Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery Houston, TX

A Brazilian butt lift procedure (BBL) is a treatment that adds volume to the butt, making the buttocks appear rounder, fuller, and more youthful. The key to the surgery is that volume is added to the butt using the fat that was extracted from elsewhere on the body instead of inserting silicone implants into the buttocks. Fat is harvested from the patient’s body during this surgery using liposuction. The fat is then refined and used as a sculpting medium by injecting the fat into the buttock area to achieve the desired changes in size, shape, contour, or profile.

The fat harvested by liposuction can come from anywhere on the body — under the chin, arms, back, stomach, sides, love handles, and inner and outer thighs. The number of areas for liposuction depends on the amount of fat needed for the BBL surgery, where the patient has “pockets” or areas of excess fat, and where the patient desires body contouring.

Together, liposuction to these areas and the injection of fat to the buttocks create a more traditionally feminine contour and increase the contrast between the hip-to-waistline ratio. This is why many consider the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) to be a “two-for-one” surgery that gives patients an improved appearance to the buttocks and a shapelier body aesthetic overall.

Benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift

A BBL has several benefits for the patient. One of the main benefits of a BBL is that it provides a natural butt enhancement instead of using implants. By using natural fat tissue from your own body, it improves the contours of your body. Not only are you improving the buttocks, but you are also enhancing other areas that may have excess fat. The surgeon will choose which areas of your body to acquire the fat tissue based on where you would like to lose more weight.

Another benefit of BBL is that this procedure provides long-lasting results. The fat tissue doesn’t get absorbed by the body, which means you won’t lose the results down the road. As long as you maintain your weight and overall condition, you’ll continue to enjoy a rounder rear for years to come.

Each individual patient will have different goals when it comes to what they expect from a Brazilian butt lift surgery. Generally, surgery can completely transform the shape and appearance of the buttocks, contour the hips, and slim the waistline. Patients can expect a butt with more volume, improved symmetry, firmness, tightness, and much-improved shape. Due to the liposuction procedure to source the fat injections, patients will also enjoy the benefit of toning and slimming in those areas.

What Can a BBL Correct?

A Brazilian butt lift can correct a flat rear or sagging buttocks. This is often caused by aging or significant weight loss, but it can also be the result of hereditary influences. The BBL can also correct the issue of different proportions.

Some women are two different sizes, one for the upper half and one for the lower half. This can make shopping for clothing difficult. The BBL procedure can add volume to the buttocks and improve the way you look in jeans and other clothing.

The ideal candidate for a Brazilian butt lift in Houston is someone who is in good physical health and has enough fat on the body for liposuction. Skin elasticity should be in good condition with minimal sagging for optimal results.

If the BBL candidate is a smoker, they should stop smoking for 4–6 weeks before the surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of blood that gets to the new fat cells. Not smoking before the surgery can improve the results. It also lowers the risk of blood clots, infections, and other surgery complications. Ideally, the patient won’t start smoking for at least six weeks after the surgery.

BBL Candidates who are unhappy with their current size or shape but want a natural method of improving their buttocks will find the Brazilian butt lift a good choice. They should have reasonable expectations about how the procedure will change their shape and what will be experienced during recovery, such as sitting down after BBL surgery. Take a look at “before and after” photos to get an idea of how results will appear on different body types.

In order to make sure patients have proper expectations, they should discuss exactly what their goals are during their consultation with our team. Dr. Lapuerta is a trusted expert who excels in partnering with patients to reach their desired goals, helping to convey all necessary information in a friendly and relatable way.

Consultation Process

Before the surgery, you’ll meet with the doctor for a plastic surgery consultation. The doctor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate. They will discuss the procedure and recovery period, listing any restrictions or lifestyle changes they want you to make. During the initial consultation, an assessment of the body will be taken to determine the ideal location to perform liposuction in order to extract the necessary amount of fat. Multiple donor sites may be considered to help you get the results you want. Dr. Leo Lapuerta will answer questions you have about the procedure in a BBL consultation in the Houston office. He will also show before and after photos to help you know what to expect.

Preparation for Surgery

You’ll have a consultation with the surgeon prior to the surgery, where the doctor will explain what to expect during the surgery and recovery period. They will tell you to avoid alcohol and smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. The doctor may recommend that you stop taking certain medications or herbal supplements that could interfere with the surgery as part of the BBL pre-op instructions. You may also receive guidelines for lifestyle changes you need to make after the procedure, such as not lying on your back or sitting until the doctor releases you to normal activities. As you prepare for BBL surgery, you should continue to work to strengthen your gluteal muscles. If these muscles are stronger and tighter, the results will be enhanced.

How Long Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure Take?

A Brazilian butt lift is considered an outpatient procedure and is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. It can be helpful to have an overview of the BBL procedure details so you know what to expect and feel confident about the safety of the surgery. The entire surgery typically takes about 3–6 hours to complete depending on how many donor sites are used and how many layers it takes to achieve the desired fullness. 

Brazilian butt lift recovery is a straightforward process. Immediately after surgery, a compression garment will be used to help facilitate healing. The first few days of BBL recovery are the most difficult, and rest is critical. However, it’s also important to get up and move as you’re able to facilitate healing. Take care of the incisions to keep them clean and avoid infection. You’ll be given information on post-op care for a Brazilian butt lift, which you’ll want to follow closely. Patients will experience swelling and bruising in both the fat removal areas as well as on the buttocks, but these side effects are only temporary and should lessen with time. You may wonder when you’ll be able to sit down after a BBL without experiencing pain or preventing the fat from taking. For a few weeks after the procedure, patients may be asked to use a special cushion to better distribute pressure on the backside while sitting.

You may be concerned with how to sleep after BBL if you like to sleep on your back or often end up on your back during the night. Dr. Lapuerta recommends that patients stay off their buttocks and rest on their stomachs for 2–6 weeks to allow for optimal fat grafting in the butt. From Dr. Lapuerta’s extensive experience, the best results are obtained when patients are able to remain off of their buttocks for six weeks. Patients will find it difficult to sit and should avoid doing so at first but are encouraged to do so once the swelling has subsided. Even when swelling has gone down, it is still recommended to avoid direct pressure on the buttocks until it is completely healed.

While most patients are able to return to work and everyday life after 4–6 weeks, it will take about three full months for the body to recover and adjust to the new contour and shape.

Expected Results and Longevity

For many patients, the focus will be on the BBL results. They want to know how long a BBL lasts and what they can do to take care of their new look. One of the most important factors is maintaining a stable weight. By not fluctuating in weight, you’ll enjoy long-term results. Working out to strengthen the muscle underneath is also critical to helping you keep your new shape. The shape and volume of the buttocks will change for a few months after the surgery as the fat tissue moves into place. Not all the fat cells will take, which will reduce the initial size slightly. As the swelling goes down, you’ll have a better idea of what your buttocks look like.

How much is a BBL will vary depending on how many donor sites are used for liposuction to retrieve the necessary amount of fat. On average, this surgery will cost between $5,000- $12,000.

Once a treatment plan is agreed upon with your surgeon, all surgery options will be discussed. After this discussion, patients will be given an accurate quote that will include all fees for the surgery. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Lapuerta today for a confidential conversation to learn more and prepare.

Skinny BBLs: What is a Skinny BBL?

A “skinny” Brazilian Butt Lift is similar to a traditional BBL, in that it takes fat from elsewhere on the body, purifies it, and injects it into the buttocks to supplement the shape and size. The difference between a traditional and a skinny BBL is due to where the fat is taken from in the fat transfer surgery. For a skinny BBL, the procedure is usually performed on someone with a BMI less than 25. As a result, the surgeon may need to find sites other than the abdomen to get enough fat tissue for the BBL, such as the thighs, back, or trunk.

Skinny BBL Cost

As with the traditional BBL, the cost of the skinny BBL depends on how many sites are required to get enough fat for the liposuction part of the procedure. Dr. Lapuerta will discuss cost with you during your consultation once he determines your goals and where the fat can be transferred from.

How Long Does BBL Last?

A Brazilian butt lift can last for several years, but it can take up to six months before the full results are apparent. Changes in your body are naturally occurring due to aging. However, regular exercise will help keep muscles firm for longer-lasting results. The results of your BBL will last longer if you avoid any major weight fluctuations.

Why Choose Dr. Leo Lapuerta for BBL Surgery in Houston, TX?

When selecting a doctor for the BBL procedure, you want someone with Brazilian butt lift surgery experience. Incorrectly performed Brazilian butt lift surgery can put you at a higher risk for various side effects. Dr. Leo Lapuerta has more than 20 years of experience in procedures such as fat transfer surgery in Houston, TX. He is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a record of more than 20,000 procedures performed.

Contct us to schedule a Consultation to discuss your goals for BBL with Dr. Lapuerta. He will work with you to develop a personalized plan, determine the Brazilian butt lift surgery cost, and answer your questions, so you can enjoy the confidence that comes from having a body you love.

Schedule Your Consultation

You can learn more about how a Brazilian butt lift will improve the way you look and feel about your appearance when you schedule a BBL consultation. Dr. Lapuerta will discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have about the procedure. Contact us for a BBL in Houston and schedule your appointment today.