I've seen a lot of patients unhappy with results of BBL. Is it possible to get the successful results with first BBL?

Question

Why are alot of patients unhappy with Brazilian butt lift results? Cellulite, going back for revisions? I want an honest answer, is it even possible to get a BBL and have successful results with only one surgery (1st surgery)?

Johnny Franco, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question as patients want to know the long-term outcomes of their Brazilian Butt Lift.  It is important to know what you can expect from your butt augmentation surgery as this will help you make the best choice to achieve the results you desire from your surgery.
The Brazilian Butt Lift has become extremely popular because it transforms your entire shape.  The liposculpting of the abdomen, back and flanks will decrease the size of your waist, while the fat transfer to the butt and hips augments those areas.  The combination of the hip and butt augmentation with the liposculpting transforms a person shape from square to hourglass figure. 
  
The liposculpting will stay for years to come if you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your weight stable.  That means you will be able to enjoy your new hourglass figure for years to come.  
  
The second part of the surgery is the fat transfer.  Fat transfer procedures are incredibly popular as we use your own fat for the augmentation.  The keys to fat transfer procedures are the amount of fat initially transferred and the post-operative care.
  
First of all, it is important that enough fat is transferred during your Brazilian Butt Lift as patients do lose some of the fat that is transferred over the first 6 weeks or so.  In general patients lose about 40% of the fat that is transferred.  Thus, it is important to transfer a significant amount of fat so that patients can still look amazing after a portion of the fat is absorbed.  
  
The second part of maintaining an incredible result is the post-operative care.  Patients who stay off their butt for the first six weeks after their surgery keep much more of the fat that was transferred after their Brazilian Butt Lift.  I can’t stress enough the difference it makes in the results of your butt augmentation if you avoid pressure on your buttock after surgery. 
  
I have patients that are years out from their Brazilian Butt Lift and still have an amazing result.  Patients that can maintain a healthy lifestyle and do a good job following the post-operative instructions tend to be very happy with their Brazilian Butt Lift results.

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  I
would say that to really maximize the amount of fat survival, you want to try
to stay off your buttocks and not sit for as long as possible.  I recommend that my patients do not sit for
at least 2 weeks.  Then afterwards, I
instruct them sit on a cushion for about a month.  But even at that point, I tell them to try to
limit their sitting time because the fat is still trying to develop its own
blood supply to stay alive.  The survival
of the fat also has something to do with the surgeon’s technique because when
you inject the fat really superficially, it is not as well vascularized so you
don’t get that same blood supply.  When
you inject the fat deep into the muscle, then you got a lot more blood supply
and the fat is more likely to survive.  I
hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

While it is impossible to make all patients happy with a procedure, I have found at least 98% of patients to be happy.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Fat grafting is a highly technique-dependent procedure, and some surgeons are having more success than others. A successful fat graft requires:
The fat must be removed, processed, and re-injected in exactly the right way.Liposuction technique makes a differenceFat Processing techniqiue and specifics makes a differenceFat Reinjection technique makes a differenceThe patient must follow post-op instructions as closely as possible.Each of these steps in the process, both for the surgeon and the patient, is critical to the success of the final result.
See the reference to get an idea of what kinds of things you should be asking a board certified plastic surgeon during a brazilian butt lift consultation.
Best wishes!

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Unhappy results stem from unrealistic expectations from patients. I wish there was a treatment for cellulite, at this time there is not. There are many successful BBL's with great results. It is based on a surgeon's experience, technique dependent, and patient's limitations. Next step for you is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and goals. Best wishes.

I've seen a lot of patients unhappy with results of BBL. Is it possible to get the successful results with first BBL?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fat Grafting Success

Answer: Fat Grafting Success

Answer: Unhappy with results of BBL

Answer: Unhappy with results of BBL

Recommended reading

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.

I've seen a lot of patients unhappy with results of BBL. Is it possible to get the successful results with first BBL?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fat Grafting Success

Answer: Fat Grafting Success

Answer: Unhappy with results of BBL

Answer: Unhappy with results of BBL

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

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.