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Solutions By Dr. Brady Harris Let's Talk Butt Lifts

You can’t see your own behind without the aid of a mirror, but everyone else can see it just fine. If you feel there is something less than “just fine” about the size, shape, or overall proportions of your buttocks, you may want to consider giving your glutes a makeover with a Brazilian Buttock Lift, often referred to simply as a BBL.

Buttock augmentation is in high demand, and Brazilian Butt Lift is the procedure of choice for 95% of patients. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of Brazilian Butt Lift procedures performed in the US more than doubled. In 2020, despite numbers being down due to COVID-19, nearly 22,000 Americans underwent this procedure.

Despite the name, a Brazilian Buttock Lift does not actually lift a sagging backside. That requires a different type of surgery. Rather, this procedure gives the impression of greater “lift” by creating fuller, rounder proportions and contours using autologous fat transfer. Brazilian Butt Lift can be an ideal cosmetic procedure to make naturally flat buttocks shapelier or to enlarge or reshape what’s already there.

Among patient reviewers on RealSelf, 85% say their BBL was worth it! But is it the right choice for you? Genetics, significant weight loss and aging can affect the size, shape and firmness of your buttocks. And with so much hype about the BBL on social media and even in the news, it is vital to get the facts before you decide to modify your own butt. Read on to learn all about the Brazilian Buttock Lift.

Customizing Your Butt Augmentation

At Image Surgical Arts, every BBL in Nashville is tailored to meet the individual goals and body type of each patient. Dr. Harris believes in a personalized approach to ensure that the results not only enhance the buttocks but also complement the overall body shape and proportion.

  • Consultation and Planning: The process begins with a thorough consultation, where Dr. Harris discusses your aesthetic goals, assesses your body structure, and explains the possible outcomes. During this phase, you can express your desired look, and Dr. Harris will provide guidance on what can realistically be achieved.
  • Technique Customization: Depending on your body type and desired results, Dr. Harris may recommend various techniques. These could include varying the amount of fat transferred, altering the areas of fat removal for contouring purposes, or adjusting the injection sites to optimally shape and lift the buttocks.
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Safety of BBL

The safety of patients during Brazilian Butt Lift procedures is a primary concern at Image Surgical Arts. Dr. Harris enhances the safety of BBL with several advanced practices:

Advanced Fat Processing Techniques

By using state-of-the-art technology to purify the fat before reinjection, Dr. Harris ensures that only the highest quality fat cells are used, reducing the risk of complications and improving the longevity of the results.

Precise Fat Injection Method

Dr. Harris utilizes specialized techniques to inject fat at the correct depth and location, significantly reducing the risk of fat entering the bloodstream, a rare but serious complication associated with BBL.

Continuous Training and Education

Dr. Harris participates in ongoing education to stay updated with the latest safety protocols and surgical advancements. His commitment to safety is reflected in his meticulous surgical techniques and the low complication rates at our facility.

Comprehensive Patient Monitoring

Patients are closely monitored from the initial consultation through post-operative care. This vigilant approach ensures that any signs of complications are identified and addressed early.

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Enhancing Results with Complementary Procedures

To maximize the aesthetic outcome of a BBL, patients may opt for complementary procedures such as thigh lifts or abdominal liposuction. These procedures can enhance the silhouette created by a BBL, leading to a more dramatic transformation and harmonious body contour.

  • Thigh Lifts: Thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, which enhances the overall shape and tone of the legs, providing a more balanced look with the newly augmented buttocks.
  • Abdominal Liposuction: Removing excess fat from the abdomen and waist can accentuate the curvature and prominence of the buttocks, creating a more defined waist-to-hip ratio that is often desired in BBL procedures.

Pros and Cons of Butt Augmentation

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Advantages:

  • Uses your own body fat, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
  • Offers natural-looking and feeling results.
  • Can improve the contour of both the donor and recipient areas.
  • Less risk of complications compared to implants.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires sufficient body fat for harvesting.
  • There is a possibility of fat reabsorption, leading to less dramatic results over time.
  • Recovery can be more extensive due to areas of liposuction.

Butt Implants

Advantages:

  • Provides a significant and permanent increase in buttock size.
  • Good option for very lean patients who lack enough fat for a BBL.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher risk of complications, such as infection or implant displacement.
  • Implants may feel less natural than body fat.
  • Edges of the implants may be visible or palpable, especially in very lean patients.

Sculptra Butt Augmentation

Advantages:

  • Non-surgical and minimally invasive with little to no downtime.
  • Gradual increase in volume, which may seem more natural as it progresses.
  • No need for donor fat, suitable for very lean patients.

Disadvantages:

  • Multiple treatments are needed to achieve the desired results.
  • More temporary, lasting about 2 to 3 years as the body naturally breaks down the material.
  • Results are less dramatic compared to BBL or implants.
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Brazilian Butt Lift Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a fat transfer procedure that enhances the shape and size of the buttocks using your body’s own fat. Fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen, lower back, hips, or thighs using liposuction, purified, and strategically injected into the buttocks to improve projection, fullness, and contour. Many patients appreciate that this approach combines fat reduction and buttock enhancement into a single procedure.

What are the benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

BBL offers a natural alternative to implants by using your own fat for augmentation. Benefits may include enhanced buttock projection and fullness, smoother body contours in liposuction areas, minimal scarring, and long-lasting results when maintaining a stable weight.

  • Uses your own fat with no implant required
  • Can improve shape, fullness, and projection
  • Contours donor areas through liposuction
  • Produces minimal, well-hidden scars
  • Provides long-lasting enhancement with stable weight maintenance

Does a BBL procedure hurt?

Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort following a Brazilian Butt Lift. Because the procedure uses small incisions and avoids implants, recovery is often more comfortable than traditional buttock implant surgery. Anesthesia and sedation options will be reviewed during your consultation.

Are there alternatives to a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Yes. Depending on your goals and anatomy, alternatives may include buttock implants or injectable fillers. During your consultation, Dr. Harris will help determine the best option for your desired outcome.

Does a BBL leave scars?

BBL scars are typically very small and discreet. The procedure requires only tiny puncture incisions for liposuction and fat injection, and these generally heal with minimal visible scarring.

Who is a good candidate for a BBL?

Most healthy adults who want fuller or more sculpted buttocks without implants may be candidates for BBL surgery. Ideal candidates generally have enough excess fat for transfer and realistic expectations about recovery and results.

  • Desire buttock enhancement without implants
  • Have adequate donor fat for transfer
  • Maintain good skin elasticity
  • Are in overall good health
  • Understand post-operative restrictions
  • Maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle
  • Are non-smokers or willing to stop nicotine use before and after surgery

What are the risks and possible side effects of BBL surgery?

Like any surgery, a Brazilian Butt Lift carries risks, including bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, and injury to surrounding structures. Choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon and accredited surgical facility significantly improves safety and outcomes. Dr. Harris reviews all risks and recovery expectations during your consultation.

What is BBL recovery like?

Recovery after a Brazilian Butt Lift requires avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks for at least two weeks. Patients are encouraged to stand or lie on their stomach or side during early healing. Swelling and bruising are expected initially, with most patients returning to light activities within about one week and more strenuous activities after several weeks.

How much does a Brazilian Butt Lift cost?

BBL pricing varies depending on the amount of liposuction, fat transfer, and contouring required. At Image Surgical Arts, Brazilian Butt Lift procedures generally range from $8,500 to $14,500. Detailed pricing and financing options are reviewed during your consultation.

How do I choose the right surgeon for a BBL?

Choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make for your safety and results. Look for a surgeon with advanced training, board certification, extensive experience in liposuction and fat transfer, and a strong portfolio of before-and-after results.

  • Board certification and specialized cosmetic surgery training
  • Extensive experience with liposuction and fat transfer procedures
  • Use of accredited surgical facilities
  • Transparent communication and personalized care
  • Before-and-after galleries demonstrating consistent results

How will I look after a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Results vary depending on your anatomy, goals, and the amount of fat transferred. Many patients notice fuller, more lifted buttocks and smoother body contours in treated areas. Reviewing before-and-after photos during your consultation can help you develop realistic expectations for your outcome.

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Augmentation with Implants

Because a BBL cannot correct sagging skin due to aging or weight loss, buttock augmentation using implants may be the best choice. During this surgery, Dr. Harris will tighten underlying muscles as needed and then remove excess skin after placing the implants, so the buttocks will be both lifted and smoothly contoured. Implants are soft (silicone-filled) and come in different sizes and shapes, similar to breast implants. 

They can produce more dramatic change than fat transfer, but they do not look or feel as natural as your own fat. Butt augmentation with implants is a surgery that requires larger incisions and longer downtime for recovery, and there are more risks associated with implants. On the other hand, if you do not have enough excess fat to transfer for a BBL, you can still achieve your augmentation objectives with implants.

Sculptra®

This is a dermal filler designed specifically for non-surgical enhancement where extra volume is needed – the buttocks, for example. Sculptra® injections produce noticeable results, whether your goal is to plump and firm your butt or re-contour its shape (or both). However, it may take more than one treatment session to achieve full results. Sculptra® also stimulates renewed collagen production, so new skin is tighter and smoother.

Like all fillers, Sculptra® is a temporary solution – results typically last from 2 to 5 years before you will want a touch-up. This means Sculptra® also offers a way to test-drive your new shape to be sure you like it. Then, later, you can get a BBL for permanent results. Please note that we do not currently offer Sculptra at Image Surgical Arts.

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Making the Decision

Because a BBL requires taking fat from somewhere on your body, you can achieve slimmer, smoother contouring in that area at the same time as you augment your backside. Many of our patients see this 2-in-1 opportunity as a big plus.

Aesthetic Goals

What do you want to accomplish? You must be clear in your own mind about the specific physical changes you want to make in order to clearly explain your vision to your surgeon. Dr. Harris can guide you, but the direction he takes will ultimately be from you.

Realistic Expectations

There is no perfect butt. Expecting the impossible guarantees you will be unhappy. Taking an honest and realistic look at what is possible for you will help you decide whether or not to move forward with surgery. Reviewing before and after photos of people who have a similar body shape is tremendously helpful for this - we’ll circle back to that.

Motivation to Have Surgery

The only valid reason to get any kind of cosmetic enhancement procedure is to please yourself. Whether you want a new look “back there” or you simply want to look better in your clothes (or without them), the decision should be all about you, not what someone else thinks you should do.

Time Commitment

Ordinarily, you probably don’t give much thought to the amount of time you spend sitting -- at work, at home or in the car. But if you’re considering a BBL, “seat time” is a major factor. Following the procedure, you will not be allowed to sit for at least 2 weeks. You will have to stand or lie down, because sitting on your newly-transplanted fat can ruin the results. That won’t be as easy as it might seem. Are you ready to make that commitment?

Availability of Aftercare

You will be far more comfortable if you have a friend or family member at hand to assist you, at least for the first day or two. Recovering from surgery is an undertaking in itself, so you should be sure you have some support to get you through it.

Setting the Date

Once you decide to have a BBL surgery, you will probably be anxious to get on our schedule. However, there are certain factors you should consider before picking a date.

  • Time Off - You will need to set aside at least a week after your procedure before resuming basic at-home activities, and 10-14 days before returning to work. If your job includes strenuous activity or lots of sitting, you may need to wait even longer.
  • Upcoming Special Events or Vacation - You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to recuperate so that you are fully healed and back to normal activity levels by the time your special occasion arrives.
  • Your Caregiver’s Schedule - Be sure to check availability with the person who will help you when you return home.

You can discuss your plans with Dr. Harris during your personal consultation or with our clinic staff later on, when you decide to move ahead with the procedure.

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The Procedure

Our Nashville Brazilian Butt Lift is an outpatient procedure performed in the privacy of our Image Surgical Arts accredited, state-of-the-art surgical center. Your surgeon will be Dr. Brady Harris, who is triple-board certified, a nationally recognized liposuction expert and highly accomplished when it comes to transforming derrière dreams into reality.

You will arrive and go home the same day, without having to spend the night in a hospital. Your surgery will take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the specifics of your procedure. Here are the steps your surgery will follow:

  • You will receive either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. (Dr. Harris will discuss your options during your consultation so you can decide which you prefer.)
  • Dr. Harris will perform the liposuction first. He will make only one or a few tiny incisions, depending on the location of the target area and the amount of fat needed to augment your buttocks. These incisions will be located so as to be inconspicuous once healed. Dr. Harris uses advanced VASER liposuction, which is faster and less traumatic for the body than traditional liposuction.
  • He then inserts a thin cannula to remove the fat cells, taking great care to strategically contour as he works so that the donor area will look smoothly attractive afterward. Many patients see this as an added benefit of BBL surgery.
  • Dr. Harris will purify the fat, to separate it from extraneous blood and oils. He uses a specialized technique that assures a high survival rate for the fat cells so he can produce even more precise, predictable results.
  • Using a specialized cannula, he then injects the fat to enlarge the size and/or alter the proportions of the buttocks to achieve the patient’s desired look. He will initially add more fat than is needed. That’s because some of the fat cells will not survive and will be naturally absorbed by the body.

It takes extensive surgical experience to correctly judge how much fat will ultimately be the right amount. And it takes a keen sense of artistry to strategically place the new fat where it will produce the most pleasing results.

However, Dr. Harris knows his patients want their newly-shaped buttocks to blend smoothly with the rest of their body for a comprehensively attractive appearance. So he uses his 360° liposuction technique to contour surrounding areas as needed. For some patients, he will also add Renuvion skin tightening to ensure the final results are as smooth and firm as possible.

Heading Home

Once you are back home, it is vital to follow all the instructions provided by our clinical staff, so your recovery will proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible. After a week most patients can get back to light daily activities, and you may be able to return to work within 10-14 days, depending on what your job entails. (Strenuous activity or sitting are key issues.) These tips will help:

A Comfortable Place to Rest

Since sitting can compromise your results, you will have to stand or lie on your side or stomach for at least the first 2 weeks. So think comfy couch or bed as your rest-and-relaxation headquarters.

Essentials at Hand

Surround your comfy place to rest with items you will need as you hang out and relax -- remote controls, books, water bottle, medication, chargers, etc. -- arranged within easy reach. Prepare this space before your surgery, so it’s ready and welcoming as soon as you get home.

Exercise Plan

You should alternate lying down with standing throughout the day to boost your circulation and oxygen supply. This promotes healing as well as overall health. We will advise you how often and how long to walk or otherwise move around as you recover.

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Financing Options

You may pay in cash and we do take standard major credit cards. We also offer multiple medical financing options for patients including CareCredit 12-months-no-interest. We also suggest that patients explore options such as a home equity line of credit or a loan from your own bank or credit union, as these often come with lower interest rates.

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Brazilian Butt Lift Results

Although you will have initial swelling or bruising, you will still be able to see your newly proportioned buttocks right away. It can take anywhere from six months to a year to see the final results from your Brazilian Buttock Lift as residual swelling goes down and the transferred fat settles in.

As noted earlier, some of the transferred fat cells will not survive. This varies from one individual to another, but on average, between 60-80% of fat cells remain viable. However, Dr. Harris uses a specialized technique to prepare the fat for injection, adding plasma derived from the patient’s own blood, which greatly improves the cell survival rate.

Brazilian Butt Lift results are permanent, as long as you don’t gain or lose much weight following the surgery. Remember that fat cells are a living part of your body, so as you age your bottom may naturally lose some fullness.

You will also see new contouring in the area where we removed fat to augment your buttocks. Liposuction also produces a bit of initial swelling or bruising, but this should subside relatively quickly. And just as your backside will remain fuller over time, this area will remain slimmer and smoother – again, as long as your weight remains about the same.

Before & After Brazilian Butt Lift

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Meet Our Team Image Surgical Arts

It takes a village, as they say. Critical as it is to choose the right surgeon, remember that that you will be working with his or her entire team. The team will guide you through your surgical journey, from first visit to follow-up. Their qualifications and demeanor will determine how well things go for you and how you feel afterward about your overall experience.

At Image Surgical Arts, we believe you deserve our best, never less, and we work hard to deliver just that to every patient. Our office is pleasant and welcoming and our patients describe us as friendly and caring. We’re here to help you get comfortable with the surgical process and that means making sure you have all the information you need. We love to answer questions because we know that the best care starts with listening to a patient’s concerns.

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Take the next step with Image Surgical Arts and meet with our team to discuss your goals, options, and personalized treatment plan with confidence.

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