Can I gain back the fat after BBL?

Question

I got a BBL 8 months ago. When I look at picture I think I started loosing weight a little bit during the 6th month. It’s the bbl volume that is missing. I qas wondering if I can get back this volume ? Thank you

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

What you’re noticing is actually quite common. After a BBL, it’s normal for some of the transferred fat to be naturally reabsorbed by the body.

Typically:
Initial results: Right after surgery, swelling can make the buttocks look fuller than the final result.
Fat retention: About 60–80% of the fat that survives the transfer usually remains long-term, but this varies from person to person.
Weight changes: If you lose weight after your BBL, you may notice a decrease in volume, because fat in the buttocks (including transferred fat) can shrink along with overall body fat.

If your goal is to regain the lost volume, there are a few options:
-- Non-surgical approaches: Maintaining or slightly increasing your overall body weight may help, but results can be unpredictable.
-- Surgical revision: Some patients choose a touch-up BBL to restore or enhance volume. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon would help determine if this is appropriate and safe for you (Click on the supporting link of this answer!)

It’s important to have realistic expectations—some fat loss after a BBL is normal, and final results often take up to 12 months to stabilize.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

After a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), experiencing changes in fat volume due to weight loss is possible. To regain volume, you might consider gaining weight healthily to increase fat cells' size in your buttocks. Alternatively, a revision BBL could add more volume if you prefer not to gain weight. Always approach this in consultation with your plastic surgeon to explore the best strategy for your goals and health. A balanced diet and exercise can also help maintain your results.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Weight loss, weight gain and exercise do affect BBL results. The fat transferred to your buttocks is affected in the same manner as when you normally lose weight or gain weight or exercise. Hope this helps. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, board certified plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cheerful122399,
if you gain weight your fat cells will increase in size. However, if you lose weight again you will also lose some volume. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Edgar Contreras, MD · Answer

Hi! A lot will depend on how much weight you've lost. Usually we recommend the patient to be in their ideal weight at the moment of the surgery due to this types of issues. I would need to see photos and know the weight loss in order to say if you'd need another procedure or see what can be done. Hope this helps

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

The fat that is transferred survives a maximum of 70%, but it can be less, it depends on how the fat was treated at the time of putting it that so much water had etc, if you gain weight that fat that is transferred also increases in size

Hyeong Jun Kim, MD · Answer

Honestly, if you lose weight, the transferred fat will act just like other fat cells in the body. So if you have experienced weight loss after BBL and want to restore the results, you need to maintain your weight carefully. The fat survival rate after BBL is generally more than 80% and about 20%of fat is lost during the recovery. You have to wait for the final results up to 1 year.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

While some fat may be reabsorbed after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a significant portion usually remains. Maintaining a stable weight and following post-operative instruction can help enhance the long-term results. However, individual responses to the procedure can vary. It’s essential to consult with your surgeon for guidance based on your specific situation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The BBL is a fat transfer procedure. Whenever someone has a fat transfer procedure, they will, by definition have both liposuction and fat transfer.
Both Liposuction and fat transfer will permanently change someone’s fat distribution.
Without intervention, your fat distribution is now based on the surgical manipulation. After about six months, the results become final and will not change, unless you have revision surgery or some other procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD