Are there safer alternatives to Brazilian butt lifts that can still provide an hourglass shape?

Thank you for your query. A good alternative to BBl can be an aggressive 360 degree liposuction of the waist and augmentation of the hip dips. When done well by experienced surgeons the risks of these procedures are minimal. A BBL can also be done safely by experienced surgeons who can avoid the “dangerous” areas where fat embolism can be an issue. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Hi! Thanks for your question. It's great that you're considering all your options to achieve the hourglass shape while being mindful of safety. While the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is popular, concerns about fat embolism are valid, especially if not performed by an experienced surgeon. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives that can help create a more defined, feminine shape without the same risks:
Sculptra or Hyaluronic Acid Fillers ("Liquid BBL"): These injectable fillers can add volume to the hips and buttocks without surgery. The results are not permanent, but they can be a safer, non-invasive option with less downtime and no risk of fat embolism.
Hip Dip Fat Transfer: Fat grafting specifically to the hip dips can improve your curves without full BBL. Since less fat is transferred, it may carry a slightly lower risk compared to a full BBL, but proper technique is still crucial for safety.
Buttock and Hip Implants: For those with limited fat to transfer or who want a more controlled outcome, silicone implants can provide volume to the hips and buttocks without fat transfer risks. This procedure has a different set of risks, but not the same as a fat embolism.
Liposuction with Body Contouring: Liposuction alone can help sculpt your waist and torso to create more dramatic curves. By reducing fat in strategic areas (e.g., the waist), it can give the appearance of a more feminine silhouette without adding fat to the buttocks.
Discuss these options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in MTF body contouring. They can help tailor the best approach to achieve your desired shape while minimizing risks.

Hello! Thank you very much for the question. without your photo, it is difficult to give you an evaluation. Plastic surgery for buttock augmentation with implants is one of the well-known technique and the first to be implemented for this type of treatment.
If you want to obtain sensual curves and an attractive body, increasing your buttocks using your natural fat is the best option. Depending on your goals and expectations. Your concern is valid because all surgery carries risks, but for many years BBL has been the safest and most commercial surgery, offering greater benefits and excellent results. You should only have enough fat on your body so that it can be transferred to the buttocks. This surgery also offers you the benefit of contouring your body.


A consultation is vital to create a surgical plan that fits your needs and meets your expectations. Keep in mind that achieving what you want is possible. You can text us via whatsapp 1-829-554-6062 so that we can give you the necessary recommendations abaout surgery. A pleasure to help.

There was a time when fat embolism from the BBL procedure seem to happen quite frequently.
There were certain providers who had high numbers of this complication.
The American Society of plastic surgeons came up with a list of safety recommendations.
Since implementing these safety measures the rate of Fat embolisms with this procedure seems to Have decreased substantially, though I have not seen seen statistical data since the safety recommendations were instituted.
In my opinion, the procedure is fairly straightforward and safe.
There’s always risk with any surgical procedure.
The biggest risk in my opinion is poor Aesthetic outcome or being left from patients choosing providers who lack skill and experience.
Likewise, not everybody is a good candidates for the BBL.
The BBL is in fact, two procedures done at the same time.
The first is Liposuction and the second is fat transfer.
Somebody could be a good candidate for One or both of the procedures. A big part of the BBL is adding volume to the hip dip area, but this depends what each patient needs.
In order to be successful, the patient needs to have a sufficient amount of host tissue to support the grafted fat and available subcutaneous fat to harvest.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community, who seem to have a good reputation for the BBL procedure.
Bring pictures of your body to use as reference.
During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you before and after pictures of previous patients Who had similar body characteristics to your own.
Implants are the only real alternative procedure.
I typically do not recommend gluteal or hip implants because of the high complication rates.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD