A Brazilian butt lift, more commonly and casually referred to as a “BBL,” is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks through the transfer of fat from one part of the body to another using liposuction techniques. (1) This procedure is highly popular and can be performed in multiple ways, one of the variations being the non-surgical BBL.
A non-surgical BBL is a body-contouring procedure designed to enhance the buttocks and hip dips without requiring the use of liposuction or an extensive recovery time. We offer a wide variety of non-surgical methods, including volume enhancers, skin-tightening treatments, muscle-building treatments, and cellulite treatments. Each offers its unique benefits.
If you are interested in enhancing your buttocks, look no further than Austin Plastic Surgeon! As leaders in this industry, the team at APS teaches and trains all across the country on treatments like Aveli for cellulite, alloClae for nonsurgical volume enhancement, and even surgical BBLs.
Our team of surgical experts can help you find the most effective method to sculpt your ideal figure. To schedule an appointment with one of our talented surgeons, please contact us online or reach out to the location most convenient for you.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Surgical BBLs and Non-Surgical BBLs
- 3 Benefits of a Surgical BBL Compared to a Non-Surgical BBL
- 4 Ideal Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Why Choose Austin Plastic Surgeon?
- 9 Results and Recovery
- 10 Cost of a BBL in Austin or San Antonio, Texas
- 11 FAQ
- 12 References
Before and After Photos
About Surgical BBLs and Non-Surgical BBLs
Both surgical and non-surgical BBL procedures are designed to enhance the shape, size, and fullness of the buttocks, but vary in the approaches used to achieve these effects.
A surgical BBL uses a procedure called autologous fat transfer, or the transferring of fat from one part of the body to another, to enhance one’s silhouette. (2) This method offers long-lasting and natural-looking results but also requires a lengthier recovery time. We also offer multiple types of non-surgical BBL treatments, such as muscle-building treatments, cellulite treatments, cosmetic injectables, and skin tightening. Each of these treatments offers different benefits to help patients achieve a more defined and contoured lower body.
Benefits of a Surgical BBL Compared to a Non-Surgical BBL
Both variations of the Brazilian Butt Lift offer a wide array of shared and unique benefits. No matter which variation is chosen, our team can help each patient achieve their goals.
Both the surgical and non-surgical BBL enhance the overall contour and fullness of the buttocks, leading to an overall improvement in confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, each procedure is highly customizable, with our talented providers able to personalize each aspect.
Benefits of a Non-Surgical BBL Include:
- Minimally Invasive Treatments: A non-surgical BBL does not require the use of general anesthesia or extensive downtime, allowing patients to return to their schedules quickly.
- Subtle, Natural Looking Results: Many of our nonsurgical options will look great right away, but get even better over time when using things like biostimulants or skin tightening devices. This means that friends and family probably won’t be able to tell exactly what you did, thanks to the gradual results!
- Muscle Building: Several of our treatments can help rebuild, tone, and maintain the muscles, offering more comprehensive results.
Benefits of a Surgical BBL Include:
- Longer-Lasting Results: The results of a surgical BBL can last for years, with patients often seeing permanent effects.
- More Dramatic Transformation: A traditional BBL offers a much more significant change in volume, fullness, and overall shape.
- Dual-Benefits: The use of liposculpting to harvest fat leaves the donor areas more slim and contoured
- Natural Look and Feel: By using the patient’s own fat, the results of their treatment offer a more natural appearance and touch.
Ideal Candidates
Candidates for a Non-Surgical BBL
Candidates for a non-surgical BBL include patients who are interested in a more subtle enhancement or may not be ready to commit to longer-lasting results. Candidates may also be those who lack an adequate amount of fat for transfer. Additionally, patients interested in a non-surgical BBL tend to be those who are uncomfortable with the idea of incisions or those who do not have time to undergo an extensive recovery period. (3)
Candidates for a Surgical BBL
Candidates for a traditional BBL are those who want to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks through the use of fat grafting. Patients may be interested in correcting and improving the size or shape of the buttocks, in addition to restoring any lost volume.
Candidates interested in either procedure should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure. Patients should also be nonsmokers or willing to cease the use of nicotine products until fully healed. Each patient’s candidacy will be determined at their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is asked to schedule a personal consultation at one of our three locations to help determine which BBL procedure is best for them. The provider will sit with each individual to discuss the details of both procedures before asking them about their medical history, aesthetic goals, and concerns. A medical examination will then be performed to check the condition of the buttocks while also evaluating possible areas to collect viable fat cells.
A comprehensive treatment plan will then be established using the technique best suited to achieve each patient’s ideal aesthetic goal. Other aspects of the procedure may also be customized to help maximize each potential benefit. The surgeon will provide each individual with preparation and recovery instructions, alongside an all-inclusive quote.
To schedule a personal consultation, please contact us online, or call our Austin office at (512) 253-2238, our San Antonio office at (726) 215-7058, or our West Lake Hills office at (512) 253-2195.
Preparation
Before their procedure, patients will receive a set of preparatory instructions, guiding them on how to prepare for their treatment. Patients should ensure they follow these instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery and the most ideal results.
Generally speaking, patients should make an effort to stay hydrated leading up to the appointment and maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Some patients may be asked to refrain from using certain medications or supplements, particularly those containing blood-thinning properties. The use of nicotine, as well as the consumption of alcohol, should be ceased several weeks before treatment, for both surgical and non-surgical BBLs. Further guidance, as well as more personalized instruction, will be given to patients by their surgeon or another member of our team.
Procedure
Surgical BBL Procedure
A surgical BBL begins with the administration of a tumescent fluid, a substance that helps minimize bleeding and enhance patient comfort. Once the patient is comfortable, their surgeon will use a specialized piece of equipment called a cannula to help gently break up and vacuum out the fat cells, contouring the body in the process. The fat is then purified to ensure only the healthiest cells are being used. (1)
The surgeon will then transfer the fat into the buttocks using ultrasound-guided injections to help create a more desirable figure. The use of ultrasound provides a more precise placement, allowing the surgeon to create a more athletic-appearing buttock.
Non-Surgical BBL
Many different procedures can be utilized in a non-surgical BBL, including injectable treatments, muscle-building treatments, skin tightening, and cellulite treatments. Injectable treatments, also known as volume enhancers, can help improve volume by stimulating the production of collagen or administering filler, while our cutting-edge skin-tightening treatments offer patients a way to tighten and tone their buttocks through the use of cosmetic technology.
Some of the Treatments We Offer
Sculptra: This injectable biostimulator works to increase the levels of collagen in the skin over time. This offers more natural-looking volume enhancement compared to regular dermal fillers.
Renuvion: Renuvion, also known as J-Plasma, is an innovative medical treatment specifically designed for skin tightening and rejuvenation. It utilizes a combination of radiofrequency energy and helium plasma to stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother and firmer skin.
Sofwave: Sofwave employs ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. As a result, patients often experience tighter, smoother skin and reduced fine lines.
Quantum RF: This is a revolutionary treatment that is offering patients stunning skin-tightening results. Quantum RF works by sending fractionated radiofrequency (RF) energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production.
Why Choose Austin Plastic Surgeon?
Our team of experts has years of combined experience and has performed thousands of procedures, meaning no matter who you work with, you are working with someone who wants the best for you.
Austin Plastic Surgeon is one of the leading cellulite treatment centers and is the #1 Aveli provider in the world. Our talented team helps teach and train Aveli to other practitioners both nationally and internationally.
We are also excited about the recent addition of AlloClae™ to our line of nonsurgical volume enhancers. AlloClae™ is a revolutionary large-volume injectable fat treatment designed to increase volume in areas of the body. This treatment is unique as it is designed for high-volume areas and is ideal for those interested in long-lasting, natural volume who may not have enough fat for a traditional procedure. Austin Plastic Surgeon is one of the first practices in the country to offer this treatment, and we are already recognized as speakers and trainers for AlloClae™.
Results and Recovery
Each patient’s recovery period will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of BBL procedure performed, in addition to whether any additional procedures are performed.
Results and Recovery of a Surgical BBL
It is common to experience soreness and mild discomfort following a surgical BBL. Each patient’s surgeon will help them alter their movements to help avoid putting any pressure on the treatment area. Patients can often return to work in one to two weeks, but should continue avoiding physical or intensive activities for several weeks until cleared by their surgeon.
Although immediate results can be seen after a surgical BBL, the final results will not be seen until any residual swelling subsides and the transferred fat settles. The results of a surgical BBL are permanent, however, patients should ensure they are implementing healthy lifestyle habits to preserve these effects.
Results and Recovery of a Non-Surgical BBL
Healing after a non-surgical BBL is fairly minimal, and many patients can return to their normal activities in just a few days. There are noticeably fewer restrictions compared to a more traditional BBL, but patients will also need to avoid putting pressure on their buttocks. The full results will manifest more gradually, as the production of collagen is stimulated or muscle is built up. Patients will then be able to enjoy subtle, natural-looking enhancements and an overall improved figure.
Cost of a BBL in Austin or San Antonio, Texas
The cost of each BBL, both surgical and non-surgical, can depend on several factors, as each procedure is designed to help address each patient’s concerns. Generally, non-surgical BBLs tend to cost less, however, the results of a surgical BBL will offer more long-lasting results.
To determine the cost of each procedure, patients should schedule a personal consultation at one of our convenient locations. From there, our surgeons can help determine the most appropriate treatment and provide an all-inclusive quote.
To schedule a personal consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please call our Austin office at (512) 253-2238, our San Antonio office at (726) 215-7058, or our West Lake Hills office at (512) 253-2195.
FAQ
What is the difference between a surgical and non-surgical BBL?
A surgical BBL involves the transfer of fat from other parts of the body into the buttocks, while a non-surgical BBL often uses volume enhancers, as well as other minimally invasive methods to achieve a more contoured silhouette.
Where is the fat removed from during a surgical BBL?
Fat cells can be harvested from multiple places, including the thighs, abdomen, flanks, and lower back. Your surgeon will determine where to harvest the cells from during your consultation.
How long will the results of a non-surgical BBL last?
The duration of the results will depend on which non-surgical treatment is being performed. Patients can expect the results of a non-surgical BBL to last for several months up to several years.
References
- Serbülent Güzey, Ayça Ergan Şahin. Brazilian Butt Lift: An Experience Over 3000 Patients. Aesthetic plastic surgery. Published online April 5, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-03965-8
- Costanzo D, Romeo A, Marena F. Autologous Fat Grafting in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: An Historical Perspective. Eplasty. 2022;22:e4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9350545/
- Piero Crabai, Marchetti F, Fulvio Santacatterina, Fontenete S, Galera T. Nonsurgical Gluteal Volume Correction with Hyaluronic Acid: A Retrospective Study to Assess Long-term Safety and Efficacy. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024;12(5):e5792-e5792. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005792