Butt implants or BBL: which one requires more downtime?

You may be a candidate for butt implants or BBL.  They each have their own unique set of complications.  
The buttock implants must be removed 5 to 10% of the time, which tends to make this a less popular choice. Intramuscular implants can improve volume by 400 cc or so, depending upon the size of the individual. A significant amount above this volume compromises healing by creating more tension on the healing incision.  The deeper the placement, the greater the risk of sciatic nerve compromise. Solid implants, somewhat flexible, used in the US do not carry the same risk of rupture and other implant related complications as with cohesive gel.
WRT BBLs, lipo burns can be avoided if a heat source is not used.  Fat necrosis can be minimized with good technique and proper postoperative care.    The risk of blood clots can be minimized.
Recovery from BBL is patient dependent; however, the average pain or discomfort period lasts from about 3 to 7 days. Much of this depends upon the amount of liposuction performed and the amount of fat transferred.  Many of my patients return to work after 4 to 7 days if that work is sedentary or nonstrenuous. Strenuous exercise is permitted after 6 weeks.
No magic number exists for when you can sit without a pillow; you PS's recommendations for sitting after a BBL are the most informed you can obtain.
I recommend that my patients minimize sitting, even with a pillow, for the first two weeks.  If they must sit, every 30 minutes or an hour, they should get up and stand for a few seconds to take the pressure off.   This reduces the chance for fat necrosis. I usually recommend about 6 weeks before sitting without a pillow. After 6 weeks the fat has revascularized, and they will have a very good idea of their final results.  
The BBL results that are obtained after 3 months are permanent if the body weight and body fat percentage are held stable.  This is dependent upon the amount of fat transferred, the way in which the procedure is performed, and the way the patient is managed in the postoperative period.
In most cases of weight loss, the buttocks and other areas with stored fat will become smaller.  About 50% of the fat that is transferred lives and becomes a part of you.  This will hold stable as long as there is no weight fluctuation.  The fat will not move, but losses in weight will distribute differently.  The fat that lives in the buttocks from the procedure will get larger with weight gain and smaller with weight loss.
Kenneth Hughes, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Performed by the right surgeon buttock implants can be rather safe and natural looking. I do such procedures daily with much success.  A buttock implant is a transformative operation. Its not an easy procedure to perform so seeing a surgeon who has extensive experience with this procedure is paramount.  Be sure to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in this procedure and is well known for it.

Dear Jackie,   Posting  back and side view pictures of your butt would have been helpful.     Fat injection to your butt is a total waste of you time and money, because the fat disappears completely or almost completely within few months or even sooner. I have seen is on many patients who came to my surgery center for butt implants surgery after their big disappointment from the BBL procedure that was done by other surgeons (I do not do it).    Think about it this way. If fat injection was reliable and consistent procedure, most women would have preferred it for breasts augmentation over breasts implants. The reality is that the number one cosmetic surgery in the US is breasts augmentation with breasts implants... BBL does not work !!!   You have to realize that not all butt implants results are the same, because there are different implants and different techniques. Also, experience , technical skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice 'S' curve, nice projection, single low well hidden scar, round hips and natural look.                      Best of luck,                                        Dr Widder