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Dr. Joseph T. Cruise, one of the top Orange County plastic surgeons, specializes in cosmetic procedures for the body and face. This section has been created by Joseph T Cruise, MD to educate and inform patients considering Brazilian butt lift surgery.
The demand for buttock augmentation in Orange County and the U.S. is on the rise with more women seeking a shapely, perky behind. The Brazilian butt lift (a.k.a. BBL) is also a complimentary procedure to a tummy tuck or liposuction of the abdomen, hips and/or thighs.
Buttock augmentation is ideal for women who want to improve upon what they already have or for those who are experiencing loss of volume, shape, sagging and poor skin quality due to weight fluctuation or aging. When diet and exercise are unable to provide the results a woman wants, the Brazilian butt lift may be the ideal solution. By reading through the information Joseph T Cruise, MD has provided in this section, patients will gain a better understanding about buttock augmentation surgery, as well have the opportunity to view before and after photos to see patient’s Brazilian butt lift results.See the topics below related to Brazilian butt lift:
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A Brazilian Butt Lift (also known as buttock augmentation) is a procedure involving the removal of fat from one or more areas on the body and repurposing it by placing it into the buttocks to improve volume, contour and the skin’s appearance. It is frequently combined with a tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen and hips.
In an area like Orange County, having an attractive booty is certainly one of the more desirable assets (no pun intended). It’s a sign of youth and being physically fit, not to mention it adds a bit of sexiness. Unfortunately, age, weight loss or continual weight fluctuation, and heredity can keep someone from having the attractive backside they desire. There are typically three types of Orange County Brazilian butt lift patients. The first is the 20-30 year old who wants to add volume for a more dramatic backside. The second is the older patient who no longer has a full, perky butt like they once had, rather a saggy, shapeless backside often times with noticeable cellulite. The third is the person who has experienced significant weight loss or ongoing weight fluctuation.
Orange County Brazilian butt lift surgery can be performed by removing fat from one or more areas of the body and placing it into the buttocks or by using silicone butt implants. The most popular procedure, and the one exclusively performed by Joseph T Cruise, MD, is the Brazilian butt lift by way of fat transfer. He prefers this method because fat transfer not only adds volume, lifts and improves shape, but also improves overall skin quality by reducing the visibility of cellulite. In addition, there are fewer risks, less recovery time, and no significant incisions. While butt implants can be the right solution for some women, especially those who don’t have enough body fat to transfer to the buttocks, they are not ideal in most situations due to the complications and risks, need for incisions, and the difficult healing process. As with all cosmetic procedures, it is recommended you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County, who specializes in Brazilian butt lift surgery, to determine if you are a candidate.
Orange County Brazilian butt lift surgery can be performed by removing fat from one or more areas of the body and placing it into the buttocks or by using silicone butt implants. The most popular procedure, and the one exclusively performed by Joseph T Cruise, MD, is the Brazilian butt lift by way of fat transfer. He prefers this method because fat transfer not only adds volume, lifts and improves shape, but also improves overall skin quality by reducing the visibility of cellulite. In addition, there are fewer risks, less recovery time, and no significant incisions. While butt implants can be the right solution for some women, especially those who don’t have enough body fat to transfer to the buttocks, they are not ideal in most situations due to the complications and risks, need for incisions, and the difficult healing process. As with all cosmetic procedures, it is recommended you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County, who specializes in Brazilian butt lift surgery, to determine if you are a candidate.
A Brazilian Butt Lift is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Cruise begins with liposuction to harvest fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back. This fat is then carefully purified to separate the healthiest fat cells for transfer.
Using small, hidden incisions, Dr. Cruise injects the processed fat into specific layers of the buttocks to achieve lift, projection, and smooth, natural contours. His goal is to place fat in a way that complements your frame, rather than overfilling or creating an exaggerated result. The surgery typically takes 2–3 hours depending on the amount of fat removed and the areas treated.
For Joseph T Cruise, MD the most important aspect of the Brazilian butt lift is finding out what a patient wants to achieve by having the procedure. Butt augmentation with fat transfer is excellent for those wanting to improve the overall shape and appearance of their buttocks.
This can be done by increasing the size, lifting, enhancing the contour, correcting imbalances, improving firmness, and reducing the visibility of cellulite. It is not ideal for a very thin person who doesn’t have enough body fat to use in the fat transfer process.
The BBL can also be excellent for those considering body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, because rather than discarding the fat, it can be repurposed by injecting it into the buttocks. The Brazilian butt lift will also enhance the overall results by providing a 360 degree improvement (front to back).
In most cases a minimum of 400 cc’s of fat is needed for each butt cheek. This equates to approximately 2 cups per cheek or 1/4 of a 2-liter bottle of soda. The amount needed does fluctuate depending on the desired result. For a voluptuous J Lo backside, more fat may be required, and for those wanting a more subtle, natural-looking result, less may be needed.
Patients seeking rejuvenation of their backside have reported a number of benefits from their Brazilian butt lift including:
When working out to improve your backside just isn’t providing the results you want, a Brazilian butt lift in Orange County may be just the answer. Joseph T Cruise, MD’s butt augmentation with fat transfer can contour your backside creating a sexy, curvy shape that is worthy of showing off at any beach in Southern California.
People ranging in age between their 20's-30's can be candidates for Brazilian butt lift surgery. They may not have issues with sagging, loss of volume, or poor skin quality, however they may want to improve upon what they already have. Younger patients usually desire a more dramatic voluptuous shape.
Women in their 40s and older who are experiencing volume loss, sagging, lack of firmness, and visible cellulite make ideal candidates for buttock augmentation with fat transfer. These patients usually desire a more natural rejuvenated result compared to the dramatic look the young patients request.
There are also people who have experienced significant weight loss or continual weight fluctuation who may have similar issues as the aging patient. They could also be a good candidate for a BBL with fat transfer.
In situations where someone is having a tummy tuck or liposuction to improve the appearance of their body, Joseph T Cruise, MD will evaluate the patient for a BBL and may make a recommendation to consider having it done at the same time. This enables Joseph T Cruise, MD to utilize the unwanted fat for the benefit of enhancing the patient’s overall result. With all scenarios listed above, the person must ultimately have enough fat on their body to transplant into their buttocks. Without enough fat the procedure may not be possible or the result may be compromised.
Recovery from a BBL involves protecting the newly transferred fat cells while they establish a blood supply.
Patients must avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for at least 2 to 3 weeks, using special cushions when sitting is unavoidable. Swelling and bruising are expected initially, but most patients are able to resume light activities within 7-10 days. Compression garments help reduce swelling and support optimal healing.
Recovering After BBL Surgery
"80% of your results come from surgery, 20% from aftercare"
Initial improvements can be seen immediately after surgery, although swelling may obscure the final shape for several weeks.
True results typically emerge between 3 and 6 months as swelling resolves and the fat cells stabilize. The results of a BBL can be long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their enhanced contours for many years. Maintaining a stable weight is crucial, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the longevity of the results.
Dr. Joseph Cruise’s meticulous approach to body contouring ensures that every Brazilian butt lift is thoughtfully tailored to the patient’s body type and aesthetic goals. At Cruise Plastic Surgery, the focus is on achieving elegant, proportionate enhancements that feel authentically you — not overdone or unnatural. With Dr. Cruise’s commitment to safety, artistry, and natural-looking beauty, you can trust your journey to refined curves is in expert hands.
Yes, many patients combine a BBL with liposuction of multiple areas, a tummy tuck, or breast surgery for comprehensive body contouring results.
Significant weight loss after a BBL can affect the transferred fat and alter the results. It’s best to maintain a stable weight after surgery.
During a BBL, excess fat is removed via liposuction from areas where it is present. The fat is then purified and injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, more contoured appearance.
Not all transferred fat will survive; typically, about 60-80% of the fat will integrate permanently. Dr. Cruise’s technique focuses on maximizing fat survival for lasting results.
The Brazilian butt lift is a safe buttock augmentation procedure when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, it comes with risks that will be discussed during your consultation.
Sitting directly on your buttocks should be avoided for at least two weeks post-procedure. Special cushions and techniques can be used to minimize pressure during recovery.
A Brazilian butt lift can generally cost between $8,500 and $12,500, which includes factors like surgeon's fees, facilities, appointments, and recovery materials. You'll receive a full estimate of your Brazilian butt lift cost during your consultation with Dr. Cruise.
