By Jerome Edelstein, MD
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a butt augmentation procedure that aims to enhance the shape and volume of the butt by injecting fat grafts from the patient into the buttocks. Since some of the fat transferred during the BBL will not survive in its new location, many patients think it is a good idea to gain additional weight before the procedure so that the transferred fat has a higher chance for survival. However, that is not the case; instead, it is advisable to maintain your weight prior to the procedure.
If you are at an ideal weight to be a candidate for a BBL, it is important to maintain that weight because its consistency allows your plastic surgeon to determine the amount of fat that needs to be harvested and injected into the buttocks. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 22, who have never had liposuction, have a good chance of being a candidate for a BBL. Based on your weight, your plastic surgeon will be able to sculpt the best figure and shape for your body.
In some instances, liposuction might be recommended in addition to the BBL for areas such as the flanks, back, abdomen, and inner thighs in order to shape the entire body, providing consistent results. If you gain weight before the treatment, your plastic surgeon will need to develop a secondary plan to meet your goals for the procedure.
Weight gain is also unadvisable because most of the excess fat is visceral (internal) fat and cannot be used for liposuction. This extra fat is also not suitable for fat grafting. Another downside is that it makes the waist appear larger, thereby countering the effects of the BBL.
After the completion of the BBL procedure, some of the transferred fat will be lost. However, there are steps you can take to help with fat survival and preservation in the buttocks; see “How to Maximize Fat Survival After Your Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure”.
If you are interested in a BBL but feel that you do not have sufficient body fat to contribute to the buttocks, do not attempt to gain excess weight before meeting with your plastic surgeon. It is important to keep in mind that the amount of fat required for a flattering BBL result depends on the size of the patient as it should be proportionate to your body. Smaller women need less fat to reshape their body while larger women need relatively more. Be sure to consult with a professional as they can determine if your weight is suitable for you to achieve your goals with the BBL.If you are hoping to enhance your butt size and volume but are not an ideal candidate for the BBL procedure, there are other available options, such as butt implants, which can achieve similar results. We welcome you to visit our clinic in order to speak with our team of experts to determine which procedure is best suited to your needs and goals.