Brazilian Buttock Lift (BBL)

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Algonquin, IL

A Brazilian Buttock Lift (BBL) is an aesthetic procedure that transfers purified fat cells from one part of the patient’s body to the buttocks to create a more shapely, enhanced butt. Utilizing liposuction to sculpt another area, such as the abdomen, flanks, or arms, the BBL is popular for its dual body-shaping benefits.

At Northwestern Medical Plastic Surgery in Algonquin, Utku Dolen, M.D., is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon who dedicates himself to achieving natural-looking, harmonious results through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques. Dr. Dolen performs every body contouring procedure with the highest safety standards and attention to detail possible.

Learn more about enhancing your figure with a buttock lift and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Dolen by calling (847) 854-3522.

About Brazilian Buttock Lifts (BBLs)

The BBL transfers fat to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of the buttocks while simultaneously slimming other areas of excess fat. Dr. Dolen carefully removes fat from selected donor areas using meticulous liposuction techniques. The fat then undergoes a purification process, and Dr. Dolen re-administers it to specific regions of the buttocks to improve projection, shape, and symmetry. This multi-step treatment allows patients to achieve a more defined buttocks while also refining areas like their waist, hips, or thighs. (1) By using the patient’s own fat cells, a buttock lift achieves softer transitions and a more natural look than what synthetic material enhancements can achieve. Dr. Dolen uses careful planning and precise technique to support optimal fat survival and long-term results. He customizes each BBL to the patient’s unique body proportions, available donor fat, and aesthetic goals, ensuring that the outcome enhances their silhouette while still looking beautifully authentic.

Benefits

A BBL offers a range of aesthetic advantages for patients seeking natural contour enhancement and improved body balance. Under Dr. Dolen’s expertise, patients benefit from:

  • Enhanced buttock shape and projection
  • Improved waist-to-hip ratio
  • Dual contouring through fat removal and buttock enhancement
  • Natural-looking and feeling results
  • Smoother transitions between treated areas

Candidates

Potential candidates for a buttock lift wish to enhance gluteal fullness while simultaneously contouring their silhouette. Patients should be non-smokers (or willing to quit), in overall good health, have a sufficient donor fat supply, and hold realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. Individuals who are currently on a weight loss journey or foresee significant weight shifts in the future should delay their BBL until they are at or close to a goal weight that they will be able to maintain through a healthy lifestyle. Being at a proper weight also ensures that the liposuction stage creates cohesive, balanced contours that both harmonize with and enhance BBL results.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is a collaborative meeting between you and Dr. Dolen. You will discuss your health history, including any previous surgeries, and your goals. Dr. Dolen will perform a physical evaluation, assessing potential donor areas and the proportions of your buttocks. With this information, Dr. Dolen will explain how a BBL can help you achieve your desired outcome. This conversation allows for an open dialogue about expectations, technique, recovery, and safety considerations. Dr. Dolen believes that education and transparency are essential to helping patients feel confident in their decisions. By the end of this one-on-one session, Dr. Dolen will create your personalized treatment plan to advance your aesthetic journey.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Dolen, call our Algonquin office at (847) 854-3522.

Preparation

Dr. Dolen and his team will provide individualized instructions to help you best prepare for your BBL procedure. Guidelines will include directions such as:

  • Pause usage of any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Quit smoking at least two months before surgery (if applicable).
  • Abstain from alcohol two weeks before surgery.
  • Arrange personal transportation and assistance for procedure day and at least 24-48 hours of initial recovery.
  • Prepare a comfortable, well-stocked recovery space.
  • Fill all necessary prescriptions.

Procedure

Dr. Dolen performs the BBL as an outpatient procedure that typically lasts between two and four hours, depending on the extent of augmentation. Once you have received the appropriate anesthesia, the process consists of three primary stages:

  1. Liposuction/Fat Harvesting: Dr. Dolen begins by harvesting fat from predetermined donor areas. He makes small incisions and uses thin cannulas to inject a tumescent fluid consisting of local anesthetic, saline, and epinephrine that helps maintain patient comfort, prevent unwanted bleeding, and cause fat cells to swell for easier removal. Common donor sites include the abdomen, flanks, arms, lower back, hips, and thighs. After suctioning out the necessary fat, Dr. Dolen resculpts the donor area to improve tone and contours that will complement the enhanced silhouette.
  2. Purification: Dr. Dolen processes the fat to remove impurities. This is an essential step that separates the collected fat from other components, enabling Dr. Dolen to use only the healthiest cells for transfer to the buttocks.
  3. Strategic Reinjection: Dr. Dolen expertly introduces these healthy fat cells into the subcutaneous tissue of the buttocks to build volume and create attractive new contours. Focusing on safety and exacting detail, he spreads the fat uniformly to optimize both projection and shape. While the specific volume depends on the patient’s goals and available donor fat, he typically transfers between 250 and 1200 ml of fat per side. (2)

Recovery

After surgery, patients typically experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising that will gradually improve over the coming weeks. Patients can use prescribed pain medication, and they must wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks to minimize bruising and stabilize the redistributed tissues. You must not sit, sleep on your back, or put direct pressure on your butt for approximately two weeks. When sitting is permissible, you should use a specialized cushion to evenly distribute pressure and shift your weight every hour. As soreness subsides, gentle movement such as brief walks is encouraged to aid circulation. Patients may only resume strenuous exercise and rigorous activity once Dr. Dolen gives explicit clearance. Attending all mandatory follow-up appointments is essential so that he can monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly.

Results

Initial changes in your silhouette may be visible shortly after the procedure, though fluid retention and swelling can temporarily obscure your true results. It typically takes several months for the final effects of a BBL to show. Once fully healed, you can expect significantly more voluminous and shapely buttocks, while the harvested donor sites will appear more sculpted. Many patients experience a boost in self-confidence and a desire to uphold a healthy lifestyle that supports their aesthetic enhancements.

Corresponding Procedures

Many patients choose to include additional procedures in their treatment plan to more comprehensively sculpt their body with a streamlined recovery period. You can discuss suitable options with Dr. Dolen during your personal consultation.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck removes excess skin around the waist and shapes the abdomen. It provides additional contouring to the midsection to further highlight the benefits of a BBL, creating a flatter abdomen while enhancing curves for a more balanced silhouette.

Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift

Breast augmentation enhances the shape and fullness of the breasts, while a breast lift restores shape and proportion. In combination with a BBL, these procedures can create the ultimate hourglass shape by balancing the upper and lower body proportions.

Renuvion/J-Plasma

Renuvion, also known as J-Plasma, is a minimally invasive skin-tightening treatment. It works by sending cool plasma beneath the skin, which creates thermal energy that causes the skin to contract. Patients often receive J-Plasma alongside a BBL to create an additional lift and firmer look.

Cost of a Brazilian Buttock Lift (BBL) in Algonquin, IL

The total investment for a BBL depends on several variables. Because this is a detailed, multi-step treatment, factors such as your specific anatomy, surgical technique, and unique aesthetic goals will influence the final cost. Dr. Dolen will outline a comprehensive price estimate during your consultation.

To start exploring your options, call Northwestern Medical Plastic Surgery at (847) 854-3522.

We are proud to serve a number of communities across northwestern Illinois:

  • Barrington
  • Schaumburg
  • Hoffman Estates
  • Arlington Heights
  • McHenry
  • Crystal Lake
  • Lake in the Hills
  • Algonquin
  • St. Charles
  • Union
  • Huntley
  • Carpentersville
  • DeKalb
  • Marengo
  • Woodstock
  • Cary
  • Bartlett
  • Streamwood
  • Wauconda
  • Dundee
  • Elgin
  • Aurora
  • Naperville
  • Fox Lake

FAQ

How long do the results of a BBL last?

The results of a BBL are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, they become a permanent part of the buttocks. Dr. Dolen uses meticulous purification and injection techniques to maximize the survival rate of the fat cells.

Is the buttock lift a safe procedure?

The BBL is a major surgical procedure and carries risks, including fat embolism, when performed incorrectly. To maximize patient safety, Dr. Dolen strictly adheres to the highest safety standards by injecting the purified fat only into the subcutaneous layer of the buttocks, avoiding the gluteal muscle.

When will I be able to sit normally after my BBL?

You must avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for approximately two weeks after the procedure to ensure the transferred fat cells survive. When you can sit, you must use a specialized cushion to offload pressure. Dr. Dolen will provide precise instructions, but this restriction is crucial for the long-term success of the BBL.

How much fat can be transferred during a BBL?

The amount of fat transferred depends entirely on the patient’s body frame, the desired outcome, and the available fat in the donor areas, which commonly include the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. During your consultation, Dr. Dolen will assess your body proportions and donor fat to determine a realistic and harmonious volume.

References

  1. Pazmiño P, Del Vecchio D. Safety in Gluteal Augmentation. Clin Plast Surg. 2023 Oct;50(4):521-523. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2023.07.001. PMID: 37704319. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37704319/
  2. O’Neill RC, Abu-Ghname A, Davis MJ, Chamata E, Rammos CK, Winocour SJ. The Role of Fat Grafting in Buttock Augmentation. Semin Plast Surg. 2020;34(1):38-46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7023974/