

Brazilian butt lift (fat transfer to the buttock) is so
popular because it enables your plastic surgeon to transform your entire
shape.  Liposuction is performed over
several areas depending on the individual patient needs, but typically of the
flanks, abdomen, back and thighs.  This
is an amazing procedure because it allows your surgeon to tailor your results
to your individual needs and desires!

The amount of fat needed depends on the shape and needs of
each individual patient, however in general at least 500cc per buttock need to
be placed to see a significant difference. On average patients typically
receive around 800cc per buttock side for a total of 1600cc of fat
transfer.  However just like a breast
augmentation the amount of fat needed various from patient to patients.  Also the sculpting done with the liposuction
is a big part of the procedure to improve the overall shape.

If a patient has a BMI less than 22 they typically will not have
enough fat for the Brazilian butt lift.  In
these patients buttock implants are a good option for our thin patients.

Some patients have both the fat transfer and implants as
this helps improve the overall shape and give them more augmentation than would
be possible with either procedure alone.

In terms of where to have your surgery that is a personal decision
but in the United States you have the ability to check a surgeon’s credentials
prior to surgery.  I would recommend that
you have your surgery done by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

In reality, there must certainly be good and bad doctors in Columbia or elsewhere, just as there are here.  However, there are some noteworthy differences. 

	Malpractice insurance is required in the US and is often not required in foreign countries.  This means that if something goes wrong during your surgery, this insurance protects both you and the doctor.  Unfortunately, it is not cheap, and it adds to the expense of domestic surgery.

	In the US, there are rigorous standards that are universally applicable to surgery centers with the goal of improved safety and reduced infection.  These standards do not exist or are not enforced elsewhere.

	Follow up is almost as important as the surgery.  If you suffer a minor complication or expect to achieve adequate follow-up, the commute to the foreign clinic would be difficult.

	The stimulus to travel abroad is usually to find a lower price.  But it is important to keep things in perspective.  This is YOUR BODY.  YOU ONLY HAVE ONE.  So if you are considering surgery, do your research.  If you have a friend with great results, this is your best resource.  A personal referral is the best.

	 

	Good luck!!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Based on your pictures, you are a good candidate for liposuction with BBL, and I think you'll get very good results. 
Liposuction allows your plastic surgeon to transform your entire shape. You can improve your abdomen, back and flanks, and of course your hips and buttock, to give you a nice heart shape.
In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, be a non-smoker and your BMI needs to be 30 or less.In the Dominican Republic, we have excellent doctors, great professionals, and most importantly, board certified plastic surgeons, that you can choose from.
I suggest you to book a consultation to discuss the best options for your goals.
Good luck :)

Shain A. Cuber, MD · Answer

In my opinion, I feel the Brazilian butt lift is the better procedure for you versus butt implants. A Brazilian butt lift looks natural, and it would avoid possible positioning problems with the implants. I would strongly suggest that you get the procedure done in the US. If pricing is an issue, there are many different financing options that you can use to best fit your financial capability. The primary reason to have the surgery in the US is the need for postoperative appointments and the small possibility of complications. If you plan to stay in Colombia for an extended period of time, then there are many qualified people to see, but if you are going to return to the US right after surgery, then the procedure should be done in the US. That way any complications, rare as they may be, can be dealt with by the same surgeon.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The Brazilian Butt Lift can do many wonderful things for a patient's appearance, if it is performed in the right situation and by an experienced surgeon.  You can find many wonderful Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who perform this procedure like myself here in the US. 

	Unless you already live overseas, I agree with the others that Tourist Cosmetic Surgery can be problematic.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Tourist cosmetic surgery is mostly done because it might be cheaper. But you may be compromizing on afety, follow up and risk of complications and who will take care of you if a complication happen there or here?

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Given your photos, I would suggest a Brazilian butt lift (fat injections to the buttocks) over buttock implants. I believe the result would with the Brazilian butt lift would look as good as the buttock augmentation with implants, yet it would feel softer and more natural. Also the potential for long term complications - infections and implant displacement or hardening - would be much less with the Brazilian butt lift. I would avoid tourism for cosmetic surgery, if you have a problem after the surgery you will want your plastic surgeon close at hand.

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