Do I have enough fat for a BBL? (photos)

Question

Do I have enough fat for a BBL? I was turned down by a couple doctors for not having enough fat and one suggested that I only lipo my flanks. I’m 5’4 and 130 pounds. Am I able to achieve my wish pic (last photo)?

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!Based on your pictures, I recommend you gain at least ten pounds to possibly achieve your desired goal. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Take care,
Moises Salama M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

A good candidate has enough fat available for transfer in the procedure. The amount of fat that can be transferred in a BBL depends on how much fat the patient has to harvest and the amount of space there is to move the fat into. It is recommended for the patient to have a BMI of 30 or less. If you are too thin, a Brazilian Butt Lift may not be possible.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients interested in BBL often ask questions of the necessary volume for transfer. Ultimately, the answer is two pronged and based upon both patient expectations and the nature of fat graft themselves.
BBL and fat transfer is ultimately dependent upon the long term viability of the fat grafted. That being said the resorption rates of fat transferred can be significant. Clinically this translates to a progressive loss of grafted volume in the months following the procedure.
I tell patients that they can expect resorption or graft loss on the order of 50% (at most; prepare for the worst and hope for significantly better). Additionally some harvest volume is lost in processing the fat graft prior to transfer. Thus I generally recommend that patients seeking even the most minimal volume increase have adequate reserves for grafting of 500 cc per cheek (at minimum).  This means that harvest will usually exceed 1 liter (assuming for processing loss).
However, it important to remember that these are recommendations and can be amended based upon a patient's particular expectations. Some patients only want a subtle change and may be willing to accept a less significant result. But the rule still applies you have to have the fat to transfer the fat.
Ultimately, there are limits both on donor yield and recipient capacity. There is no defined space for filling thus there is a component of stretch and expansion that goes along with transfer. Once the limit is reached, injected fat will extrude from the injection sites. Overfilling will only lead to greater loss and place you at risk for necrosis.
Based upon your photos, you have adequate donor sites for a modest augmentation. You will benefit from the contouring effect of liposuction, irrespective of the yield for fat transfer. I often find that the happiest BBL candidates are those that recognize both the benefits of waistline contouring liposuction as well as the volumizing effect of the fat transfer. I do not, however, believe you have adequate reserves to mirror the volume in your goal photos. I would also discourage weight gain specifically for the purpose of transfer unless you plan on maintaining. Otherwise, transferred fat is the first to be lost post-op.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jeffrey Horowitz, MD · Answer

Lipo and a BBL would be appropriate, but I do not believe your results would approach those in your "wish pic".
Lipo would improve the appearance of your abdomen, flanks and low back.  Aggressive liposuctioning of your low back will also give the illusion of increased buttock projection.
Fat grafting to the lateral buttock would be critical to improve the outer "frame" of your buttocks, but unfortunately, the amount of added projection would be limited by the relatively small amount of fat available for grafting.
Your alternative would be buttock implants, or a combination of both procedures.
Hope that helps!

Jan Hochtritt, BSc, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question in the attached pictures. In ladies that are of slim build a small amount and already impact the hip to waist ratio significantly. I would be happy to show you pictures of ladies of your statue and their results. Your desired figure might not fully be at Shiva bowl but surely you can shave a big step towards it. Have a wonderful rest of the day greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  You may be short a bit of having enough fat for the final results you are aiming for.  I would better know during consultation.  From the pictures you sent us, a plastic surgeon might be able to reinject 300-400cc of good healthy fat in each buttocks (good healthy fat means it was harvested with a smaller cannula, at very low pressure, fat has been cleansed, decanted, and transferred slowly in many layers... a process that takes between 3 and 4 hours, if well executed.  I also add PRP - platelet-rich-plasma - which acts as "fertilizer" for the fat cells' survival).For the look you want, we also need to augment slightly your outer thighs, hip-buttock hollows and "hip-dip"Whenever I can, I like to inject 700-800cc of fat per buttock, knowing that we will likely loose 30-40% over 3 months.Another options for you would be buttock implants or buttock implants and fat grafting to the outer part, the so-called "hip-dip" and outer thigh for a fuller pear-shaped A-shaped buttocks.Hope this helps!Kind regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, aesthetic plastic surgeon and buttock expert.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thank you for your question and pictures.
As i can evaluate you do seem to have localized fat in the flanes and abdomen, you're a good candidate for a liposuction and BBL, but the only problem is that the Women on your Wish pic has Big buttocks and maybe your fat won't be enough to get that result. Good luck!

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hello
Based on your pictures you are a great candidate for a Brazilian Butt
 Lift, this procedure includes liposuction on certain areas of your body
 mainly to address to obtain the best results possible. You definitely 
must be evaluated first to coordinate with procedures will fit your 
needs. Visit a certified plastic surgeon to accomplish what you wished. 
Best wishes.
Regards
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello 
Based on your photos you are a good candidate for a liposuction with BBL and I think you'll get very good results.
Liposuction allows your plastic surgeon to transform your entire 
shape. You improve your abdomen, waist, back and of course your buttock 
to give you a beautiful heart shape.
I recommend you to make an appointment with a board plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your goals.
Good luck :)

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
  
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire abdomen, back and waist liposuction with BBL, this is because you have located fat that can be done with lipo.
  
Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. Also please try to find a board certified plastic surgeon, remember that your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Do I have enough fat for a BBL? (photos)

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