10 Myths About Buttock Augmentation Surgery

Big booties are big news, with a more voluptuous female figure back in vogue. The trend has led to an increased interest in buttock augmentation surgery.

Often referred to in the media as the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), there are many misconceptions about this procedure. Here, we endeavour to bust the myths and present the facts.

1) You have to have implants in your buttocks

While implants can be used, Brazilian butt lifts are more commonly carried out using only a patient’s own fat. Using liposuction, fat is removed from elsewhere on the body; usually the abdomen, love handles, back, or from the outer and inner thighs. The fat is transplanted into the buttocks in order to give them a fuller shape. Meanwhile, removing fat from around the outside of buttocks and from the waist gives the illusion of a more accentuated backside. As such, great results are achievable with no implants.


2) Thin women can’t have a BBL

Because Brazilian butt lifts are primarily carried out with fat, you might think lean women would be unable to have this surgery. However, in these cases, silicone implants can be used to supplement the lack of available fat. Even in thinner individuals, some donor fat can usually be found and this can be used to smooth over the implant and add shape. Furthermore, simply sculpting with liposuction around the buttocks can make your bottom appear bigger and give you a more desirable figure.




3) A buttock augmentation just gives you a bigger butt

Actually, butt lift surgery is about so much more than simply gaining a bigger bum. BBL aims to resculpt your entire silhouette, this includes your waist, hips and thighs, to achieve a classic hourglass figure. The changes should be visible from both the front and back. In addition to gaining volume in your buttocks, they will be reshaped to achieve the look you desire - whether that’s a curvier, peachier bum or one that appears to have a higher profile from the side. Issues with asymmetry can also be addressed.

On the plastic surgery review site realself.com, most people rate their buttock augmentation surgeries very highly. In fact, 88% of people give their butt augmentation surgeries a “worth it” rating.


4) Buttock augmentation is always a high risk surgery

You have probably seen negative stories in the press about Brazilian butt lift surgery. It can indeed be risky when carried out by inexperienced surgeons. This is because the fat must be very carefully transplanted to ensure it does not enter any veins, which could potentially lead to fat embolism (fat entering the heart and lungs, which could result in death). If a surgeon is not properly trained there is a risk they could inject the fat too deeply, consequently it is essential to choose a surgeon with a high level of skill in fat grafting. If carried out properly, risk of complication is low. Ocean Clinic’s Head Surgeon Dr. Kai Kaye has performed many buttock augmentations, is a specialist in fat transfer, and lectures on the topic to peers around the world.




5) Recovery from a butt lift is very painful and you can’t sit down

A BBL carried out with fat alone is in fact categorised as a minimally invasive procedure, since it can be performed with very tiny incisions. At Ocean Clinic Marbella we use water jet-assisted liposuction which is extremely gentle and reduces swelling and bruising. Pain and recovery time is minimal and you will be able to sit using the special pillow we provide (although long periods of sitting are to be avoided). You are likely to feel fatigued for a few days but after that you will be able to return to work (unless you have a very physical job). Buttock augmentation with implants is more invasive and has a longer recovery time, with at least two weeks off work required.


6) You’ll ruin your results if you gain/lose weight

Some people are deterred from getting a Brazilian butt lift because they feel the results will be temporary and will be easily lost should you gain or lose weight. Actually, once additional fat cells have been transplanted to your bottom, that’s where they will remain. These fat cells can increase or decrease in size according to your diet and exercise but they won’t disappear. One of the great things about a butt lift with fat transfer is that the fat in your backside behaves normally. It means that your buttocks will grow or decrease consistent with changes in your overall body weight, keeping you in proportion.



7) Having liposuction will make your skin sag

Patients often worry that removing fat from one part of their body to transfer to their buttocks will leave them with sagging skin. However, the amount of fat taken from any one location is not usually enough to leave loose skin. Fat will often be taken from multiple sites across the body via tiny incisions, so the fat loss is very even. The skin in these areas will snap back into place during the recovery process, over the following few weeks. If you have lost a fair amount of elasticity in a certain area, such as your tummy following pregnancy, your surgeon will advise not to have liposuction there. Alternatively, you might want to consider combining your BBL with another procedure like a tummy tuck.


8) A BBL will always look fake

Surgeons work with their patients to achieve the result they desire; some women want a natural look, while others favour a more extreme contrast. A very authentic appearance can be achieved by solely using a patient’s own fat, since it behaves with a natural jiggle. Furthermore, it will not only look real, it will feel real. However, to obtain the best looking results, it remains important to select a skilful surgeon in order to avoid unwanted side effects such as as lumps, bumps and asymmetry.

9) Buttock augmentation is just for celebrities

While BBL is a current favourite with celebrities, the procedure’s popularity goes way beyond the rich and famous. Last year in the USA, more than 20,000 people had a buttock augmentation with fat grafting - 10% up on the previous year (according to ASPS figures). A further 6,000 had a different buttock procedure (such as implants). These figures show that buttock augmentation is now more mainstream than treatments such as hair transplants, thigh lifts and upper arm lifts.

10) BBL is a very high cost procedure
Because of their association with celebrities, people often think Brazilian butt lifts must be extremely expensive, however, the surgery actually costs around the same as a breast augmentation. The exact cost will depend on the scope and complexity of your procedure as well as the skill and experience of your chosen surgeon. It goes without saying that you should get the best you can afford and don’t be tempted to go for cut price surgery abroad where clinical standards may be lower.  

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift? Book a consultation on 951 775 518.