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by Dr. Josiah Gana — Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Maitama Abuja

BBL in Abuja

BBL reshapes the body by using liposuction and carefully planned fat transfer to improve selected buttock and hip contours.

About This Procedure

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a body-contouring procedure that uses your own fat to enhance the shape and projection of the buttocks and hips. Liposuction first removes fat from donor areas — typically the waist, lower back, abdomen, or flanks — and the purified fat is carefully transferred to create improved curves and a more defined waist-to-hip ratio.

BBL at SoulPlace Surgery is performed with a strong emphasis on safety. Dr. Josiah Gana follows current international guidelines for fat injection technique, patient selection, and volume limits. Fat is placed in the subcutaneous layer only — never intramuscularly — which significantly reduces the risk of fat embolism, the most serious complication associated with this procedure.

Results depend on individual anatomy, donor fat volume, and how well the transferred fat integrates. Typically, 40–70% of transferred volume survives long-term. Patients are counselled on realistic expectations and the importance of strict recovery positioning, which is essential for graft survival in the first six to eight weeks.

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) uses your own fat to add volume, shape, and projection to the buttocks — producing results that look and feel completely natural because the tissue used is your own. The procedure begins with liposuction to harvest fat from donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, simultaneously improving their contour. The fat is then purified and carefully transferred to the buttocks in precise, layered parcels. Technique and safety are critical in BBL surgery. Dr. Gana follows current evidence-based safety protocols strictly — including avoiding intramuscular fat injection, which is the primary cause of the rare but serious complications historically associated with the procedure. Fat is placed only in the subcutaneous layer, where integration and long-term survival are optimised. Typically 60–80% of transferred fat integrates permanently. The remaining percentage is reabsorbed naturally during the first three months, which Dr. Gana accounts for by slightly overfilling at the time of transfer. Protecting the transferred fat during the first 6–8 weeks — primarily by avoiding direct sitting pressure — is the single most important factor in maximising your long-term result.

Candidacy

Are You a Good Candidate?

Our surgeons assess each patient individually. You may be a good candidate if you:

Good candidate if…
  • Sufficient donor fat for transfer
  • Good overall health
  • Understands BBL-specific safety and recovery guidance
  • Realistic expectation about fat survival
  • Able to avoid pressure on the buttocks during early recovery
May not be right if…
  • Insufficient donor fat for transfer
  • Active or recent smoker
  • BMI outside safe surgical range
  • Significant uncontrolled health conditions
  • Unable to avoid sitting directly for 6-8 weeks post-op

Results

Before & After

All images published with full patient consent. Individual results vary.

SoulPlace

Suitability

Is This Procedure Suitable for Me?

  • Waist
  • Lower back
  • Abdomen
  • Flanks
  • Buttocks and hips

Dr. Gana conducts a thorough assessment at your consultation to confirm suitability and recommend the best approach for your anatomy and goals.

Investment

Quick Facts & Cost Overview

2-4 hoursDuration
GeneralAnaesthesia
1-2 nightsHospital Stay
4-6 weeksRecovery
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Consider Your Options

Alternative Treatment Options

Not sure if this procedure is right for you? Our surgeons will discuss all available options during your consultation — including non-surgical alternatives and combination approaches tailored to your goals.

Discuss Your Options

Your Surgeon

Meet Our Consultant

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5.0
AVERAGE RATING

Verified patient reviews — SoulPlace Surgery Abuja

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Recovery

Recovery After Your Procedure

01
Days 1-7
Rest & Positioning

Avoid all direct pressure on the buttocks. Sleep face-down or on your side; when seated, use a BBL pillow under the thighs to transfer pressure away from the buttock. Compression garment worn over donor areas. Take prescribed medication and attend all post-op check-ins without fail.

02
Weeks 2-4
Careful Activity

Short, careful walks are encouraged to support circulation. Continue BBL positioning precautions strictly — this is critical for fat graft survival. Bruising and swelling at donor liposuction sites reduce noticeably. Any drains are typically removed during this period.

03
Weeks 4-8
Gradual Return

Sitting restrictions gradually ease from around week 6 with surgeon approval. Return to desk work using a BBL cushion. Strenuous activity, gym, and running remain restricted until formally cleared. The transferred fat that has survived begins to feel more natural.

04
Months 3-6
Final Shape

Transferred fat that survived the initial engraftment period integrates permanently. Final volume and projection are visible at 3–6 months. Any touch-up sessions, if needed, can be discussed with Dr. Gana at the six-month review appointment.

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Safety & Scarring

Risks, Safety & What to Expect

A Brazilian Butt Lift carries a higher risk profile than most elective cosmetic procedures. The most serious risk is fat embolism — a rare but potentially life-threatening event that can occur if injected fat enters a blood vessel. At SoulPlace Surgery, this risk is minimised through subcutaneous-only fat placement technique, controlled injection volumes, and rigorous patient selection. Additional risks include seroma, infection, wound healing issues at incision sites, asymmetry, variable fat graft take (30–70% fat survival is normal and expected), contour irregularity at donor liposuction sites, and standard anaesthetic risks. Patients who do not have sufficient donor fat, or who cannot comply with strict post-operative positioning requirements for 6–8 weeks, are not considered suitable candidates.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a BBL permanent?

The fat cells that survive the transfer are permanent. Typically 60–70% of transferred fat cells take hold and remain long-term. Significant weight changes after surgery can alter the result, as surviving fat cells expand or shrink with your body weight.

How long must I avoid sitting after a BBL?

Direct pressure on the buttocks must be avoided for 6–8 weeks. A specialised BBL pillow is used for any necessary sitting during this period. Protecting the transferred fat during this phase is critical for long-term results.

Can I get a BBL if I am slim?

There must be sufficient donor fat available to transfer. Very slim patients may not have enough donor fat for a meaningful augmentation. Your surgeon will assess donor sites at consultation and advise honestly about what is achievable.

Is a BBL safe?

When performed by a trained and experienced surgeon following current safety protocols — including strictly avoiding intramuscular fat injection — BBL is a safe and effective procedure with predictable outcomes.

What is recovery like compared to implant augmentation?

A BBL avoids the risks associated with implants such as capsular contracture or displacement. Recovery mainly involves protecting the transferred fat by avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks for 6–8 weeks.

Why Us

Get to Know the
SoulPlace Difference

🎓

Board Certified

FWACS-certified — the highest surgical qualification in West Africa. Your safety is non-negotiable.

🌍

International Training

Fellowship-qualified in the UK and West Africa — bringing global techniques to Abuja.

🏥

Private Facility

Fully equipped, dedicated surgical centre in Maitama — designed for privacy and outstanding outcomes.

500+ Procedures

An extensive track record of successful plastic surgery with results that speak through our gallery.

Take the First Step

A More Confident You

Book your private consultation with Dr. Josiah Gana — receive a personalised assessment, treatment plan, and all-inclusive quote with no pressure and no obligation.

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