The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has become one of the most sought-after body contouring procedures due to its ability to enhance booty shape using transferred fat cells from another part of the body. A common question patients ask is: Are BBLs permanent? Understanding how long BBL results last and how to maintain your results can help you set realistic expectations and protect your investment in your figure.
What Is a BBL Procedure?
A Brazilian Butt Lift is a fat transfer procedure that uses excess fat on your body. It enhances the size, shape, and contour of the buttocks without implants by taking unwanted fat cells from other areas of the body—such as the abdomen, flanks, back, or thighs—using liposuction. This means it’s a two-in-one procedure, also sculpting and slimming target areas for the ultimate silhouette transformation.
BBL Surgery vs. Traditional Butt Lift
A traditional butt lift is designed to remove loose skin and tighten the tissue. This procedure is often a good choice after a patient has undergone significant weight loss. A traditional butt lift focuses on lifting, contouring, and addressing skin laxity—but it does not add volume. A Brazilian Butt Lift, on the other hand, is designed to improve shape and add fullness, making it ideal for patients who want more projection and contour. In short, BBL surgery is great for volume; a traditional butt lift is ideal for tightening and lifting.
BBL Surgery vs. Butt Implants
Butt implants are made of silicone to increase volume. Many patients are uncomfortable with implants, as they introduce foreign material into the body and carry risks such as shifting, contracture, or general discomfort. Since the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure uses your own stored fat cells, it results in a more natural look and feel, with the added benefit of slimming other areas of the body.
Is a BBL Permanent?
Generally, yes, Brazilian Butt Lift surgery can be a permanent procedure. The results can last a long time, potentially forever, but there is an important nuance.
Not all transferred fat cells survive. After BBL surgery, the body naturally absorbs a portion of the injected fat during the first few months. Once the remaining fat cells establish a blood supply, those fat cells behave like fat anywhere else in your body.
So initial fat loss is normal, and surgeons typically anticipate this by transferring slightly more fat. While initial results are obscured by swelling during the healing process and the slight amount of excess fat, final results are visible around three to six months after surgery. Fat cells that survive after this are permanent and will retain their position as long as you don’t drastically gain weight. Changes in your body over time can affect the look of your Brazilian Butt Lift.
How Can I Maintain My Brazilian Butt Lift Results?
Maintaining your Brazilian Butt Lift results largely depends on postoperative care and whether you maintain a healthy lifestyle thereafter, especially during the recovery process.
- Postop Instructions: During the recovery, follow postoperative instructions carefully. Use your BBL pillow, and avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for the recommended period after surgery. This will protect the newly transferred fat during its most vulnerable phase.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet during the recovery process and beyond. Healthy fats, plenty of protein, and proper hydration all support fat survival early on and help maintain your results long term.
- Stay Active: A great way to maintain your overall body contour is to resume your regular exercise routine once you are cleared by Dr. Gonzalez. Lower-body strength training is an excellent way to enhance your butt shape. However, avoid excessive cardio paired with calorie restriction, as this can reduce fat volume and compromise your results.
- Maintain Stable Body Weight: While the number of fat cells remains constant, their size can change with weight fluctuations. If you lose weight significantly, it can reduce fat volume in the buttocks, while if you gain weight, this can change your proportions by adding excess fat. Stay within a consistent and healthy weight range to preserve your results. (This is why reaching a stable body weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle before surgery is important.)
Learn More About the Brazilian Butt Lift in Orlando, FL
If you’re considering BBL surgery, it’s time to take this exciting first step with a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. F. Jorge Gonzalez is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience using advanced body contouring techniques. He and his team offer patients world-class care to help them achieve stunning results and the ultimate confidence.
Contact Le Contour Aesthetic Surgery today at (407) 447-1628 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your BBL consultation with Dr. Gonzalez.
