How is a BBL Performed?

The Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, remains a popular procedure in Orange County, California.  Dr. Cruise commonly receives requests for BBL consultations from patients who wish to achieve a more dramatic hourglass shape with rounder, lifted buttocks complemented by a slim, toned waist. Rather than using implants, a Brazilian Butt Lift uses fat transfer for a natural-looking and long-lasting result. Before you schedule your consultation, here are some things you should understand about the Brazilian Butt Lift.

The BBL Procedure

The Brazilian Butt Lift is performed under general anesthesia using a fat transfer technique. The first step of the BBL is to remove fat from areas such as the stomach, thighs, hips, or back using liposuction. Liposuction requires very small incisions to insert a cannula into the treatment area, which results in minimal scarring. Once the fat is removed, it is purified and prepared for the transfer. The fat will then be strategically injected into the buttocks to create the desired shape. With these steps complete, Dr. Cruise will close all incisions with minimal sutures and place a compression garment onto the treated areas. Drains are likely to be used for the liposuction portion of the procedure. 

Three Types of BBL Candidates

Dr. Cruise’s BBL patients typically fall within three categories.

The first common type of BBL candidate is a 20–30-year-old patient who wishes to enhance their natural shape. These patients are looking for added volume in the buttocks and a more enhanced hourglass shape.

The next type of BBL candidate is 40+ years old and experiencing sagging or cellulite due to collagen loss and the natural aging process. A BBL can help achieve a more youthful shape while reducing the appearance of cellulite and providing smoother skin.

Finally, patients who have lost weight or faced weight fluctuation commonly seek a BBL. These patients may see sagging or unwanted volume loss as a result of their weight loss. Most people in this category wish to restore their buttocks versus enhancing their backside for a more dramatic look. 

Regardless of the reason for seeking a BBL, patients should be generally healthy overall before pursuing surgery. This includes being at a healthy and stable weight. In addition, BBL candidates must have an adequate amount of donor fat to complete the procedure.  

What to Expect After Your BBL

After your BBL, Dr. Cruise will prescribe pain medication and give you detailed instructions to follow with one of the most important being to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks. Most patients feel comfortable enough to stop taking prescription pain medication within about 48 hours after their BBL. Swelling can be expected for several weeks after the procedure. It is also important to avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks. For most patients, final BBL results can be seen about six weeks after the procedure. Dr. Cruise will monitor your healing progress in post-operative appointments.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Brazilian butt lifts in Newport Beach, CA, call our office at (949) 446-1421 or contact us online. For out-of-town patients, virtual fast track consultations with Dr. Cruise are also available.