I'm 5'6 and 110 lbs. Would a BBL give me more of an hourglass figure, or would implants be better? (photos)

Question

I am 5'6 and 110 pounds. My weight fluctuates and I've recently been 114. My limbs are slim and my butt is long and lacks volume/shape. I have a small muffin top that is not flattering to my tiny frame. I want more of an hourglass figure. Would a BBL work for me? Or would implants be better? I'm attracted to the BBL because I want a slimmer waste an flattering stomach in addition to a larger butt.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello Peaceful4771, 
It's a pleasure to answer your questions! Buttocks augmentation with implants procedure is associated with a high post-operative complication rate (up to 40%). Patients who get buttock implants can experience pain and infection, and have trouble sitting on their buttocks for a long period of time. Moreover, implant patients are likely to develop seromas (lumps caused by an accumulation of serum within the tissue) and experience dehiscence and capsular contracture. Therefore, I would suggest you getting a Vaser Liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) instead to achieve a fuller, beautifully rounded backside. Since BBL utilizes autologous fat, the chance of allergic reactions to foreign substances, such as dermal fillers and silicone prosthesis (implants) are significantly reduced, and the results are longer lasting and more natural-looking. Recovery is also better with buttocks augmentation with fat grafting. BBL’s patients can typically return to work one week after surgery, as opposed to those who receive buttock implants and would need at least two weeks to resume their regular activities. One of the main considerations when evaluating a patient's candidacy for BBL surgery is whether they have enough fat cells to use during the fat transfer phase. For patients with insufficient fat deposits, the plastic surgeon may advice weight gain before the BBL to qualify for the procedure and achieve a more voluptuous buttock. I would recommend asking your plastic surgeon if he/she requires you to gain weight or not depending on whether he/she is planning to do a full body Liposuction or just a limited Liposuction to harvest the fat. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. 
In this regard, I recommend you waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.
Finally, I suggested take the fat we get and transfer to the buttocks and hips, to mold them and get better volume, contour and butt projection, is that we know as "Brazilian Butt Lift" (BBL).

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It seems like you can benefit from a BBL, I have had great success with BBLs for thinner women, but these surgeries are not easy. Maximal fat must be harvested without creating any contour deformities. If the waist was smaller at one time, the waist can likely be reduced with liposuction to those same measurements or smaller provided the muscular and facial integrity has remained the same. 
Certain aspects of the buttocks or hips may not be improved as much if the tissues do not allow for much stretch or cannot accommodate the fat that is transferred.  In these cases, the final result will be limited by the skin envelope.  This is an issue that cannot be completely controlled by the surgeon.  Finally, the ability of some patients to heal and retain more of the fat than another patient accounts for differences in shape and result following BBL. Schedule an email or  Skype consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in thin patients.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Based on the photos you do have some fat to donate which would provide enough volume for a subtle but definite change.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Peaceful4771,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a BBL. Liposuction of your abdomen, back and flanks should give you more curves and hourglass shape and fat transfer to buttocks should give you more projection. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

I'm 5'6 and 110 lbs. Would a BBL give me more of an hourglass figure, or would implants be better? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Answer: Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Answer: BBL candidate

Answer: BBL candidate

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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I'm 5'6 and 110 lbs. Would a BBL give me more of an hourglass figure, or would implants be better? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Answer: Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Answer: BBL candidate

Answer: BBL candidate

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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.