A Brazilian butt lift procedure consists of two steps: first, liposuction is used to remove fat from areas such as the belly or thighs. Next, the extracted fat is purified and carefully injected into the buttocks to create a rounder, fuller shape.
Dr. Zimmerman is an expert cosmetic surgeon for BBL in Las Vegas. If you’re interested in Dr. Z’s approach to producing natural-looking BBL results, schedule an appointment here. Read on to learn more about the BBL surgical technique.
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian butt lift or BBL is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses fat transfer to enhance the size and shape of your buttocks. Unlike implants, this technique uses your body’s own fat to achieve natural-looking results.
It also offers a body contouring benefit. By removing fat from areas like your abdomen, hips, or thighs with liposuction and transferring it to your buttocks, BBL sculpts and contours your body for a more balanced and curvy silhouette. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a fuller figure without implants.
How is a Brazilian Butt Lift Performed?
Before the day of your surgery, Dr. Z will evaluate your natural curves, height, and weight to determine the ideal size and shape for your buttocks. The goal is to create a balanced look and enhance your natural silhouette.
Dr. Z will also guide you on how to prepare. You’ll get pre-op instructions like avoiding certain medications, stopping smoking, and wearing compression garments to protect your results. General anesthesia is typically used during a BBL to ensure you are comfortable throughout your procedure.
Step 1: Harvesting the Fat
Dr. Z starts by removing fat from areas like your belly, thighs, or flanks using liposuction. Tiny incisions are made, and a cannula suctions out fat while sculpting the donor area for a slimmer, more contoured look.
The liposuction technique Dr. Z uses may be:
- Manual Tumescent Liposuction
- Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
- Laser-Assisted Liposuction
- Hi-Def Liposuction
Each technique is chosen based on your specific goals, body type, and the areas being treated.
Step 2: Purifying and Injecting the Fat
After harvesting, Dr. Z will purify the extracted fat to remove fluids and damaged cells, selecting only the healthiest fat cells to ensure that your results will last in the years to come. The purified fat will then be injected into specific areas of your buttocks in small, even layers.
Dr. Z focuses on shaping and balancing your proportions for natural and symmetrical results. It may involve smoothing out any irregularities, enhancing volume where needed, and achieving a natural slope or roundness.
Is Brazilian Butt Lift Safe?
A BBL is consistently safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified doctor like Dr. Zimmerman. Their expertise ensures safe techniques are used and your safety is the top priority. That said, every surgical procedure comes with risks. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort, which usually fade within a few weeks.
More serious risks, like infection or fat embolism, can result from unsafe BBL techniques. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) recommends the following techniques to safely perform the BBL procedure:
- Fat should be injected only into the subcutaneous layer, just beneath the skin, to avoid the muscle layer and reduce the risk of fat embolism.
- Surgeons use larger, blunt-tip cannulas (at least 4mm in diameter) to prevent injecting fat into small blood vessels.
- Additionally, surgeons must also angle the cannula slightly upward or parallel to the spine to keep the fat safely in the subcutaneous layer.
Besides the training and qualification of the surgeon, you should also ask them about their surgical technique and if they’re applying safe BBL techniques recommended by the ABCS.
Are Brazilian Butt Lifts Permanent?
A BBL can last for years, but they’re not entirely permanent. Some of the transferred fat is absorbed by your body within the first few months, about 30-40%. To account for this, surgeons typically overfill the buttocks slightly during the procedure.
The remaining fat cells that survive become a lasting part of your body, keeping your results stable as long as you maintain a consistent weight.
Where To Get A Brazilian Butt Lift in Las Vegas
Any surgeon can perform a BBL procedure and many people are shocked to hear this. However, that doesn’t mean they are all qualified to do so. The most qualified surgeons are board-certified in cosmetic or plastic surgery and have specialized training and experience in body contouring procedures like BBL.
Before choosing a BBL doctor, check their credentials and ask about their experience with BBLs. How many BBLs have they performed? Can they show before-and-after photos? Will the surgeon perform the procedure themselves?
If you’re looking for an experienced cosmetic surgeon in Nevada with expertise in BBL surgery, call or visit Aesthetic Revolution Las Vegas. Dr. Zimmerman is an expert in body contouring procedures, including surgical and nonsurgical BBL.
He’s received many awards including the "Patient's Choice Award 2018" and "Top 10 Doctor" for the city, state, and metro area by Vitals. Call us to book your personalized consultation today. We serve patients in and around Las Vegas, including Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and the surrounding communities of Clark County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Brazilian butt lift?
The cost of a BBL can vary based on the surgeon’s expertise, location, and the specifics of the procedure. In Las Vegas, the average cost ranges between $8,000 and $15,000, which typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, and follow-up care.
How long does a Brazilian butt lift last?
BBL results can last for 5 to 10 years if you maintain a stable weight and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
Is there a way to get a BBL without surgery?
Yes! Non-surgical BBL using fillers like Radiesse and Bellafill can provide subtle enhancements and add volume to your buttocks without surgery. These methods don’t involve fat transfer or body contouring, so they’re best for patients seeking minor volume improvements. Learn more about non-surgical BBL and see our before-and-after photos.
What does a Brazilian butt lift look like?
The results of a BBL are unique to each patient, but they typically involve a fuller, rounder, and lifted appearance. Check out our before-and-after gallery to see the natural-looking transformations achieved by Dr. Zimmerman at Aesthetic Revolution Las Vegas.
