Brazilian Butt Lift Explained with Dr. Feras Yamin

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

It's called the Brazilian Butt Lift because it was popularized by Brazilian surgeons. This surgery mainly focuses on enhancing the volume of, and shaping, the buttocks area. Though it can be done with multiple approaches, it is mainly grafting fat to the buttocks area, sometimes using implants or injectables.

How Long Does It Last?

If the surgeon uses fat grafting, which is your own fat that has been removed then reinjected, the lift will be permanent. You will lose a little volume after the swelling goes down in recovery, but whatever remains will be permanent. If you're using injectables, such as fillers, depending on the type of filler, the most time you can expect to maintain the volume is about two years, and some are less than that.

Is This a Painful Procedure? What is Recovery Like?

You can expect some discomfort if you're doing liposuction combined with fat grafting to the buttocks for about five to seven days. By the second week, most patients feel their pain is controlled. If you are doing filler injections, an in-office procedure, the discomfort should only last for one or two days. If you are having an implant placement, the discomfort may last longer. For any of these procedures, it's important to rest, to make sure that the fat that was grafted in the buttocks area survives; any pressure or any extreme movement might compromise the survival of the fat.

What is the Cost of a BBL?

The cost of BBLs can range between $15,000 to $20,000. But it also depends on how extensive the procedure needs to be. Some people have good volume and projection. Other factors that can affect the price are how many “hip dips" on the buttocks that require fat grafting, and how many areas of liposuction the customer wants.

Are There Nonsurgical Options for BBL?

If you don't want a surgical procedure or you don't have the fat resources to add augmentation, then you can use fillers. Most of these fillers go away within six to eight months, at the longest, ten months. If you're using a stimulatory filler, which stimulates your body to create its own collagen so it can last longer, you may get two to five years, but it's definitely not permanent.

What Is the Average Cost of BBL Injectable Treatments?

The cost depends on how much you're injecting. One syringe of hyaluronic acid filler will cost around $1,000. Sculptra® may cost around $1,500 to $2,000 per syringe, but you won't be able to achieve a result with only one injection or one session. So, for a bigger result, you'll need multiple injections.

Can a BBL Be Done with Implants?

Yes. If you don't want the fat grafting or you don't have the resources for the fat grafting, you can use implants. Though these implants are made of silicone, like breast implants, they are more solid and more cohesive than breast implants. Typically, they are placed under the gluteus muscle to give the shape and projection. However, using your own natural fat can allow for better sculpting and molding, which results in a better shape. Using natural fat also allows patients the benefit of the high definition liposuction.

What Are the Risks of Using Implants?

Some of the risks include hematomas or infection, which are lower when you're using your natural fat in the process of fat grafting. The recovery from an implant procedure is a little bit longer because you are lifting the muscle and inserting a foreign body underneath the gluteus muscles. So, there will be some pain and movement restriction.

CareCredit Financing for a Brazilian Butt Lift

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for Brazilian Butt Lifts and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Feras Yamin is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Beverly Hills, California. He graduated from medical school at Baghdad University and studied wound healing and scar management techniques at Stanford University. Dr. Yamin served as Chief Resident at Stony Brook University Hospital and Nassau University Medical Center. He attended Loma Linda University and then Texas Tech University to continue his education and complete his medical training in General Surgery.

He has been practicing medicine for 12 years and specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, breasts and body. Dr. Yamin enjoys watching and playing soccer, swimming, surfing and scuba diving, but his favorite activity is spending time with his family.

Author Bio

Jordan Rosenfeld has been freelance writing for 21 years about finances, health, education and more, and is the author of 9 books. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Billfold, GoBanking Rates, Daily Worth, Quartz, Medical Economics, The New York Times, Paypal, The Washington Post and more.