If you’re looking for a more shapely, larger, and rounder bum you have probably already started researching the Brazilian butt lift (BBL). Many people are self-conscious about their bum. The Brazilian butt lift is designed to give a fuller, natural-looking and shapely buttocks. 

The Brazilian butt lift is a hugely popular procedure that can produce lasting results. The recovery time for a Brazilian butt lift differs from one person to another. But in general, it takes about 3-4 weeks to feel back to normal. For some people, Brazilian butt lift surgery and recovery can be intimidating. So, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your procedure. 

Brazilian Butt Lift: Quick Overview

The Brazilian butt lift is also known as butt augmentation. The objective of the procedure is to enhance the bum and size in a way that’s not too invasive. Essentially, the procedure uses fat transfer to the buttocks. This means that fat is taken from one part of the body, like your thighs, and transferred into the bum. The procedure aims to improve shape and fullness. BBL is a popular procedure for those seeking to lift the butt and enhance the contours of the body. Brazilian butt lift is a way to enhance your bum using fat transfer. What this means is that your surgeon uses fat grafting techniques to remove fat from one part of your body and injects it into the bum. Your surgeon uses only the highest quality of fat. 

Only the highest quality fat cells are injected into the buttocks. The fat is harvested, purified, and prepared for grafting before being injected into the body. In recent years, this method has surpassed traditional techniques like implants to create more natural-looking results and fullness. 

The surgery is divided into three stages: 

  1. The fat is removed from the body using cannula tubes.
  2. The fat cells are washed and prepared
  3. The fat is injected back into the body.

It’s important to know that a Brazilian Butt lift comes with its own unique risks. It’s a very complex surgery that requires expert knowledge and experience to perform. There is a high number of post-op incidents with this procedure. This is because the treatment is very popular, and some surgeons who are not qualified are performing the procedure for an attractive price. 

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The length of the procedure depends on which areas of the body are being targeted for fat harvesting and the result you’re looking to achieve. On average, BBL surgery takes about 3.5 hours. But it can take between 2-5 hours. 

Why Have a Brazilian Butt Lift?

There are several reasons why an individual chooses to have a Brazilian butt lift. A person’s bum is mainly based on genetics. Sometimes your bum doesn’t follow other body parts in terms of fat and muscle. If you are concerned about a flat bum, sagging, and dimples, BBL surgery may help. You might consider getting a Brazilian butt lift if you want the following: 

  • More youthful, shapely bum 
  • Clothes fit better 
  • Enhance overall proportions
Before and after BBL at the Harley Clinic

What are the Benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

There are several reasons why patients choose a Brazilian butt lift, including:

  • Reduce fat pockets in other parts of the body 
  • Boost confidence 
  • Make cellulite less visible 
  • Improve proportions of the body 
  • Fuller, rounder and more lifted bum

Although the obvious benefit sounds like it would be a fuller and more lifted bum, changing the contours of your body can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence. 

How to Prepare for Your Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

You will be under general anaesthetic during your procedure. Therefore you should take the appropriate steps to prepare for your surgery. This includes stopping smoking and certain medications as advised by your doctor. Avoid alcohol at least one week before your surgery and book time off work. Start to prepare for your recovery time and put essential items in easy to reach locations. You shouldn’t have any cold or flu symptoms just before your surgery, so it’s essential to update your surgeon as needed if anything arises. 

Who is a Good Candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift is healthy with no medical conditions. They are currently not on any drastic weight loss program. In addition, they have good skin texture and tone around the bum and thighs. It’s important that you have adequate fat stores for harvesting as well. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. 

Are the Results Permanent?

The results will last for several years and sometimes decades. Your lasting results will be dependent on your recovery. Because of the nature of fat cells, technically, your results are semi-permanent because your fat is semi-permanent. The fat survival rate in the bum is heavily based on your recovery. To maximise your results, you should stop smoking, wear a compression garment, avoid sitting on your bum, stay hydrated, and eat well. 

The fat cells removed during the procedure will not come back. But significant weight gain and fluctuations can affect your results. To keep your buttocks looking great, you should maintain a steady weight and a healthy lifestyle. 

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your BBL

A Brazilian butt lift is a complex procedure that requires a highly skilled surgeon who has extensive training, especially in fat transfer techniques. Not all doctors who perform cosmetic surgery specialise in this procedure, so it’s important to do your homework before choosing your surgeon. 

How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Immediately following your procedure, you will be in some pain and discomfort. The severity of pain can vary depending on your surgery. You will likely notice fluid draining, swelling, bruising, inflammation, and itching. 

Everyone responds a little differently to the procedure. Therefore, there is no textbook recovery time that applies to every person. Your recovery timeline may differ, but here is a general guideline:

  • 1 to 2 weeks – return to work as long as it’s not physically demanding. 
  • 3 to 4 weeks – you will feel more back to normal by this time. 
  • 6 weeks – you will start to see what the final results will look like. 
  • 6 to 8 weeks – you will return to the clinic for a post-op check-up to assess your recovery and make any personal recommendations needed. 
  • 8 weeks – you should be able to return to exercise after your surgeon gives you permission. 
  • 6 to 12 months – your results will continue to finalise and become permanent. 

Before and After BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)

BBL recovery before and after - Brazilian butt lift at The Harley Clinic, London
Before and after Brazilian butt lift at the Harley Clinic

7 Tips for Brazilian Butt Lift Aftercare and Recovery

1. Creative Sitting and Sleeping 

You will need to avoid sitting and lying on your bum for 2 weeks. You may have to find some creative sitting positions as sitting exerts pressure onto the area and can impact the results. 

2. Wear Your Compression Garment 

Your surgeon will recommend you wear a specialised compression garment to minimise swelling and aid healing. 

3. Follow a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated 

Stick to a healthy diet following your surgery, and make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

4. Get Moving 

It’s important that you get moving after surgery to decrease the risk of developing blood clots. A walk in the garden or around your bedroom is enough, to begin with. 

5. Watch Out for Signs of Infection 

Keep an eye out for any signs of infections. Contact your surgeon immediately if there is any possibility of infection. 

6. Maintain Your Weight 

Now is not the time to lose or gain weight, so stick to a healthy and balanced diet to achieve the best results. 

7. Don’t Smoke

Avoid smoking after your surgery for at least 2 months. Smoking can increase your risk of complications, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. 

When Can You Return to Work After BBL Surgery?

The time it takes to return to work depends on the surgery and the amount of fat harvested and injected. You should avoid sitting for long periods of time during your recovery. If you have a job that requires a lot of sitting, you may need 3-4 weeks off work.  

Can You Combine a Brazilian Butt Lift with Other Procedures?

Many patients like to combine procedures where possible. The benefits of this tend to be that you save time as you only have one period of recovery, rather than recovering from two separate surgeries. Of course, everybody is unique, so you will need to discuss your expectations and questions with your surgeon. Some patients like to combine a Brazilian butt lift with a tummy tuck, but this will impact how you recover. 

Is a Brazilian Butt Lift Safe?

With any cosmetic treatment, there are inherent risks to surgery. However, a Brazilian butt lift presents unique risks. On paper, a Brazilian butt lift sounds simple. You’re moving fat from one part of the body to another. But in reality, the procedure is very complex and requires extremely specific experience and training to perform safely. When you’re performing fat transfer surgery, you need to know how to do it exceptionally and safely. Injecting too much fat or too deeply into the body can lead to dire consequences.  

Due to the popularity of BLL, some surgeons who are not qualified are offering the procedure at an attractive price. As much as it can be tempting to choose a cheaper option, it’s not safe. BLL has a high number of fatalities and post-op incidences because of this very reason. It’s important to understand the risks of this type of procedure and use a certified plastic surgeon with expertise in Brazilian butt lift surgery. 

The demand for BLL is high. Because of this, surgeons who are not qualified to perform it are offering the procedure at an attractive price. A combination of incorrect techniques, unsterile tools, and poor experience can all be dangerous. This is why there has been a high number of fatalities and post-operation complications. 

What Are the Unique Risks of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Although every surgery has risk, a Brazilian butt lift has unique risks. The following factors massively affect the safety of the procedure:

  • Amount of fat harvested (how much fat is removed) 
  • The technique used to inject the fat (where on the body and how deep) 
  • Setting the procedure is performed (hygiene and cleanliness) 

You need to have a deep understanding of human anatomy to perform fat grafting procedures correctly. If you were to inject or remove too much fat or inject too deeply, it can be very dangerous and lead to life-threatening complications. 

Unique risks of a Brazilian butt lift, include:

  • Fat necrosis (death of fat tissue)
  • Blood vessel blockage 
  • Large scars
  • Asymmetrical results 
  • Haematoma (collection of blood under the skin) 
  • Pneumothorax (air gets into the space between your lungs and chest wall) 

Other risks of BBL surgery include: 


  • Infection 
  • Bleeding 
  • Hematoma
  • Anaesthesia risks 
  • Skin and or fat/necrosis 
  • Fluid accumulation 
  • Pain 
  • Swelling 
  • Poor wound healing
  • Poor scarring 
  • Nerve injury 
  • Contour irregularity
  • Seroma
  • Over/under correction
  • Asymmetry
  • Damage to other structures
  • DVT
  • PE
  • Chest infection

Tips for Achieving a Safe Brazilian Butt Lift

Safety is paramount with any aesthetics surgery. If you’re considering the procedure, here are some tips for achieving a safe Brazilian butt lift:

  • Consult and work with a certified plastic surgeon 
  • Avoid low-rate procedures or any risky alternatives, it’s not worth it no matter the cost
  • Always seek advice and educate yourself 

When it comes to procedures such as BLL, do your research, educate yourself and seek help from an experienced plastic surgeon. Like with any cosmetic treatment, you need to have all the information to make a sound decision. 

If you feel like you have a flat bum or sagging, a Brazilian butt lift may be the solution. The surgery does present its own unique risks; therefore, it’s crucial you speak to a certified plastic surgeon before committing to anything. You can then make the best choice for you.  

To book a consultation today, please call 0203 582 4947 or email [email protected].