BBL reduction. Is 750 cc from each cheek a lot? (photo)

Question

I had a BBL in 2020, and while I like my shape, I feel it’s too big, and I don’t feel fully confident. I’ve scheduled consultations, and the most straightforward advice I received from a board-certified surgeon was to remove 750cc from each butt cheek. I want a smaller, more proportionate look but don’t want my butt completely gone. For reference, I’m 5’1” and 126 lbs. How noticeable would this reduction be—highly or fairly noticeable?

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

In determining how much fat to remove, I find it helpful to know how much fat was transferred to the buttocks. Other considerations include the patients weight at the time of the bbl and the current weight. Before and after photos are great for visual estimates of the baseline and early outcome. In this setting, a wish pic is sometimes helpful. It’s important to convey in words your amount of reduction that you desire. I look to hear descriptions such as “a lot, a little, half the size, and just a little” to name some but not all. During the day of the surgery, I mark out the buttocks in detail including sections of the buttock. I then estimate how much I think I need to take from each area to achieve the patient’s goal. During surgery, I not only pay attention to how much fat is coming out but the the quality of the fat and the response of the tissue to the removal. There is definitely an art to this that comes from a years of liposuction of delicate areas and evaluation of numbers in relation to body types and outcomes. As for your case, 750 cc from each side may be close to the number but it truly depends on the above parameters and may be less than that.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Overall, it looks like you have a good outcome from your BBL. I would be careful in how much volume you remove as your buttocks can become develop troublesome ptosis of the skin if you are not careful. Make sure you go to an experienced body plastic surgeon to get the best advice. Thank you for sharing.

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, a couple things to keep in mind. From what areas will the 750 cc's be removed? You have to ensure you preserve shape not just bulk removal. What is the pinch quality of the skin and will it retract (shrink) after the fat is removed or will there be irregularities in the surface of the skin? Does the 750 cc's include the fluid portion that is removed with fat or just the fat? I think 750 cc's of pure fat  from each buttock  is something you may not be happy with. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mickey0594,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

BBL reduction. Is 750 cc from each cheek a lot? (photo)

Answers (4)