Buttock Lift vs. BBL

Buttock Lift and BBL are both surgical procedures that address concerns relating to the shape, size, and contour of the buttocks.

Due to the stretchy overlying skin and the high proportion of fat and muscle that make up the buttocks, concerns such as sagging and deflated buttocks are common. Additionally, the shape and volume of the buttocks can significantly impact the proportions and balance of the body.

Although BBL and Buttock Lift both address buttock concerns, they serve distinct purposes and results, depending on the patient’s desired outcomes. It is important to understand these differences to determine which procedure is most suitable for addressing your concerns.

Cadogan Clinic has brought together a team of the UK’s leading Consultant Body Contouring Surgeons, dedicated to delivering the highest standards of patient care and outcomes. In 2021, our surgeons were involved in drawing up the BBL safety guidelines, published by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

What is Buttock Lift Surgery?

Buttock Lift is a surgical procedure that tones and enhances the shape and contour of the buttocks. It was in the top 20 surgical procedures performed in 2023 (The Aesthetics Society).

During a Buttock Lift procedure, loose skin is removed, and the buttocks are repositioned and lifted to create a toned and proportionate shape.

Depending on the exact buttock concerns a patient wishes to address, Buttock Lift can be divided into two procedures:

• Upper Buttock Lift Surgery – This addresses sagging and loose skin in the upper section of the buttocks
• Lower Buttock Lift Surgery – This addresses excess skin in the lower buttocks and upper thighs

Its versatility means that Buttock Lift is often combined with other procedures, such as Thigh Lift, or as part of a Lower Body Lift.

Buttock Lift is performed under general anaesthetic and takes 2-3 hours to complete.

What is BBL Surgery?

Also known as Brazilian Butt Lift, BBL is a surgical procedure which increases the volume and enhances the shape and tone of the buttocks. In 2024, it saw a 19% increase in the number of procedures performed, compared to the previous year.

During a BBL procedure, Liposuction is used to extract excess fat from various areas of the body before it is injected into the buttocks. Although fat can be taken from any area of the body with available fat reserves, popular areas include:

• Abdomen
• Waist
• Hips
• Back

This technique, known as 360 Liposuction, achieves a desirable hourglass shape figure with defined and smooth contours for a balanced and proportionate appearance.

The fat is injected into the buttocks, under the skin and above the underlying muscle – the same layer from which fat is also extracted. This is the safest BBL technique and is known as Superficial Gluteal Lipofilling. Injecting the fat beneath the muscles carries a higher risk of complications, such as blood vessel blockages, and provides no benefits.

BBL surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Buttock Lift vs. BBL: Differences in Results

Although both Buttock Lift and BBL reshape and contour the buttocks, they achieve different results due to their different techniques and purposes.

Buttock Lift Results

Buttock Lift surgery specifically targets loose skin and tissue positioning in the buttocks.

Buttock Lift results include:

• Reduced loose skin on the buttocks
• Lifted buttocks with a flattering, rounded shape
• A toned, proportionate appearance to the buttocks and surrounding area

It is important to remember that Buttock Lift doesn’t address the size of the buttocks, and in some cases, the buttocks may appear smaller, due to excess tissue being removed.

BBL Results

BBL involves redistributing fat from various areas of the body and reinjecting it into the buttocks.

BBL results will include:

• An increase in the volume of the buttocks
• Reshaped buttocks in line with aesthetic preferences
• The creation of a proportionate hourglass figure, balancing the waist, hips and buttocks

Although BBL is often associated with dramatic results, an experienced and qualified surgeon will create bespoke results based on your natural anatomy and proportions. Variations of the BBL procedure, such as Skinny BBL, achieve exceptional results for patients with a naturally slender or athletic frame.

Buttock Lift vs. BBL: Differences in Recovery

During your consultation for any buttock surgery, your surgeon will discuss the recovery process with you to ensure you are able to prepare in advance.

Recovery following Buttock Lift and BBL are comparable, and there are key considerations it is important to bear in mind to protect your results.

Buttock Lift and BBL at Cadogan Clinic both include a complete recovery and aftercare package to support you through this crucial stage of your surgical journey:

• Follow-up appointments – Two follow-up appointments, 7-10 days, and 6 weeks after your procedure to allow our specialist surgical nurses and your surgeon to monitor your recovery and results
• Round the clock care – A 24/7 help line, connecting you with our dedicated plastic surgery nursing team for any questions and concerns
• Medication and garments – Your medical team provides any post-operative medication and surgical garments before you leave the clinic

Following your surgeon’s recovery and aftercare instructions is crucial to minimise the risk of complications and ensure your results are not compromised.

Buttock Lift Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the buttocks and surrounding area, which will resolve within 2-3 weeks
• Mobility – Although you will be able to walk on the same day as your Buttock Lift, your mobility may be slightly limited for 10-14 days
• Sleeping position – You will be asked to sleep on your front for 2-3 weeks after your procedure to avoid putting excess pressure on your buttocks
• Sitting – To sit comfortably, and avoid placing pressure on the surgical site, you will be asked to use a special cushion, which is placed under your thighs
• Garments – You will need to wear compression shorts to support your buttocks and reduce swelling for 4-6 weeks after surgery
• Exercise – To protect your incisions and prevent complications, you should avoid exercise and strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks after surgery
• Full recovery – Full recovery after Buttock Lift takes 6-8 weeks

BBL Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – Swelling and bruising after BBL are normal and typically resolve within 2-3 weeks
• Mobility – You will be able to walk a few hours after your BBL surgery, but your overall mobility may be impacted for up to 3 weeks after surgery
• Sleeping position – To protect the newly injected fat, it is essential to limit any pressure being placed on your buttocks. You will be asked to sleep on your back for at least 4 weeks after surgery
• BBL pillow – Your surgeon will ask you to use a BBL pillow, which keeps your buttocks lifted away from any seat to protect your results, for up to 8 weeks
• Garments – You will be provided with compression shorts to reduce swelling and protect the surgical area, which you should wear for up to 6 weeks after surgery
• Exercise – You should avoid any exercise or demanding activity for at least 6 weeks after surgery
• Full recovery – Full BBL recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks, however it is important to be careful for up to 3 months to allow the new fat to fully establish

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