How much fat is too much? BBL fat transfer

Question

I understand that docs say that with BBL, 30% of the fat dies over the first 3 months. Because of that I am hoping to transfer as much body fat as possible, injecting more so that I am at my goal post 30%. Now I'm reading that "too much fat" also causes cells to die. So how much is too much?

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Brazilian Butt Lift involves transferring fat to your butt and hips. Yes, a certain amount of this fat will not survive the transplant so the tendency is to transfer as much fat as possible. As you astutely point out, sometimes too much is too much. The fat cells can compete with each other and cause even more to die. The "right" amount of fat depends on about a dozen factors, and this is why the BBL procedure is so tricky. There are many doctors doing these procedures but only a true expert understands the biology of the fat cells and how to make the most fat survive. Make sure to find a surgeon who specializes in this. He/She should do at least 6-8 BBLs per week and be able to show you HUNDREDS of their won results. This procedure is very dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon.

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello nwbooty2015,Thank you for your question.  There is currently no complete consensus on exactly how much fat grafted will survive.  There have been some studies conducted,  however depending on the technique and area the fat is transferred to, the results have differed.  At this time we know that fat grafting is not completely predictable but we can make estimates for what we expect survival will be based upon each of our individual experiences and the studies that are available.In a brazilian buttock lift, fat is liposuctioned from donor areas (abdomen, back, thighs etc) and transferred to the buttock tissues and muscles in order to provide volume for projection.  The lower back and surrounding areas of the buttock are also liposuctioned in order to contour the buttock.  Contouring with volume addition will generally give the best aesthetic result.  The fat that is transferred relies completely on the tissues of the buttock for it's nutrition and survival.  If too much fat is placed into an area, not enough of the fat cells can get nutrition and some will die.  This is not an exact volume, but determined by your surgeon based on their training and experience. Best of Luck!Dr. Rednam

George Lefkovits, MD · Answer

You should not overfill for the BBL. The added donor fat cells need resident fat cells( those that are already residing in the buttocks) to provide for nourishment of the injected fat cells before new blood vessels actually grow in. If too muck fat is injected then, the injected fat cells come only in contact with injected fat cells. Also, the 30% absorption rate is not that accurate. In my experience, it's not that 305 of fat will be absorbed. It's more like fat absorption will occur in about 30% of the patients. The other nearly 70% of the patients may have very little absorption. You should consult with Board Certified PS with extensive experience performing the BBL. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Brazilian butt lift is different for different people.  Overfilling can have the potential to cause some of the fat to not "take".  This is something that has not been well quantified.

How much fat is too much? BBL fat transfer

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Answer: BBL

Answer: BBL

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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How much fat is too much? BBL fat transfer

Answers (4)

Answer: BBL

Answer: BBL

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.