Not happy with the shape of my butt after BBL. Can it be fixed to look more like what I want? (photos)

Question

I wanted a rounder more cupped cheeky look. I came out looking square and my hip dips returned along with more dimples than I’ve ever had. Should I ask for a revision or go to another doctor. Can it even be fixed to look more like what I want? I’ve also been told after the fact that I may now need a tummy tuck but the PS who performed my BBL does not do tummy tucks. I don’t know what to do.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

I would recommend speaking with your initial surgeon about a revision. You have cellulite which is very hard to improve. Before photos would also be helpful for us to assess your results. Something as simple as an in office touch up can help depending on your goals. Best

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo! I suggest you seek a board certified plastic surgeon to do some Liposculpting.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certfied
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Without viewing before and after photos or knowing how much fat was injected, it is difficult to provide specific reasons for your results.  Recovery from lipo and BBL is patient dependent. Much of this depends upon the amount of liposuction performed and the amount of fat transferred. Recommend that you return to your initial PS for evaluation and discussion of the reality of obtaining the results you desire.  Wait until you heal from the BBL before having the TT.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

The results of a BBL are variable as ~30-50% of the fat is lost in the first 3-6 months after surgery. The two buttocks and hips also do no "communicate" with each other in the sense that one side may lose 30% and the other 50%, or the distribution of the fat loss may be different leading to a "better" shape on one side than the other. Now that we know so much more about a BBL, this is all disclosed up front. Very few if any PS actually offer "free" revisions for the BBL because this is standard and normal for this procedure. Not every patient will end up with the results of their wish photo even if you start out immediately post op to look very similar. Each patient's body reacts to the fat transfer differently. As far as cellulite, this is genetic and more fat  more cellulite. With the BBL fat is transferred to the buttocks leading to an increased risk of more cellulite over time if you are genetically prone to cellulite. If you have loose skin prior to liposuction, you will have even more loose skin after the liposuction as skin contract on average ~8% after liposuction. If you want a flat tight abdomen, you may need a tummy tuck to remove the loose skin. It does appear from your photos that you can get a better result with another surgery as you still appear to have some excess fat that can be harvested to fill in your hip dips again. Just try to stay realistic as multiple surgeries or a different doctor does not necessarily guarantee that you can look like your wish photo.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for writing,It is hard to comment based on only one photo. There are no pre-op photos to compare against and no belly photos. Dimpling / cellulite and a firm buttock skin envelope can be a hard thing to correct. Sometimes staged procedures are necessary. You said you Doctor doesn't do tummy tucks. Is he / she a real plastic surgeon? Who operated on you? What was / is their experience? PLASTIC SURGERY IS THE MOST PIRATED SUB-SPECIALTY, be careful who you choose.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS
Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member: RealSelf Hall of Fame
VERIFIED: Plastic Surgeon

Not happy with the shape of my butt after BBL. Can it be fixed to look more like what I want? (photos)

Answers (5)