Medically reviewed by Dr Josiah Gana, FWACS, Chief Consultant Plastic Surgeon · Updated 16 July 2026
What is a brazilian butt lift?
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a fat transfer procedure that enhances the shape, projection, and contour of the buttocks using your own harvested fat rather than implants. Liposuction is performed on the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — areas that benefit from slimming — and the purified fat is injected into strategic zones of the buttocks for natural-looking fullness and a more defined waist-to-hip ratio.
At Soulplace Surgery, BBL is performed with rigorous attention to the safety protocols that have transformed outcomes in this procedure — specifically, fat is injected into the subcutaneous layer only, never into the muscle.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) reshapes the buttocks using your own fat — harvested by liposuction from areas of excess such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — and carefully transferred to add volume, shape, and projection. Because the tissue used is entirely your own, results look and feel completely natural, and the donor areas benefit from a simultaneous contouring effect.
Safety is paramount in BBL surgery. Dr. Gana adheres strictly to evidence-based protocols — including placing fat only in the subcutaneous layer, never intramuscularly. This approach optimises both safety and the long-term survival of transferred fat cells, consistently producing excellent, predictable results.
An initial reabsorption of 20–40% is expected in the first three months, which is accounted for at the time of transfer by slight overfilling. Fat that successfully integrates is permanent. Protecting the result during the critical first 6–8 weeks — by avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks — is the most important step in ensuring the best long-term outcome.
Areas treated
- Buttocks volume and projection
- Waist and flank contour
- Hip definition
- Donor site fat removal
Brazilian Butt Lift at a glance
- Duration
- 2-4 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Hospital Stay
- 1-2 nights
- Recovery
- 4-6 weeks
Times are typical. Your surgeon will give you a personal plan at consultation.
Is it right for you?
Likely a good fit if
- You have sufficient fat in donor areas (abdomen, flanks, or thighs) for harvesting
- You desire fuller, rounder buttocks with a more defined waist
- You are at or near your goal weight and have maintained it for at least 6 months
- You have good skin elasticity and realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking for 6 weeks before and after surgery
Not the right time 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
Your surgeon confirms suitability in person after an examination and pre-operative assessment.
Before & after
Soul Place Surgery patients. Individual results vary.
What to expect
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01 Rest & Positioning Days 1-7
Avoid sitting or lying directly on the buttocks. Use a BBL pillow when seated; sleep on your front or side.
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02 Careful Activity Weeks 2-4
Short, careful walks are introduced. Continue positioning precautions; swelling and bruising in the donor areas reduce.
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03 Gradual Return Weeks 4-8
Sitting restrictions ease. Light work and daily routines resume; strenuous activity and direct sitting await surgeon clearance.
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04 Final Shape Months 3-6
Transferred fat that has survived integrates fully. Final volume and projection become clear from around three to six months.
Your surgeons
Risks & safety
BBL has specific safety considerations including fat embolism risk when performed incorrectly. Our surgeons follow strict evidence-based protocols, injecting only into the subcutaneous layer to ensure patient safety.
Frequently asked questions
How much fat is retained after a BBL?
Typically 60–80% of transferred fat survives long-term. Dr. Gana slightly overfills at the time of transfer to account for natural reabsorption during the first few months.
Can I sit after BBL surgery?
You should avoid direct pressure on the buttocks for 4–6 weeks. A specialised BBL cushion allows you to sit safely during recovery without compromising fat survival in the treated area.
Are BBL results permanent?
Fat that successfully grafts becomes a permanent part of your body. Significant weight changes can alter the result over time, as surviving fat cells will expand or shrink with your overall body weight.
Is there an age limit for a BBL?
There is no strict upper age limit, but patients must be in good overall health and have sufficient donor fat. Younger patients generally have better skin elasticity for optimal results. Your surgeon will advise at consultation.
What is recovery like after a BBL?
The first 6–8 weeks focus on protecting the transferred fat by avoiding direct sitting. After that, most patients return to normal activities. Final shape settles at 3–6 months as the transferred fat fully integrates.
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