Body Surgery

Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery (BBL)

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. Brazilian Butt Lift enhances the volume and contour of the buttock area.

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Award Winning Specialist Clinic

We've won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.

Industry Leading Consultants

We've invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.

Care Quality Commission

Our Leadership has been rated Outstanding by the independent regulator of health and social care in England

GMC Registered Surgeons

All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.

Medically Reviewed 19 February 2024, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is an increasingly popular surgical procedure, suited to anyone who is looking to increase the volume and enhance the shape of their buttocks. Liposuction is used to remove fat from other parts of the body and provide body sculpting, often around the abdomen, flanks and thighs, before it is treated and injected into the buttocks. The combination of liposuction and fat transfer provides an overall more hourglass figure as well as increasing the volume of the buttocks and providing lift. By using the patient’s own fat cells, the BBL procedure at Cadogan Clinic gives a natural look and feel to the final results. Use of fat transfer instead of implants, also provides other benefits such as faster and more successful recovery, reduced scarring and also added flexibility, allowing the surgeon to provide a bespoke approach to the size and shape of buttocks the patient desires. 

Despite becoming a highly popular procedure, BBL surgery also has negative associations. Unfortunately, due to the actions of irresponsible clinics and surgeons, serious complications and undesirable results have hit the headlines and understandably made people wary. The Brazilian Butt Lift London procedure at Cadogan Clinic is completely safe, and members of our surgical team were involved in writing the national guidance, outlining how to best carry out this procedure prioritising patient safety and satisfaction. 

Find out more about ‘what is a BBL?’ and why it is so popular. 

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Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
At a glance

Surgery Time

1 - 3 hours

Time off work

1 - 2 weeks

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

After 2 days

Reasonable Mobility

4 - 5 days

Exercise

6 - 8 weeks

Bras & Garments

6 weeks

Sexual Activity

Restricted after 4 weeks

Sleeping

On front

Full Recovery

6 weeks

Driving

3 weeks


BBL Before & After

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We've included some BBL Before and After Photos in the gallery below. To see more BBL Before and After photos click here


Words from our clients:


The cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift


Cadogan Clinic has collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer a variety of payment choices for our patients including:
12 months 0% Interest-free - APR
24 - 60 months at 12.9% APR
Flexible Finance

Brazilian Butt Lift costs start at £8,995 at the Cadogan Clinic. Get in touch for your consultation and estimation today.

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist BBL surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your BBL operation carried out at London’s leading BBL centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance following your BBL operation

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your BBL procedure journey with Cadogan Clinic

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for Brazilian Bum Lift surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


What are the benefits of BBL?

Brazilian Butt Lift surgery has a huge number of benefits to the patient, both physical and mental.

By using state of the art fat grafting techniques it is possible to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks, without the unnatural appearance of implants. As well as reducing the risk of complications, using the body’s own fat also means your body will adjust naturally including if you gain or lose weight. This maintains natural results in the long term.

If you are concerned about the shape of your buttocks or natural sagging that can occur with age, weight loss or childbirth, a Brazilian Butt Lift restores the youthful volume and lifted appearance.

Through liposuction and fat transfer, BBL procedures address the shape and proportions of the body, resulting in a more hourglass physique. Many patients with a slender frame, opt for a Brazilian Butt Lift to adjust their proportions and create a more defined waist as well as adding volume to their buttocks.

Patients who have undergone BBL surgeries find that they are more comfortable in their bodies and their overall appearance. They are often happier with how their clothes fit and report a higher quality of life.

BBL augmentation not only enhances the firmness and tone of the buttocks but can also have a positive impact on the appearance of cellulite, making it significantly less noticeable.

In addition to enhancing buttock size, shape, and volume, Brazilian Butt Lift surgery can also address other areas of the body. To transfer fat to the buttocks, excess or unwanted fat cells are harvested from various body areas like the hips, love handles, thighs, or abdomen. Consequently, a BBL procedure not only enhances buttock appearance but also sculpts other body areas, transforming your overall figure.

Why do people have a BBL?

Why & Who

Brazilian Bum Lift surgery addresses areas of concern surrounding the abdomen, waist and buttocks. Patients opt to have this procedure if they wish to increase the size of their buttocks and/or hips and enhance the shape, resulting in a more rounded and lifted appearance.  

Age, weight loss and childbirth are all factors which may impact the appearance of your buttocks, potentially causing sagginess and loss of volume. Any of these may lead someone to consider a BBL procedure.  

Many slender women are also suited to the Brazilian Butt Lift, or Skinny BBL, if they are wishing to increase the volume of their buttocks and enhance the shape of their waist that their build may not originally have. Increasing numbers of men also choose to undergo Male BBL Surgery.  

Many patients find that after the procedure they feel more confident in themselves and are more comfortable in clothing and swimwear.  

Who is suitable for BBL?

At Cadogan Clinic, our consultant surgeons will assess whether you are suitable for Brazilian bum lift surgery in a private one to one consultation.  

Your surgeon will check you have an adequate amount of fat to extract and be injected.  

They will discuss your expectations of Brazilian Bum Lift surgery and ensure you understand the results that are possible for you. They will also assess your general physical and mental health to make sure you are suitable for a general anaesthetic procedure, this may include your weight, and any medical and mental conditions you have. You must be over 18 to have a Brazilian butt lift. 

What is involved in a Brazilian Butt Lift?

There are many different BBL Shapes and the shape you decide on will be based on your size, shape and frame, and advice from your plastic surgeon. 

BBL surgery usually takes between 3-4 hours, depending on the number of areas of liposuction and the amount of fat needing to be extracted. At Cadogan Clinic, we only use fat transfer techniques in our BBL procedures and never use implants as these can cause serious complications and leave undesirable results.

The surgeon will explain the expected recovery time for the procedure. Straight afterwards it is normal to experience some bruising and swelling for the first few weeks, with full recovery in four to six weeks.

Brazilian butt lift surgery involves three stages:

During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you the amount of fat that can be extracted and the best areas to take it from. Typically for a BBL procedure, this is around the abdomen, flanks and thighs as this enhances the desirable hourglass shape many patients are looking for from this surgery.

Liposuction works by gently breaking up the fat cells under your skin using physical vibration or high pressure water jets. The fat is then extracted through a cannula inserted into a small incision using a vacuum. The liposuction alone takes away fat from stubborn areas and creates a sculpted appearance in the areas performed. The surgeon will typically extract up to twice the amount of fat needed for the results the patient desires.

Before the fat is injected back into the body, it is processed to ensure it is pure and ready for your body to accept. This is done by using a piece of equipment called a centrifuge, which separates the fat from any unwanted elements such as oil, blood, and excess fluids. Your surgeon will decide how much fat to process, depending on the amount needed to be injected for the results you are looking for. The fat is extracted, prepared, and injected as part of the same procedure.

A specific cannula designed for BBL procedures is used to inject the processed fat into the buttocks. The fat will be injected into the layer beneath your skin and above the muscle. To prioritise patient safety, our surgeons use ultrasound technology during the injection process to make sure fat isn’t injected into the muscle layer, which can lead to serious complications. Once the fat has been injected, the surgeon will sculpt the area to give the desired shape. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain that during fat transfer processes, it is normal for 20-40% of the fat that has been injected to be safely and naturally absorbed back into the body. Patients can decide to have further procedures in the future, to increase the volume of their buttocks further.  

Brazilian Butt Lift Safety Considerations

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure has gained large amounts of attention in the media, often being associated with serious complications, and in some tragic instances, fatalities. These complications are usually due to surgeons injecting the extracted fat into the muscle of the buttocks, injecting the extracted fat into the muscle of the buttocks rather than into the layer of skin that sits above it. Injecting the fat is done in this way either due to lack of experience and training, or in some cases with the incorrect belief that it will maintain better results, with more fat remaining during the recovery period. 

Injecting the fat into the muscle may cause an embolism, with the fat blocking a major blood vessel found around the buttock and midriff area. This is a serious condition leading to issues with the patient’s circulation and can cause death. 

These potentially dangerous procedures are often carried out in clinics abroad with patients having been tempted by lower BBL prices. Unfortunately, unless it is possible to guarantee a clinic or surgeon’s qualification and regulatory status, this may be a very dangerous decision to make. Problems with these surgeries, their results and the complications they cause may leave the patient with further physical and financial concerns when they return to the UK. This is why we insist that when those contemplating procedures are researching how much is a bbl in the UK or abroad, you factor in the quality of care you can expect with these options.

Our expert clinical team and consultant surgeons prioritise patient safety and have been at the forefront of developing techniques such as Ultrasound Guided BBL and guidelines to ensure the highest standards not only in our BBL procedures but also across the industry. 

Brazilian Butt Lift Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best BBL surgeons to join us at the Cadogan Clinic in London so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country. 

Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure

Below you will find some essential information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.

If you are considering a BBL with Cadogan Clinic, we invite you to our Chelsea-based clinic for a private one-to-one consultation. Please allow 30-60 minutes for this consultation whilst we discuss the results you'd like to achieve. This will allow your surgeon to explain the surgery, the best approach for you, and what results you could realistically expect from your BBL.

We would recommend preparing any questions in advance and writing these down or storing them on your mobile device before your consultation. This ensures you can find all the answers you need and receive clarification on any concerns or worries you may have. Your surgeon will also ask you questions to understand a little bit more about your medical history and lifestyle to ensure this is the right fit for you.

Your surgeon will perform a general health and wellness check, including mental wellbeing checks, take your measurements, and take 'before' photos.

We will then send your intended plan through to your dedicated patient advisor who will be your personal liaison throughout the process. If you are suitable for a Brazilian butt lift, your advisor will explain the plan, pricing, finance options, and offer available surgery dates. You will then be given a mandatory 2-week cooling off period to allow you to consider whether you wish to proceed with the surgery.

If, after the cooling off period, you wish to go ahead with your BBL, your next visit to the clinic will be on the day of your procedure. In the run up to your surgery, you will be asked to make the following changes and preparations, such as:

  • You must complete all pre-operative paperwork to allow your surgeon, anaesthetist, and nurses to review your suitability for the surgery, which includes reviewing your medical and psychological information. This will then allow your team to make more personalised advise on changes to make before your surgery.
  • You will be asked to stop smoking and/or vaping for 6 weeks before your Brazilian butt lift surgery, and for a little while after. This ensures your body is able to recover properly and promptly.
  • You will also be asked to cut down on or cut out drinking alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can also slow your recovery and healing.
  • Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications for 7 days before your BBL surgery. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements, as these can increase the risk of bleeding and therefore hinder recovery.
  • You will need to organise your own chaperone to collect you after your BBL surgery to ensure you get home safely. This should be a family member, significant other, or trusted friend who can either drive you home or accompany you in a taxi and stay overnight with you.
  • In the 6 hours before you arrive at Cadogan Clinic for your procedure, it is imperative you don't eat any sold food or consume any juice or milk (including in tea or coffee). You can have sips of clear drinks (water, black coffee, or black tea) up to 2 hours before you arrive, after which you must be nil by mouth.

On the day of your Brazilian butt lift, we ask that you arrive at the clinic an hour before your surgery time. You are then encouraged to ask final questions to your surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses before we begin preparing you for surgery and making any markings we may need to.

Atfer this, you will be taken into theatre and administered the general anaesthetic. Every procedure performed under general anaesthetic at Cadogan Clinic uses TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) because this minimises post-operative sickness and nausea, allowing for faster initial recovery when you come round post-surgery.

Your surgeon will then begin your BBL surgery, which will typically take between 3-4 hours. After the procedure, you will be taken to our recovery ward, where you will wake up from the anaesthetic and a nurse will monitor your vital health signs. Once you are awake and comfortable, you will be transferred into the care of our ambulatory ward where you will have something to eat and drink and a nurse will talk you through any medications you need to take once you are discharged. When you are ready and comfortable with your aftercare guidance, we will ask your chaperone to come and collect you to continue your recovery journey at home.

The first few days following surgery may be uncomfortable as you may experience some pain around your buttocks and the areas of fat extraction. This could include swelling and bruising, which is normal to experience. Any pain management medications will have been prescribed by your surgical team so you can safely control this at home. It is also recommended you avoid sitting on or lying down on your backside without the proper support. Sleeping on your side or your stomach is advisable for the first two weeks. It is also important you wear your post-operative garment to assist with healing and to allow your results to settle naturally.

One week after your surgery you will have an in person appointment with our nurses so they can assess your incisions, extraction, and injection areas and make sure you are healing well. They will provide any advice you need on dressings and will be able to answer any questions you may have about your BBL recovery.

Six weeks after your procedure you will meet with your surgeon so they can check your healing, discuss your results and answer any questions about your ongoing recovery from that point. After six weeks your treatment plan will conclude, though if you have any questions or concerns you will still be able to contact the team and speak with one of our specialist nurses.

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

BBL London Recovery and Aftercare

BBL London Recovery should take no longer than 6 – 8 weeks.  

For a full detail on how long it takes to recover from BBL Surgery and what the best aftercare looks like we’ve put together this guide

BBL Recovery Guide

A Word from Our Founder Mr Bryan Mayou on the importance of finding the right provider for Brazilian Butt Lift surgery: 

“Choosing a reputable Clinic and surgeon is very important for any cosmetic surgery, but this is particularly the case for more complex procedures such as BBL surgery. In the right hands these are extremely effective body contouring procedures that can yield excellent results. In inexperienced hands or the wrong hands, sadly there can be serious consequences. I always tell my patients that beyond the alluring sticker prices, cheap BBL surgery in places like Turkey and Eastern Europe usually indicate lower quality surgeons and lower quality, unregulated healthcare standards that can compromise their safety. They are to be strongly avoided.”  




Frequently Asked Questions

At the Cadogan Clinic, BBL surgery costs start from £8,995.  

The final cost of your BBL procedure will depend on how many areas of liposuction your surgeon and whether additional surgical procedures have been added into your plan.  

We also offer finance options through our reputable financial partners, starting at 0% interest. 

There are a variety of recovery milestones you can expect during the first 4-6 weeks post surgery.

  • You should take one week off work to rest straight after your surgery. You will likely be able to resume work and your daily activities within 5-7 days post surgery
  • Four weeks after surgery, you can safely resume driving. We also recommend avoiding sexual activity for four weeks
  • After six weeks you will be able to restart gentle exercise and gym activities

Newly grafted fat needs to be treated carefully to ensure the blood supply is safely restored. Usually around 20-40% of the fat that has been injected may be non-viable and will be safely and naturally absorbed back into the body. For smokers this percentage may be 50-70% highlighting why quitting smoking before surgery is so important.

The process of fully restoring the blood supply may take up to six months at which point the final results of your BBL will be clear. You must follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and to maintain the surgeon’s results.

Although BBL surgery does leave some scarring, our surgeons will make these as minimal and easily concealable as possible, meaning you can comfortably wear swimwear or other clothing without worrying about visible scarring.

As specialised cannulas are used to extract and re-inject the fat, the incisions are very small. Your surgeon will strategically place these incisions within natural folds and contours to hide the scarring as effectively as possible.

To optimise healing and minimise your scarring, we recommend quitting smoking and vaping and reducing your alcohol consumption in the run up to your surgery. Nicotine and alcohol both increase the risk of infection, scarring and ineffective healing.

You will have two follow up appointments, one week and six weeks after your surgery to check your wounds and healing. If you have any concerns during your recovery period, our 24/7 on call service is available to answer any questions and offer guidance and support.

Following Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, your surgeon will provide a post-operative surgical garment, which you will need to wear for up to 6 weeks. This garment will minimise swelling, promote healing, reduce infection risk and maintain your results.

The garments are specially designed to be worn post surgery, and are made from a comfortable stretchy material. The garment will provide compression, support your back and thighs, and aid lymphatic drainage. They are discreet and can be worn under your normal clothing. Different shapes and sizes are available to address different needs, and your surgeon will decide on the right garment for you depending on your needs and preferences.

The results of your BBL operation will be permanent, with the volume and lift not lessening over time. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the results of your Brazilian Bum Lift for many years. We’ve created a guide to show how your BBL Will Look after 10 Years (and beyond). 

However, it is important to remember that your body will still age naturally. This includes your skin losing its elasticity as collagen and elastin stores deplete over time. As these levels decline, wrinkles and sagging can occur, across the entire body including in the buttocks area. In such cases, you may consider additional procedures. 

Dramatic weight fluctuations may affect the results of your Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will help to prolong your results for as long as possible. 

In some cases additional surgery or BBL Revision surgery may be required.

You will begin to see your final results, once all swelling and bruising has reduced after around 2-3 months. To speed up your healing process, make sure you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.

It is normal for up to 40% of the fat that has been injected to be absorbed back into the body if the fat supply doesn’t fully restore. Should this result in less volume than you were hoping for, you may want to discuss the possibility of a further procedure with your surgeon.

There are several types of BBL Cosmetic Surgery ranging from standard BBL, to Skinny BBL, Mini – BBL surgery, Ultrasound BBL and Male BBL. 

You should discuss each of these and their suitability at your consultation.  

Mini BBL surgery refers to smaller BBL operations than the traditional BBL cosmetic surgery procedure. A Mini BBL typically involves the harvesting of less fat via liposuction and less fat being injected back into the buttock area. 

Mini BBLs are increasingly common in the UK as the cultural preference is for a slightly small, less obvious shape than common in the US. We estimate this accounts for roughly 20% of all BBL operations at the Cadogan Clinic.

Ultrasound BBL surgery is a cutting-edge technique developed by surgeons at the Cadogan Clinic that uses ultrasound technology to enhance the safety and precision of BBL cosmetic surgeries at the Cadogan Clinic.  

The procedure is very similar to the standard Brazilian Bum Lift but leverages real-time ultrasound imagery during surgery to help guide the fat injection into the buttock region.  

The surgeon can therefore react to a live ultrasonic visual feed under the tissue to help them place the fat in the safest, most precise way, thereby limiting the risk of complications.  

Other benefits include faster recovery times associated with the less invasive nature of the BBL operation and reduced trauma, and improved fat survival rate meaning more permanent longer lasting results.

There are several non surgical BBL alternatives that typically rely on non-permanent collagen stimulating dermal filler such as Sculptra injected into the buttock region. 

Results are not permanent and are more subtle than their surgical counterparts.  


A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

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Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

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The Risks of a Brazilian Butt Lift

Before opting for a BBL London procedure or any cosmetic surgery at Cadogan Clinic, it is vital to be aware of the potential risks and complications. 

  • Hematoma - This is the build up of blood beneath the skin and will require treatment from your surgeon
  • Fat necrosis - In some cases, transferred fat cells from the extraction area to the buttocks may not survive
  • Poor wound healing - Healing complications or infection can affect the incision sites, which is why it is important to stop smoking at drinking as your surgeon recommends
  • Asymmetry - Occasionally, one buttock may appear larger than the other
  • Seroma - This is the formation of a lump under the skin caused by buildup of fluid around the incision sites. This will require treatment from your surgeon.
  • Poor graft take - The acceptance of transferred fat may vary from patient to patient and cannot be guaranteed.

In the event of an unforeseen complication or less than optimal outcome, a revision surgery may be required. The need for a revision surgery can arise due to factors beyond the surgeon’s control. Our skilled consultant surgeons are qualified professionals who are leading UK BBL surgery specialists, standing at the forefront of patient results and, more importantly, patient safety.

It is also important to to acknowledge that any surgical procedure carries a slight risk of:

  • Excessive bleeding 
  • Allergic reaction to general anesthetic
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)

Your surgeon will assess your personal risk for all of these factors alongside your general health and suitability for surgery. They will also explain how these risks would be addressed and treated in the event they occur.


Body Surgery

Related Treatments

We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.



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Laurel Wreath for Awards

2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

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Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
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2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2020

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2019

My Face My Body

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
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2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2017

Aesthetics Awards

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards

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