The Brazilian Butt Lift is an advanced form of fat grafting utilizing excess fat from other areas of the body, which act as donor sites. These sites most often include the abdomen, hips, back or thighs. During the buttock augmentation process, fat cells are removed from the donor sites with a gentle liposuction technique. Fat cells are then processed and prepared for fat transfer to the buttocks. Fat injections are placed into the different layers of the buttocks using small incisions and advanced technique to ensure a smooth, natural looking result.

Brazilian buttock augmentation is often preferred over its alternative — butt implants. Patients prefer the idea of using one’s own fat to add volume and shape to their rears. With the Brazilian butt lift, there is no chance of the body rejecting the fat cells. But the cells are sensitive and require careful and meticulous handling by an experienced buttocks augmentation surgeon. The fat must be placed strategically through tunnels in layers for smooth and natural result. Patients also enjoy the added benefit of body contouring that the liposuction of the donor site provides.

The Brazilian butt lift, usually performed under general anesthesia and requires between one and a half to two hours in the operating room.  An important consideration for buttock augmentation is the availability of donor sites. While fat is usually in abundance, some people may not have extra fat available. In this instance, fat transfer to the buttocks is not an option and the use of butt implants should be considered. The amount of fat transferred depends upon your individual aesthetic goals, and donor site availability. This will be discussed with Dr. Smiley during your consultation.

The Brazilian butt lift is well tolerated and requires minimal downtime. Discomfort is mild and is easily relived by prescribed pain medication. Unlike butt implants, after fat transfer to the buttocks, patients are able to sit soon after surgery. Compression garments are to be worn for 3-4 months after surgery to reduce swelling and ensure optimal results. Patients are able to return to exercise and normal activities after 2 weeks and usually return to work after 3-5 days.

When performing fat transfer to the buttocks it is important to be aware that some of the fat injected may be absorbed by the body within 6-8 weeks after surgery. Because of these findings, plastic surgeons specialized in the Brazilian butt lift will inject extra fat into the buttocks for a fuller affect initially. There is no way to predict the rate of absorption. In some cases, patients may require additional liposuction and fat transfer. Aside from absorption, occasionally a minor touch-up may be necessary to correct minor irregularities or asymmetry.

Other possible, but uncommon complications include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, and scarring.