With each passing decade, we see another new cosmetic surgery procedure taking the world by storm, and over the past ten years, it’s been the turn of the Brazilian butt lift. Popular amongst women seeking a curvier and more voluptuous silhouette – and in particular, those eager to emulate the rounded look made famous by Kim Kardashian – it has overtaken the likes of the breast augmentation and the tummy tuck to become one of the most highly sought-after procedures in the world.
Whichever way you look at it, the Brazilian butt lift has gone global – but how exactly did it rise to such prominence? And, now that you mention it, what exactly is a Brazilian butt lift, anyway? Here we take a look at all you need to know about this major aesthetics trend, including the pros, the cons and what you need to know if you’re considering going under the knife yourself.
What is a Brazilian butt lift?
A Brazilian butt lift (also commonly known as a BBL) is an invasive cosmetic surgery which requires general anaesthetic, and is designed to contour the buttocks to add volume and enhance their shape to create a rounder and more lifted look. Unlike more traditional buttock augmentation procedures in which implants are used to achieve the desired result, in a BBL, fat is transferred from another part of the patient’s body to the target area, first being harvested from an area like the thighs or abdomen via liposuction, and then purified before it is strategically injected into various points of the buttocks to ensure volume is achieved in just the right places.
The lack of implants is undoubtedly one of the reasons the Brazilian butt lift has become so popular, but so too, is the fact that the procedure enables patients to sculpt another area of their body in the process by having excess fat removed and distributed. However, there have been several other factors at play that have influenced its rise over recent years, too.
Shifting beauty ideals
Shifting beauty ideals is most certainly one of them, with curvier bodies now more widely celebrated than they were in the past. Increasingly, we’re seeing more ‘real’ women’s bodies making their way into the fashion world – which was formerly dominated by waif-like models and the tiniest of sample sizes – and magazines, as well as onto our TV screens, with the hourglass silhouette, characterised by a small waist and ample hips and buttocks, becoming not just accepted, but appreciated.
But as always, we always want what we don’t have, and for some, the Brazilian butt lift is viewed as a way to achieve the curvier and sculpted look if it doesn’t come naturally. It is said to provide natural and long-lasting results, and it seems many view it as a quick fix they feel will boost their self-confidence.
The influencer effect
We live in a social-media centric world, and in 2023, it’s almost impossible to escape from the influence of celebrities and Instagram ‘influencers’, who are ever-present whenever we unlock the screen of our smartphones. From Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Lopez, some of the world’s biggest superstars have been widely celebrated for their curves, and so too, have the growing number of fitness influencers showcasing their squat-sculpted rears – and these prominent derrieres have garnered global attention both online and off.
The rapid dissemination of images of such celebrities and influencers on the internet, as well as through the media, spreads a surprisingly powerful message that has further fuelled demand for the Brazilian butt lift.
The facts
So now that we know just why this cosmetic procedure has become so wildly popular of late, it’s time to get to the important bit. Is the BBL actually safe? And if you’ve ever considered having one, what are the need-to-knows?
Well, the use of the patient’s own fat in lieu of implants in a Brazilian butt lift reduces the risk of rejection or allergic reaction, and the added benefit of being able to contour a secondary area of the body through liposuction is viewed as a plus point for many.
Then, there’s the natural-looking result, which provides a rounder and more lifted appearance and is, of course, the major reason many women elect to undergo the surgery in the first place.
The recovery process for a Brazilian butt lift is, generally speaking, shorter than it is for a standard buttock augmentation too, as the process is less invasive.
But there are, of course, some important aftercare steps to follow – for example, proper sleep positioning on the stomach after a BBL is key to avoid putting pressure on the buttock area whilst it heals, and to allow the newly transferred fat cells time to integrate into the surrounding tissue. Any undue pressure can affect this process and as well as impacting on the final results, can increase the risk during recovery.
Is a Brazilian butt lift safe?
It’s clear that the Brazilian butt lift offers plenty of benefits for those seeking to enhance their curves, but is it actually safe?
Well, there are certainly some risks.
Those include the possibility of fat embolism, where fat enters the bloodstream and can eventually block blood vessels, which can be serious. And as with any procedures that involve injections or liposuction, there is also a risk of the target site becoming infected if not cared for correctly in the aftermath.
Then, there’s necrosis – or death of the tissue – which can also occur if blood supply to the buttocks is blocked during surgery.
Aside from the risks associated with the surgery itself, occasionally, results don’t turn out as planned, and uneven fat absorption can result in an asymmetrical look to the buttocks, which may require further surgery to correct.
If you’re sold on the idea of going ahead with the procedure regardless, then choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to ensure the surgery goes as smoothly and as safely as possible, and one who specialises in buttock augmentation and has performed the procedure many times before will be the best-placed to achieve the desired outcome whilst minimising any potential risks – so be sure to look for someone who is reputable for achieving great BBL results.
Before you decide to go ahead with the procedure, book yourself in for an in-depth consultation to discuss your expectations and find out what you can realistically hope to achieve with the BBL. This is your opportunity to get all of your questions answered and will ensure you know exactly what you’re getting into before you give the go-ahead.
How much does a Brazilian butt lift cost?
The cost of a BBL procedure in the UK varies, and generally speaking, you’ll pay more for the services of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon – so don’t be tempted by those offering ‘bargain BBLs’, as these are often performed by the far less experienced. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay in the region of between £6,000 – £10,000 depending on the clinic you choose, where it is located, and any extra associated costs. This price includes your anaesthesia and operating room fees, the surgeon’s fees, and your post-operative garments and follow-up appointments. For a personalised quote, speak to your chosen clinic.
