Does BBL results last in your hips? (photo)

The BBL procedure can be very successful, even on thinner or more athletic figures, because the BBL is a body contouring procedure that changes the curves of the body in two steps. Fat is removed from the body. Fat is put back into the body in a new location.When you take fat out of an area, such as the stomach, that area is immediately smaller.  This one step changes the overall shape of the body by means of comparison.  For example, the hips, compared to the now smaller waistline, will appear larger even though they remain the same size.  During step 2, when the removed fat is then put back into the body in the hips or buttocks, the difference between the (now smaller) waistline and (now larger) hips will become even more visible. As always, seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in the BBL procedure, great reviews, and before/after photos that show the look you want to achieve.

About 60% of fat from the transfer is retained and the results are permanent. The size will change with your weight just as the rest of your body does. In other words, the fat acts like it was naturally there. You can get a good idea of the final result after 6 months.

Because this is your own fat,  there are no chances of rejection from the body.  You have to consider not only which areas will have perhaps the best fat, but also you have to consider which donor sites will have the fewest problems afterward with the liposuction.  In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred, but, if those sites are not available, other areas can be used.  Your genetics, eating habits, metabolic rate and general activity level all impact your anatomy.  To be sure, all of the effects of liposuction on lipid metabolism have not been worked out.
After the initial resorption phase, the fat that is left is living tissue with a blood supply.  About 50 to 70% of the fat survives long term .  I have seen patients after a year or two and the pictures reveal that the gain is permanent. Perhaps this is due to injection technique, harvest technique, amount transferred.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I think that your assumptions about where the fat "lasts" and doesn't last are not accurate. The most important factor is how the fat is harvested, processed, and injector and that depends on your surgeon. You need to make sure you are choosing a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Based on your photos, I would be concerned about the amount of donor fat that you would have available for harvest and discuss with your surgeon whether your goals are realistic.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Dear mari27hurni,fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.Based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a BBL. Liposuction of your abdomen, back and flanks should give you more curves and hourglass shape and fat transfer to buttocks should give you more projection. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery