Can these dents from my BBL be fixed or improved? (photos)

Question

I had gotten a bbl in 2020 and afterwards I staring noticing I was developing some sort of dents on my thigh and butt. It gives more of a cellulite appearance. I didn't have this before surgery and was wondering if this can be fixed or improved? If so, how?

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Excellent question! This actually happens I little bit more then we might like. Releasing the connective tissue that pulls down on the skin is usually what works best. Tight connective tissue creates this dimple when fat grows around it and pushes the skin outward. This is very hard to fully correct, but releasing this dimple with a special needle-tip cánula plus jus the right amount of fat grafting is the best option.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear JC220719, cellulitis may increase due to several factors after having a BBL, however this can be solve with a second fat transfer to fix the shape of your buttocks also you can find some effective treatments. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jc220719,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Sometimes, you can have dents after liposuction and they can improve with fat transfer. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions dear @jc220719
After a BBL, the risk of cellulitis may increase due to several factors. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure that involves the transfer of fat to enhance the shape and contour of the buttocks. While BBL can provide an improved appearance, it does not directly address cellulite. 
Cellulite is caused by the interaction of factors like genetics, hormonal changes, lifestyle, and connective tissue structure. It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin, causing the skin to appear dimpled. My recommendation will be to speak with a dermatologist who can recommend appropriate treatment options that specifically target cellulite. 
Hope this helps!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is true that some patients may experience similar problem after fat trasfer to buttocks/hips, BBL. Whether that is only due to a fat transfer issues (release of fibrous septa, fat lumping, fat necrosis and multiple other conditions related to fat transfer and survival, it would be hard to decide. Cellulitis appers  in that area very early; it is possible that fat transfer has just speed it up? Surgery, a combination of dimple release and fat grafting, may be one option to consider. Hope this helps.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear jc,
Contour deformities are one of the risks of having a BBL.  Fortunately, they are usually correctable either with further fat transfer or liposuction.  Return to your surgeon for a discussion of your options.  Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment on the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we always need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took. Without seeing the change from the procedure it’s hard to make an assessment about the impact of the operation.
Cellulite is generally made worse by fat transfer, and patients who have cellulite to start with should be told this during their assessment, during an in person consultation. 
There are effective treatments for cellulite, especially Aveli. This treatment with done in conjunction with small amounts of fat transfer can give good long-term results for cellulite in the hands of experience providers.
Consider re-posting with before and after pictures or schedule a few in person, second opinion, consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community. For second opinion, consultations patients should come prepared bringing with them all before and after pictures and preferably a copy of the operative report. These are all available from your previous providers office upon request.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD