The Esthetics of BBL’s (Brazilians Butt Lifts)
Brazilian Butt Lifts or BBL’s are among the most popular of all plastic surgeries. This is largely because of the growing appeal of the more curvaceous hourglass figure associated with major celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. The better esthetic outcomes associated with the fat-transfer technique compared to earlier implant-based procedures is also a major factor in the widespread use of this procedure. On this page, we’ll go over the esthetic aspects of the BBL both generally and in comparison to other forms of buttock augmentation.
Fat Transfer
While most people know of the silicone implants used in breast augmentation, awareness of implants for butt augmentation is much less. They remain an option for some patients but the vast majority of procedures are performed using the fat transfer technique that has become synonymous with BBL’s.
There are important benefits to fat transfer procedures since fat grafts are much less likely to be rejected by the body compared to an implant and are less prone to infection. However, the primary reason the BBL has become the gold standard procedure is esthetics. Since buttocks are primarily comprised of fatty tissue, replacing them with essentially the same material naturally results in outcomes that look and feel more natural.
Finally, since the “clay” that a plastic surgeon will use to mold the augmented buttocks will be extracted via liposuction from elsewhere in the body, there is an additional benefit in that it provides an opportunity for patients to benefit from some added body contouring through the removal of unwanted fat at the same time as the BBL.
VASER Ultrasound Liposuction: A Secret Weapon for Better BBL’s
Extracting fat in a standard liposuction differs from doing it in preparation for a BBL in an important way. Instead of being discarded as they would be in standard liposuction, fat cells need to be collected. VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance and it is a more advanced and finely tuned technology compared to other suction devices. At high settings VASER can produce extraordinary results in terms of high-definition liposculpting but, with a BBL, a plastic surgeon must use lower settings that thoroughly and gently remove fat and keep it viable for reinjection into the buttocks.
VASER Benefits for More Slender Patients
The one and perhaps only major drawback to BBL’s in comparison to implant-based procedures is that patients who have little excess body fat may not be able to benefit. However, even when used at a low setting, VASER ultrasound liposuction’s ability to extract as much fat as possible is greater than other devices. Thus, patients who otherwise might not be candidates for a conventional BBL may still be able to have a mini-BBL procedure if enough usable fat can be collected with VASER technology.
The Hands of a Master
While leading-edge technology and a board-certified plastic surgeon’s broad range of skills and knowledge are essential, there is an esthetic “x-factor” that differentiates one surgeon’s work from another. In the case of BBL’s, plastic surgeons must decide where to inject fat to create the most pleasing and attractive outcome – not only in terms of the appearance and feel of the butt itself but also in regards to the patient’s overall physique.
It’s always a good idea to see before-and-after examples of prior BBL’s performed by your plastic surgeon to help give you an idea of what might be possible in your case. Of course, you should also give your doctor a clear idea of the outcomes you are hoping for to ensure that they are realistic in your case. It’s never a bad idea to bring in photos of buttocks that might be close to what you’re hoping for – though, of course, you will want to find examples from women who have similar bodies to your own.
Selecting the Right Physician
Your choice of a plastic surgeon to perform a BBL or any other plastic surgery might be one of the most important decisions of your life. It’s crucial to choose someone who is experienced in the procedure and highly reputable in terms of producing positive outcomes for patients.
If you are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Steven J. Varkony has performed countless BBL’s. He is one of only a few doctors in the area who is employing VASER ultrasound liposuction for better outcomes, especially in patients with limited excess body fat.
As we age, the buttocks lose fat and become flatter. Dr. Varkony aims to give his patients a rounder, higher, more youthful butt, not a wider unnatural-looking rear end. If you have “hip-dips,” fat can be injected to smoothen them out and to create a more “heart-shaped” look, without giving you a wide, “ant-like” butt.
To find out more, contact Dr. Varkony using the information at the bottom of this page or fill out the form on our contact page.