Brazilian Butt-Lift (Gluteoplasty):

Overview:

A Brazilian butt lift is a specialized fat transfer procedure that augments the size and shape of the buttocks without implants. Excess fat is removed from the hips, abdomen, lower back, or thighs with liposuction, and a portion of this fat is then strategically injected into the buttocks.

Who is a good candidate for Brazilian Butt-Lift?

A Brazilian butt lift can be a great option to improve the shape and size of the buttocks; however, certain patients are better suited to the procedure, and it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery, recovery, and results. In general, you are likely a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you agree with the following:

• You want a buttock augmentation without implants
• You have good skin tone in the hips and buttocks
• You have adequate fat stores in other areas to harvest for injection into the buttocks
• You are willing and able to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks

Despite its name, a Brazilian butt lift is not a traditional “lifting” procedure—it does not address loose skin on the buttocks. If you are bothered by excess, sagging skin on the buttocks or thighs, thigh & buttock lift surgery may be a more suitable option.

Brazilian butt-lift surgery benefits:

Unlike other forms of buttock surgery, such as placement of silicone buttock implants, a Brazilian butt lift is touted for providing more natural-looking results while also creating more roundness in your backside.

It can also help address certain issues, such as the sagging and shapelessness that sometimes occur with age.

You might also consider the procedure if you’re bothered by figure imbalances that make it difficult to wear clothing comfortably.

Another benefit to Brazilian butt lifts is that there is a lower risk of infection compared to silicone buttock implants. It does have a better safety profile than other substances, such as silicone caulking and sealants that are sometimes illegally injected into buttocks by people not qualified to perform the procedure.

Despite these advantages, there are some serious side effects to consider.

Procedures:

• A Brazilian butt lift consists of fat grafting that is notable for its natural-looking results. The procedure involves the following steps:
• The procedure is usually performed under anesthesia, but in procedures where a smaller volume of fat is transferred, it may be done with only local anesthesia (numbing medication). You may ask for an anti-nausea medication beforehand, especially if anesthesia makes you sick.
• Your surgeon then uses liposuction to remove fat from other areas of your body, such as your hips, stomach, and thighs. Liposuction itself involves making incisions in the skin, and then using a tube to remove fat from the body.
• The fat stores that have just been removed from your body are purified and readied for injection into your buttocks.
• Your surgeon finishes by injecting the processed fat into specific areas of the buttocks to create a more rounded, full look. They make three to five incisions around the buttocks for fat transfers.
• Both liposuction and fat transfer incisions are closed up with stitches. Your surgeon then applies a compression garment against the affected areas of skin to minimize your risk of bleeding.

Preparation and Recovery:

Preparation:

You may be asked to:

• Get a blood test
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
• Stop taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine

Brazilian Butt Surgery, should be performed in an accredited outpatient or ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. This is for your safety.

Recovery:

Having an operation on the buttocks requires some special modifications during recovery. While pain is typically minimal and easily controlled through pain medication, you will not be allowed to sit or lie directly on your buttocks for about 2 weeks after a Brazilian butt lift.

During this time, you will need to sleep on your stomach or side, and either lie this way or stand for all activity except using the toilet. When you are ready, your cosmetic surgeon will allow you to sit in a modified position, using a “donut” seat or placing a pillow under your thighs to avoid pressure on the buttocks. Normal sitting activity is typically allowed after 8 weeks or so.

Given you follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions, you should be able to resume light daily activities within 1 week after surgery and return to work within 10 to 14 days.

You can help ensure a positive outcome by making sure your weight doesn’t fluctuate.

Further information:

Brazilian butt lift vs. Sculptra butt lift, silicone implants, and liposuction

Butt augmentations are on the rise, but this doesn’t mean your choices stop at the Brazilian butt lift. Consider discussing the following options with your provider:

• Sculptra butt lift:

• Sculptra is a type of dermal filler used to plump up the skin due to natural losses of volume with age. The filler is most often used for facial wrinkles, but may be considered for use along with a Brazilian butt lift for maximum volume. Use of Sculptra in the buttocks is considered off-label use by the FDA.

• Silicone butt implants:

• As the name suggests, this procedure involves the use of silicone implants placed in your buttocks. It’s much more invasive than the Brazilian butt lift, although sometimes the two procedures are used together. Silicone implants carry the long-term risk of displacement, so you will likely need to get the surgery done again at some point in the future.

• Liposuction:

• If you have excess fat stores in the gluteal area, sometimes a surgeon will recommend removing them as a way to create more roundness. This procedure focuses on fat removal only, not the transfer of fat used in a Brazilian butt lift.

Risks and Complications:

A Brazilian butt lift may carry fewer risks compared to other surgeries, such as silicone buttock implants. Still, as with any surgery, this procedure carries the risk of side effects — some very serious. These include:

• infection
• scarring
• pain
• lumps under the skin in the areas suctioned or injected
• loss of skin in the treated areas due to deep infection
• fat embolism in the heart or lungs, which can be deadly

Current reports show a fatality rate of 1 in 3000 as a result of Brazilian butt lifts. When the procedure is performed incorrectly, injected fat can enter the large veins in the buttocks, and then travel to the lungs. This causes respiratory distress and ultimately death.

Another known side effect is the failure of your buttocks to take up the grafted fat stores. A certain amount of the fat injected is broken down and absorbed by the body. Sometimes you may need additional one or two procedures.

To help minimize this risk, your surgeon may insert extra fat the first time around.

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