Do you feel like your buttock region leaves a lot to be desired? At Tarola Plastic Surgery, our Nashville Brazilian butt lift procedure will add shape and fullness to your posterior without compromising the symmetry of your natural figure. Contact us today at our Murfreesboro office to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Tarola, who will discuss the procedure step-by-step with you and whether it is a proper fit for your cosmetic goals.
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Growing in popularity globally, the Brazilian butt lift procedure uses liposuction to transfer fat from other areas of the body into the buttock region in order to increase the size and improve the shape. Typically, the liposuction removes excess fat from the hip and waist regions, although other areas of the body may be utilized in order to achieve the optimum results.
There can be several reasons why patients are unhappy with their buttocks, and a Brazilian butt lift is a safe, successful solution for many of those reasons, such as:
- A change in the shape and size of the buttocks due to weight fluctuations
- Buttocks that appear flat and lack fullness
- Sagging buttocks that lack definition
There is no single, universal way to perform a Brazilian butt lift. Doctor Tarola will discuss the options that will have the most benefit for you during your consultation.
Areas Commonly Used for Fat Harvesting
- Abdomen: Fat from the abdomen is often ideal for harvesting because it tends to be soft and plentiful. Many patients appreciate that enhancing the buttocks can also create a leaner, more sculpted midsection.
- Flanks: Sometimes called “love handles,” the flanks offer a great source of fat for transfer. Removing fat from this area can sharpen the waistline and highlight the curves created during gluteal augmentation.
- Lower Back: Harvesting fat from the lower back can help define the natural curve where the back meets the buttocks. The final result looks even more seamless and proportional.
- Inner and Outer Thighs: Fat from the thighs can be especially useful for patients who want to slim their legs while adding volume to the buttocks.
- Arms: In select cases, we can use fat from the upper arms, particularly when patients are already considering arm contouring.
How to Prepare for Your Brazilian Butt Lift
Preparing for your butt augmentation starts with a consultation where we review your goals, health history, and lifestyle. We may ask you to stop smoking, adjust certain medications, or complete lab work to make sure you’re ready for surgery. Maintaining a stable weight before your procedure is important, as weight changes can affect your final results.
You’ll also want to arrange for someone to drive you home and help you during the first few days of recovery. Setting up a comfortable area where you can rest without putting pressure directly on your buttocks will help make the healing process smoother. We’ll give you detailed pre-operative instructions to guide you every step of the way.
How the Fat Transfer Process Works
Liposuction
We start the process by performing liposuction to remove fat from areas you and we have selected during your consultation. After making small incisions, we insert a thin tube called a cannula to loosen and gently suction out the fat. When using a tumescent technique, we infuse the area with a fluid that helps minimize bleeding and makes fat removal more efficient. Careful attention is paid to how and where the fat is removed to preserve the natural contours of your body and create an even, smooth result.
Fat Purification and Processing
Once the fat is collected, it needs to be purified before it can be transferred. We process the fat by separating out impurities like blood, fluids, and damaged cells. The process leaves behind healthy, viable fat cells that are more likely to survive in their new location. We take our time with this step because high-quality fat grafts can make a big difference in the overall outcome and longevity of your results.
Injection Methods for Sculpting
Injecting the purified fat is a meticulous process that involves much more than simply adding volume. We layer small amounts of fat at different depths and angles to create smooth, natural-looking contours. By carefully sculpting the shape rather than filling it all at once, we can better mimic the natural curves of your body.
Customization Options for Brazilian Butt Lift
Projection vs. Roundness
When planning your buttock enhancement, we will first discuss whether you want more projection, more roundness, or a balance of both. Projection focuses on how far the buttocks extend outward from the body when viewed from the side. Patients who want a dramatic profile often prioritize projection. Roundness builds a fuller shape that looks more balanced from every angle. Some patients prefer a natural enhancement with gentle curves, while others want a bolder silhouette that stands out. We will customize your fat placement based on what you want to see and the natural shape of your body.
Upper Pole Enhancement
Upper pole enhancement focuses on the area at the top of the buttocks. Many patients naturally lose volume here over time, which can make the buttocks appear lower or flatter. During your BBL surgery, we can strategically add fat to the upper pole to create a lifted look. This approach helps balance the entire shape of the buttocks rather than concentrating all the volume at the bottom and makes your figure look youthful and athletic.
Hip Dips Correction
Hip dips are the inward curves that some patients notice between the hips and thighs. While completely normal, they can sometimes make the buttocks and hips look less smooth or give them an inward shape. We can use fat transfer to soften and fill in these dips to create a more seamless transition from the waist to the thighs.
“S Curve” Silhouette
The “S curve” silhouette is a popular goal for many patients because it enhances the natural flow of the body’s curves. It refers to the gentle, sweeping line that moves from the lower back through the buttocks and into the thighs. An S curve can be created through a focus on contouring the lower back, hips, and thighs to create a fluid, feminine shape. By combining fat removal and fat transfer techniques thoughtfully, we can help create a more striking and balanced figure.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift?
While the true determination of your candidacy for this procedure will be discussed with you by Dr. Tarola, generally, those who fit the following criteria make good candidates for this procedure:
- Individuals who are in good health and can endure anesthesia and recovery.
- Those who have realistic expectations of this procedure know what it can and cannot do for them.
- Patients who have the right amount of excess fat in other areas of the body.
- Individuals who are willing to commit to a lifestyle of proper diet and exercise after surgery
BBL Before and After
What is Recovery Like?
The side effects of a Brazilian butt lift include mild bruising, swelling and tenderness of the treated areas. As the grafted fat settles and finds blood sources, you will most likely be restricted from sitting on your buttocks for the first 3 weeks. Sitting prior to this may impede your results.
A compression garment may be issued to you after surgery to help control swelling and support the new contours of your buttocks. It is often advised to begin walking around your house as soon as possible after surgery to prevent clotting, and you will likely be able to return to work after your first follow-up visit with Dr. Tarola, 5-7 days after surgery.
Generally, 60-80 percent of the grafted fat survives after a Brazilian butt lift, and you should notice a significant increase in shape and fullness of your buttocks after a few weeks after the healing process is complete.
Tips for Recovery
During recovery, you will need to sleep on your stomach or sides to avoid putting pressure on the buttocks for at least two weeks. Most patients can take a gentle shower within 48 hours, but soaking in tubs or pools should wait until incisions are fully healed. Keep essential items like snacks, water, and medications within easy reach so you can limit unnecessary movement. You should also arrange for help with tasks like lifting, cleaning, and childcare during the first several days to avoid straining your body.
Factors That May Influence Your Final Results
Skin Elasticity and Tone
Your skin elasticity and tone can make a big difference in how your final shape looks after fat transfer. Skin that is firm and resilient adapts well to the new contours created during your BBL. If your skin is looser or has less elasticity, we may need to adjust our technique to get the best possible outcome. We will evaluate your skin quality during your consultation to plan a treatment approach that suits your body.
Fat Quality and Availability
The fat we harvest for transfer needs to be healthy and plentiful. Patients with softer, more pliable fat usually have a better take rate after grafting. If you have very limited fat available, we may need to focus more carefully on sculpting or consider additional strategies to create the look you want.
Aftercare
How you care for your body after surgery can directly affect your results. You will need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks to protect the newly transferred fat. Wearing compression garments, following movement guidelines, and attending your follow-up visits will help support a smooth recovery. Following aftercare instructions closely helps give the fat cells the best environment to establish a lasting blood supply. After your surgery, you can use a special cushion while sitting to preserve your results while allowing you to relax comfortably.
Variability in Fat Survival Rates
Not every fat cell transferred during a BBL will survive, and that is completely normal. Typically, the body will reabsorb a small portion of the transferred fat within the first few months. We intentionally transfer a little extra volume to account for this natural process. Your body’s healing response, circulation, and how carefully you follow aftercare all influence how much fat ultimately stays in place.
Combining a BBL With Other Procedures
Breast Augmentation or Lift
Many patients choose to combine a BBL with breast augmentation or a breast lift to create a more complete transformation. Enhancing both the upper and lower body at the same time can bring better balance to your silhouette. If you want to increase breast volume, improve shape, or correct sagging, we can plan your surgery so that both areas complement each other beautifully. Combining procedures can also streamline your recovery and allow you to enjoy your full results sooner.
Thigh Lift
If you want to lift and rejuvenate the entire lower half of your body, a BBL and a thigh lift can be a good combination. The BBL can add volume to the buttocks while a thigh lift removes excess skin and tightens the inner and outer thighs. Both of these procedures, combined with the liposuction needed to collect fat grafts, can give you a proportional figure. A consultation is the best way to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for combination treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery
How Long Do the Results of a BBL Last?
The results of a BBL can be long-lasting when the fat cells properly establish a blood supply in their new location. The fat that remains becomes a permanent part of your body. The best way to keep your results is to maintain a stable weight.
Will I Need a Touch-Up Procedure?
In some cases, a small touch-up may be recommended if additional volume or shaping is desired. This depends on how much fat survives after the initial transfer and how your body heals. We always design your initial surgery to build a strong, natural-looking foundation. If needed, a touch-up can fine-tune your contours.
What Happens if I Gain or Lose Weight After a BBL?
Weight changes after a BBL can affect the size and shape of your results. If you gain weight, the transferred fat cells can expand just like the fat cells in other areas of your body. If you lose a significant amount of weight, you might notice a decrease in buttock volume. For this reason, we recommend being at or near your ideal weight before undergoing a Brazilian buttock lift so your results stay as consistent as possible.
Is There a Maximum or Minimum Amount of Fat for Transfer?
There are practical limits to how much fat we can safely transfer during a single BBL surgery. In many cases, we extract around 6 to 7 liters of fluid and fat during liposuction, but only about 1.5 to 2.0 liters of purified fat is typically usable for transfer. The exact amount depends on your body type, your goals, and how much healthy fat is available. We will discuss your options during your consultation to make sure your expectations align with what your body can safely support.
Learn About Your Surgeon
Dr. Nicholas Tarola is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breasts, and body. After completing his education and surgical training in Philadelphia, he continued his plastic surgery specialization at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. At Tarola Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tarola focuses on delivering personalized care and stays at the forefront of surgical innovations to benefit every patient. He has a particular interest in body procedures, including butt contouring, where careful planning and advanced techniques create natural, lasting results. Dr. Tarola and his team are committed to making your experience smooth, respectful, and centered around your goals.
Balance Your Figure With Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN
A brazilian butt lift can reshape your body by using your own natural fat to enhance your curves and create smoother, more balanced proportions. At Tarola Plastic Surgery, we offer body contouring options that focus on precision, safety, and long-term results for patients in Murfreesboro, TN, and the surrounding areas. To learn more, contact us or call (615) 624-8914 to set up a consultation with Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro today.
