In recent years, the derriere has become the focus of those wanting to improve the appearance of their bodies. People love a shapelier look; unfortunately, those lovely curves don’t always naturally. The good news is that body contouring procedures are available to improve the appearance of the buttocks, such as undergoing a BBL in Miami. You need to know what type of procedure is right for you. BBL vs Natural
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?
The traditional Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a type of butt augmentation that involves using a fat transfer procedure into the buttocks to enhance size and shape. Typically, the donated fat is taken from the patient’s thighs to be transferred into the buttocks for improved contours and fullness. Read more about differences between BBL vs Natural
Traditional BBL Benefits
- Immediate results
- Enhanced body symmetry
- Slimming effect in other parts of the body
- Increases the buttocks size and roundness
Best Candidates for traditional BBL
To qualify as a candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift, you need to be in general good health with no serious medical conditions. You should have a stable weight and have a good skin tone and texture around your buttocks and thighs.
Another important consideration regarding qualifying for a BBL is having sufficient fat stores to donate to your buttocks.
Consultation
To determine if you would make a good candidate for either a traditional BBL or a non-surgical procedure, you’ll need to meet with a plastic surgeon during a consultation. They will want to know your medical history and what medications, including nutritional supplements, you may be taking.
Your surgeon will also be interested to learn about your treatment goals. This will allow them to formulate an individualized plan just for you and your unique needs. They can also let you know if your expectations are realistic or not.
Traditional BBL Results
The results of a traditional BBL will last for years to come, possibly decades. To achieve the best results possible, avoid smoking, wear your compression garment, avoid sitting directly on your buttocks, and remain hydrated.
You should also closely follow all of the instructions provided to you by your plastic surgeon, including the use of any recommended medications.
BBL Procedure
You will first be administered anesthesia so that you remain unconscious and free of pain during your BBL. Most patients receive general anesthesia delivered intravenously.
Your surgeon will be removing fat from your donor area. Once they have cleaned the area that will be donating fat, they will form tiny incisions around the size of a grain of rice. Your surgeon will make their best effort to place your incisions, so they are not prominent. This allows for the insertion of a tube known as a cannula.
Next, your plastic surgeon will inject something called tumescent fluid into the area undergoing liposuction. This fluid contains lidocaine and epinephrine, which numbs the treatment area and constricts blood vessels to help minimize bleeding and bruising during your procedure.
Your surgeon will then vacuum the fat away from the donor area. The fat will be collected in a special container. They will then attach a cannula to the container, and insert the fat into the treatment area. Finally, your surgeon will seal your incisions using sutures.
BBL Recovery
Immediately after your procedure, you’ll be taken into a recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia. When you wake up, you’ll find that you’re wearing a compression garment and have bandages in place.
Once your anesthesia starts wearing off, you’ll experience some degree of pain and discomfort in the area of treatment. You may also notice some swelling, numbness, and minor bleeding. You’ll be provided with pain medications to help you become more comfortable.
Expect to be somewhat stiff and sore for a couple of weeks. Your compression garment and bandages will be changed at your first post-procedure visit.
Avoid sleeping or sitting down on your backside throughout your recovery period, particularly during the first three weeks, so the donated fat remains viable. You should also avoid stretching, smoking, squatting, and driving for at least three weeks. Your sutures will be removed from the liposuction area at your second post-procedure appointment.
BBL Cost
The average price of a BBL procedure is around $10,000. The cost of your procedure can be significantly lower or higher, depending upon factors like your geographic location and individual surgeon.
To learn the cost of your individual BBL, schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon of your choice.
Natural BBL
Some patients do not have the required amount of fat in the right places to undergo a traditional BBL. For these people, a non-surgical BBL may make an excellent alternative treatment.
One of the main disadvantages of the non-surgical BBL is that the results are not as dramatic as that of a traditional procedure. Some people may feel that the results of a conventional BBL appear unnatural, and sometimes this may be the case. It usually comes down to the plastic surgeon’s skill and the results you hope to achieve.
In most cases, those undergoing a non-surgical BBL are getting injected with polylactic acid, which works by stimulating the body’s production of collagen to add volume and fullness to the buttocks.
Non-Surgical BBL Cost
The average cost for a non-surgical BBL (using Sculptra injections) is around $4,000.
BBL vs Natural
Most people would say that the traditional BBL leads to better results than the non-surgical type, but non-surgical BBL procedures also have some advantages, such as treatment time. A non-surgical procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete and will not require anesthesia or downtime.
On the other hand, a traditional BBL procedure takes anywhere from three to four hours to complete, and the recovery period will take several months to achieve a full recovery. However, most people can return to work in about two weeks.
Both procedures offer long-lasting results, although the traditional form of BBL tends to last longer, possibly for decades. In contrast, a non-surgical BBL can provide results for up to seven years or more before the newly created collagen degrades.
