Why do I have cellulite at the back of my legs after a butt fat transfer?

Question

Why do I have cellulite at the back of my legs after a butt fat transfer? I never had that before the surgery. I was pretty lean to start with. I was happy with the results at first, but now, it's getting smaller, yet the cellulite doesn't seem to go away even with diet and Endermologie treatments. I've been a fitness competitor for a few years, and I'm very upset because I never had that problem with cellulite before. I can't seem to get rid of it when it was easy before to get rid of it.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
It is very unlikely that the appearance of cellulite was caused by the surgery, as the procedure you had involved ADDING fat to the area, so that if anything the appearance of dimples should have diminished...
Because cellulite is fundamentally a skin issue, it is most likely that you had the cellulite before the operation, but because you never spent as much time scrutinizing your behind before surgery as you do now (human nature, of course), you simply weren't as aware of the problem as you are now.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

A good candidate has enough fat available for transfer in the procedure. The amount of fat that can be transferred in a BBL depends on how much fat the patient has to harvest and the amount of space there is to move the fat into. It is recommended for the patient to have a BMI of 30 or less. If you are too thin, a Brazilian Butt Lift may not be possible.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

The two are unrelated. Butt lift involves remove fat from different areas of your body and then injecting the fat into the gluteal area. It should not affect the back of your legs. It is possible that they were there but went unnoticed.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

I need to review the photos to answer the question better. Please follow up with your doctor as these issues require the attention of a plastic surgeon.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

After a Brazilian Butt lift, it is very common to have swelling and edema. In some patients this swelling will continue to settle and often moves into the thighs and lower extremities. The most important thing is to wear a garment that is applying even compressive pressure to the areas that received liposuction and is not applying pressure to the areas that the new fat grafts.

	Be sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding these new concerns. If you notice any swelling in your legs after surgery let them know as soon as possible so that they can make sure it is not something more dangerous

	For more information on Brazilian butt lifts or butt augmentation, please schedule an iConsult or visit us online at the link below.

Why do I have cellulite at the back of my legs after a butt fat transfer?

Answers (7)