Can I get a BBL if I've had butt fillers?

Question

Hello, last year i had a gotten mild injections on my sides of my but and the bottom. I want to get a bbl this spring or summer. Is it safe to do so?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A BBL may be possible after prior buttock filler in some cases, but it depends very much on what was injected, how much was used, and where it was placed. The photos show your overall contour, but they cannot tell us the product type or depth. Hyaluronic acid filler is very different from silicone, PMMA, biopolymer, or an unknown product. Fat grafting into tissue that already contains permanent or unknown filler can be less predictable and may increase risks such as inflammation, infection, nodules, contour irregularity, fat necrosis, or difficulty judging safe fat placement.

Before planning a BBL, try to obtain the exact product name and injection records. An in-person evaluation with a plastic surgeon experienced in buttock surgery is important, and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may help map the material. If the filler is permanent or unknown, many surgeons will be cautious or may advise against adding fat until the risks are clearer.

Morad Askari, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. The safety of having a BBL depends on what type of butt fillers you had. If you had hyaluronic acid fillers, these products gradually dissolve over time. If enough time has passed and your body has absorbed most of the filler, you could proceed with a BBL safely. However, your surgeon may still recommend dissolving any remaining filler before the procedure.If you received biostimulatory fillers, which stimulate collagen production, the volume you see may be partly due to your body's own tissue. A BBL can be an option, but your surgeon will need to evaluate whether the previous filler could impact fat survival or cause irregularities.On the other hand, if you used any other type of fillers, a BBL may be unsafe. Transferring fat into an area that contains fillers can lead to complications. Most surgeons recommend removing permanent fillers before considering a BBL.If you're uncertain about the type of fillers you received or their extent, you can have an MRI.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. For almost all the FDA approved fillers available now , the answer will be in the affirmative. You can have a BBL procedure without additional concerns. However, you need to let your surgeon know of the kinds of fillers you have had, and also  where these were put in so that he/she can compensate for the loss of fillers over the next year or two. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear astull30,

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

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Whether you can safely get a BBL after having butt fillers depends on the type of filler used. If you received hyaluronic acid fillers, they are temporary and can be dissolved with hyaluronidase or will naturally be absorbed over time. If they are still present, your surgeon may recommend dissolving them before a BBL. However, if you used PMMA or silicone fillers, these are permanent and can lead to complications with fat grafting, such as scar tissue formation, inflammation, or fat necrosis, making a BBL riskier. Additionally, fillers can cause changes in the tissue structure of the buttocks, which may affect the survival of the newly transferred fat. Your surgeon may assess the area using ultrasound to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that you are excellent candidate for fat grafting of the buttock and hips. However, safety of the procedure will significantly depend of what type of fillers was used in your case. If these were HA based fillers it I very likely that they are mostly dissolved? However, any type of permanent fillers may be a problem since fat grafting in that area may cause serious infections, irregularities, skin loss. This is an issue that you have to discuss and fully disclose to your surgeon. Good luck.

Ghassan Mehio, MD · Answer

The answer to your question depends largely on the type of filler you had. Temporary dermal fillers can last up to two years, depending on the type of filler used. More permanent fillers can last five years or more. 
The presence of dermal fillers in your buttocks can negatively impact BBL results. Lumps, uneven results, and complications like infection are much more likely if your surgeon must work around fillers. As such, A BBL is generally not recommended until the filler breaks down. HA fillers, however, are reversible with the injection of a specific enzyme that dissolves them safely and quickly. 
Be sure to inform your surgeon that you have filler so that they can determine the best course of action for you.

Oliver Pope Simmons, MD, FACS · Answer

The long and short of it is risks. There are significant risks of complication with the illegal butt injections that were done years ago. Many if not all of these injectors have been arrested and put in jail. IF you have had illegal injections, my advise is to just be happy you didn't die and accept the fact that most if not all plastic surgeons will not accept the risk of the whole thing going sideways. There are enough risks with health non operated patients to scare many plastic surgeons away from doing BBL's for that reason alone I do not do patients with prior injections. The new wave of legal injections with Sculptra are however safe and able to be treated secondarily. If you have had the injections for years and had no problems, I often will get a MRI to evaluate where and if the silicone will be a problem for you in the future and surprisingly, some patients will turn out to have nothing injected left in the buttocks. IF you have questions schedule a visit with an experienced plastic surgeon in your area.

Can I get a BBL if I've had butt fillers?

Answers (8)

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