Body Surgery

Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery (BBL)

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. Brazilian Butt Lifts normally starts at around £8895.

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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

We're regulated 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 September 2023, 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?

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in recent years. It’s designed to enhance the buttocks by using the patient's own fat for a naturally fuller and shapelier appearance.

In this surgery, the patient's excess fat cells are carefully harvested from other areas of their body and treated before being skillfully reintroduced into the buttocks. This technique results in a more lifted, rounded, and natural-looking behind. By making use of the patient's fat, our Brazilian Butt Lift procedure ensures a result that not only looks but also feels remarkably natural-looking and authentic.

The BBL surgery has gained significant popularity, thanks in part to a few celebrities. Unfortunately, this procedure has also garnered negative attention due to instances of subpar results and complications when performed by unqualified and inexperienced surgeons. It's important to emphasise that when carried out by a skilled and experienced surgeon at a reputable clinic, such as Cadogan, BBLs utilising fat transfer to the buttocks are as safe as any other cosmetic procedure.

Some clinics resort to silicone enhancements or foreign materials to augment the buttocks, which can pose serious risks, including shifting or displacement of these materials. At the Cadogan Clinic, we follow a strict safety policy and do not incorporate any foreign substances into our Brazilian Butt Lift procedures.

The natural fat transfer procedure also offers several advantages, including a quicker and less painful recovery period, reduced scarring, and a lower risk of potential complications. This approach allows the surgeon to craft larger, more shapely buttocks if desired, a flexibility that silicone inserts simply cannot provide.

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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

Why do people have a BBL?

Why & Who

Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is often chosen to address concerns about the size and shape of a woman’s buttocks. This procedure serves as a solution for those looking to rejuvenate their buttocks, restoring the fullness and perkiness they once enjoyed in their youth, even if factors like ageing, childbirth, or weight fluctuations have caused changes to their body. Women with a slimmer physique lacking natural curves may also opt for a BBL to give their behind a more rounded and prominent appearance.

Beyond the physical benefits, buttock augmentation can significantly improve self-confidence and self-esteem, creating positive effects on overall mental well-being.

Who is suitable?

At the Cadogan Clinic, we assess the suitability of individuals for this procedure based on the following criteria:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to undergo this procedure.
  • You should be in excellent mental and physical health.
  • You maintain a positive outlook and have reasonable expectations regarding the outcomes achievable through Brazilian Butt Lift surgery.
  • You must possess a sufficient amount of fat in other areas of your body that can be utilised for fat transfer to your buttocks.
  • You should not be clinically obese, as this can impact the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

Words from our clients:


The cost of a Brazilian Butt Lift

Get in touch now to get a price

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Included in this treatment

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

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery Centre of Excellence

24/7 on-call nurse assistance 

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

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

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


What is involved in a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure can be broken down into three different stages:

Before you begin your treatment, you will work with your assigned surgeon to determine the source of fat cells for your BBL. The donor site(s) are typically selected from areas such as your abdomen, thighs, or hips. During the liposuction procedure, the fat cells are gently disrupted using vibrations or a high-pressure water jet, and a minor incision is made to allow for the insertion of a cannula into the donor site. In some cases, additional incisions may be necessary. A vacuum machine is then employed to loosen and suction out the fat. This step not only facilitates the fat transfer but also results in a reduction of fatty deposits in the donor area, creating a sculpted appearance.

For the second stage of the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, specialised equipment is used to purify the fat, ensuring its readiness for reintroduction into the body. To do this, the fat is placed in a centrifuge, where it undergoes a process to separate it from any impurities, such as oil, blood, and excess fluids. The quantity of fat processed depends on the predetermined volume discussed with your surgeon for introduction into the buttocks. 

After the fat is treated, it is reintroduced into the body through a specialised cannula designed specifically for BBL augmentation. The fat is strategically placed into the buttocks, typically above the muscle layer. The surgeon will then sculpt the area, to create the desired fuller, rounded buttocks.

What is involved & Patient Safety

 

At the Cadogan Clinic, we prioritise the utmost safety in our Brazilian Butt Lift procedures by implementing ultrasound-guided fat injection techniques.

This means our skilled surgeons use ultrasound probes to identify the different anatomical layers within the buttocks. The transferred fat is precisely introduced into the subcutaneous layer, located directly beneath the dermis and epidermis. This process is displayed in real-time on a screen, enhancing precision and ensuring that no fat enters the muscle layer.

Regarding fat extraction, we extract approximately twice the amount required for the transfer to account for the minor fat loss during the transfer process.

The duration of the procedure typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours on average, depending on the amount of liposuction required. This timeframe may vary depending on the number of donor areas used and whether additional surgical procedures are performed alongside the Brazilian Butt Lift.

At the Cadogan Clinic, we never use implants or any non-organic materials in our Brazilian Butt Lift procedures, as we believe these alternatives yield suboptimal results and elevate the patient's risk of complications. Utilising the patient's natural fat eliminates the risk of immune rejection, ensuring harmonious integration with the body.

Recovery from fat transfer to the buttocks is generally swift, delivering noticeable results in a short timeframe. However, you should expect some swelling and bruising in the weeks following your BBL, accompanied by minor discomfort. Despite this, you should anticipate a complete recovery within four to six weeks post-surgery.

Brazilian Butt Lift Safety Considerations

When introducing harvested fat into the buttocks, it is essential that the fat is carefully placed beneath the skin, using a cannula, and never directly into the muscle. Unfortunately, some underqualified surgeons and practitioners have injected fat directly into the buttocks, and this reckless practice can lead to a condition known as a fat embolism, where fat enters the bloodstream through large veins in the buttock muscles. This fat may then travel to vital organs such as the heart or lungs, resulting in respiratory distress and, in extreme cases, death.

Regrettably, there have been cases of individuals seeking Brazilian Butt Lift surgery abroad due to cheap prices with inexperienced surgeons. These underqualified surgeons may inadvertently introduce fat into the muscle, which can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, even death. Opting for a cheap cosmetic procedure performed by an underqualified surgeon or in substandard facilities can result in severe physical and financial complications once the patient returns to the UK.

At the Cadogan Clinic, our surgeons are renowned experts in their field, employing state-of-the-art technology to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes. Each of our surgeons is highly qualified and well-versed in performing Brazilian Butt Lift procedures.

As a leading cosmetic surgery practice, we are also committed to enhancing safety and awareness surrounding fat grafting procedures. We actively engage in scientific studies to educate surgeons, improve industry standards, and reduce the incidence of fatalities and complications.

What are the benefits of BBL?

There are a number of benefits to having Brazilian butt lift surgery.

By utilising the body's natural fat cells, without introducing foreign objects into the body, a BBL procedure delivers a natural result while enhancing the buttocks' shape. If you happen to lose weight after recovering from the surgery, whether through regular exercise or other means, your body shape will adapt accordingly rather than remain static. On top of this, using your body's fat significantly reduces the risk of complications compared to the use of silicone inserts.

A common issue as we age is sagging and loss of shape in the buttocks. A BBL augmentation effectively restores and enhances the natural curvaceousness of the buttocks

A Brazilian Butt Lift can transform a person's body proportions, especially benefiting those with a 'top-heavy' physique by balancing them out to an hourglass shape. A BBL offers a transformative solution for individuals unable to attain their desired appearance through exercise alone.

Over time, weight fluctuations and childbirth can cause women to lose the natural definition and curves they once enjoyed. This, in turn, can affect the fit and appearance of clothing. A Brazilian Butt Lift, combined with the sculpting of the fat donor sites, enhances body shape, resulting in more flattering clothing choices. The minimal scarring left by BBL surgery also means you can confidently wear a bikini without any visible signs of the procedure.

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.

Beyond the physical transformation, Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, like other cosmetic procedures, can create profoundly positive effects on a person's mental well-being and perspective. Patients frequently report heightened self-esteem, increased social confidence, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. This newfound confidence post-BBL surgery can significantly enhance one's romantic relationships as well.

Buttock Lift Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic 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.

What to expect

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.

Your journey with the Cadogan Clinic begins with up to two consultations at our renowned Chelsea premises, with one of our distinguished specialist plastic surgeons. These consultations typically span between 30 to 60 minutes.

During these consultations, your surgeon will engage in a comprehensive discussion about your expectations for your Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. They will provide detailed insights into the procedure itself and its potential impact on your physique. 

Open and honest communication about your surgical goals is vital for achieving the best possible results. Your surgeon will gladly address any queries or concerns you may have during this process. It's a good practice to jot down your questions beforehand. Additionally, your surgeon will conduct several essential measurements, and standard clinical photography, review your medical history, and perform a physical examination.

If, based on this evaluation, your surgeon determines that you are a suitable candidate for surgery, you will then be given a two-week 'cooling-off' period to consider whether you wish to proceed with your Brazilian Butt Lift.

If you decide to move forward with surgery after the cooling-off period, your next visit to the clinic will be on the day of the procedure. It’s essential to prep for your BBL augmentation with the following measures:

  • Stop smoking: Quitting smoking is crucial, as smoking reduces blood flow in the skin, affecting the integration of the transferred fat into the buttocks. It's advisable to stop smoking six weeks before surgery and throughout the recovery period.
  • Cut down on alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impede the healing process and should be minimised.
  • Review medications: In the week leading up to your Brazilian Butt Lift, refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as these substances can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Post-surgery support: Make plans for a friend or family member to accompany you, drive you home after hospital discharge, and stay with you during the initial night of your home recovery.
  • Pre-surgery fast: In the six hours leading up to surgery, avoid food and drinks, except for small sips of clear fluids (like still water, black coffee, and black tea), which are allowed up to two hours before your clinic admission.

On the day of your procedure, we request that you arrive at the clinic one hour before the scheduled surgery start time. At this point, a nurse will record essential health parameters, and you will meet with both your anaesthetist and surgeon for final assessments and mark-ups. General anaesthesia is administered, with the Cadogan Clinic utilising Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) to minimise postoperative sickness and promote a faster recovery.

The Brazilian Butt Lift surgery typically takes three to four hours. Your surgeon will create small incisions in the liposuction areas to extract fat tissue using specialised cannulas. This harvested fat undergoes treatment before being skillfully reintroduced into the buttocks, enhancing volume. The quantity of fat transferred is adjusted according to your desired outcome, whether it's increased buttock projection or filling 'hip dips.' The incisions are closed using sutures.

Following your Brazilian Butt Lift, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms. You might experience some drowsiness initially, which generally dissipates within a few hours. Once you can eat and drink, and our specialist nursing team confirms your initial recovery, you will be allowed to depart the clinic with your friend or family member.

You may experience mild pain or discomfort post-surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You should be up and moving within a day and able to bathe in three days.

For the first two weeks after surgery, avoid sitting on your buttocks and sleeping on your back to allow the buttocks to settle into their new shape and prevent flattening. Wearing a post-operative garment is mandatory after BBL surgery.

Our 24/7 on-call service is accessible to all patients for any inquiries during this period.

One week after surgery, an in-person meeting with our nursing team is scheduled to inspect the incision sites. Additionally, we recommend a consultation with one of our aestheticians to explore ongoing treatments that support the healing process, if necessary.

A final follow-up appointment is scheduled six weeks after your Brazilian Butt Lift to monitor the healing process. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

At the Cadogan Clinic, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery begins at £8895. The overall cost of your BBL will depend on several factors, including the number of areas undergoing liposuction and whether additional surgical procedures are combined with your BBL.

Included in the cost of your Brazilian butt lift surgery are:

  • Up to two consultations lasting 30 to 60 minutes each with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our acclaimed Chelsea premises.
  • A preoperative medical assessment to ensure your fitness for surgery.
  • A dedicated patient coordinator who serves as your point of contact throughout your Cadogan Clinic journey.
  • Your procedure carried out at London's leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence.
  • Access to 24/7 on-call nurse assistance once you've returned home.
  • Comprehensive post-operative aftercare provided by our specialist cosmetic nurses.

We also offer BBL finance options through various reputable providers. Feel free to consult one of our patient advisors for guidance on selecting a trusted finance provider accepted by the clinic.

The complete recovery period for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery spans approximately six weeks. Here's a breakdown of the recovery milestones:

  • We recommend taking one week off work following your buttock augmentation. You can typically resume work and your daily activities within five to seven days post-surgery.
  • Four weeks after surgery, you can safely resume driving. Avoiding sexual activity is advised for a four-week recovery period.
  • For six weeks, avoid strenuous exercise, including gym activities.

It's important to note that newly transferred fat is delicate and requires time to establish a new blood supply to the fat cells. A portion of this fat, ranging from 20 to 40 per cent, may be 'non-viable' and safely absorbed by the body. This percentage can be higher, ranging from 50 to 70 per cent, in smokers, underlining the importance of quitting smoking before BBL surgery.

The process of establishing a new blood supply may take between three to six months, during which the final results of your buttock augmentation become apparent. Adhering to your surgeon's aftercare instructions is crucial for a swift recovery and to maintain the surgery's results. 

 

While BBL surgery does leave some scars, they are minimal and easily concealable, allowing you to wear swimwear and similar clothing items without worrying about visible scars.

The incisions required for fat transfer to the buttocks are small, as specialised cannulas are used in the procedure. Our expert surgeons strategically place these incisions within the body's natural folds and contours, resulting in minimal scarring.

To optimise healing and minimise scarring, we recommend quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption before surgery. Tobacco and alcohol can impede wound healing, increasing the risk of infection and scarring.

Wearing a compression garment plays a pivotal role in wound management by promoting healing and reducing the risk of scarring following a BBL procedure.

Your incision sites will be evaluated one week and six weeks after your Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. If you have any concerns about the healing process, our 24/7 on-call service is available to provide guidance and support. This aftercare is included in the cost of your treatment at the Cadogan Clinic.

Following Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, you will need to wear a postoperative surgical garment for six weeks. This garment serves a few crucial purposes:

  • Minimising swelling and preserving the newly contoured buttocks shape to prevent flattening.
  • Promoting healing by holding incisions together and reducing the risk of infection.

These compression garments, designed specifically for use after BBL surgery, are crafted from lightweight, comfortable Lycra material. They provide essential compression, support the back and thighs, and facilitate lymphatic drainage. Many patients find these garments comfortable and discreet, easily worn beneath clothing. A variety of shapes and sizes are available to cater to individual body needs, with your surgeon providing detailed guidance on the ideal compression garment for you.

Failure to wear the surgical garment may lead to the loss of the newly achieved buttocks shape, potentially necessitating a revision procedure.

Brazilian Butt Lift surgery delivers permanent results, with volume enhancement that doesn't diminish over time. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the results of your BBL for many years.

Despite this, your body remains subject to the natural ageing process. As we age, the skin experiences a decrease in collagen and elastin, which provide youthful volume and elasticity. As these levels decline, wrinkles and sagging can occur, including in the buttocks area. In such cases, you may consider additional surgical interventions.

While a BBL doesn't halt the ageing process, it can reset the clock, providing a more favourable starting point for the ageing journey. Any subsequent changes will typically be minor.

It's important to note that dramatic weight fluctuations and substantial weight gain can affect the results of your Brazilian Butt Lift, too. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can prolong the longevity of your BBL results.

While it is possible to observe immediate results following Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, it's essential to anticipate some initial bruising and swelling due to the invasive nature of the procedure. This swelling typically takes several weeks to subside. You can expect to see the final results once all post-operative swelling has completely dissipated, usually around the three-month mark. In some cases, it may take up to six months for the outcome of your BBL procedure to become fully apparent.

To expedite the healing process and achieve the best results, it is important to follow the post-operative guidelines outlined by your surgeon. Failure to do so may delay the healing process.

In certain instances, not all of the transferred fat will successfully establish a blood supply and may be absorbed by the body. Should this occur, resulting in less volume than desired, you may want to discuss the possibility of additional BBL procedures with your surgeon.


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.

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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.

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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 the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure or any aesthetic surgery, it's crucial to be aware of potential risks and complications. While the BBL can yield remarkable results, it is not without its share of risks. Possible risks and complications associated with Brazilian buttock lift surgery include:

  • Haematoma: This refers to the accumulation of blood beneath the skin.
  • Fat necrosis: In some cases, transferred fat cells may not survive.
  • Poor wound healing: Healing complications can affect the surgical site.
  • Asymmetry: Occasionally, one buttock may appear larger or different than the other.
  • Seroma: This is the formation of a lump due to the buildup of fluid.
  • Poor graft take: The acceptance of transferred fat may vary.

In the event of a less-than-optimal outcome, a revision procedure might be necessary. Our skilled surgeons at the Cadogan Clinic are seasoned professionals who have performed BBL surgeries numerous times. However, the need for a revision procedure can sometimes arise due to factors beyond the surgeon's control.


Furthermore, it's essential to acknowledge that any surgical procedure, including aesthetic surgery, carries a slight risk of:

  • Excessive bleeding (Haemorrhage): Though rare, excessive bleeding can occur.
  • Allergic reaction to anaesthetic: An allergic response to anaesthesia is a potential but infrequent risk.
  • Infection at the surgical site: While surgical site infections are uncommon, they are a possibility.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (Blood clot in the vein): Blood clot formation is a rare but recognised risk.

During your consultation, your surgeon will provide a thorough discussion of these risks and complications. They will explain the likelihood of these events occurring and outline the steps for treatment if any of these complications arise.




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2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

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2021

Aesthetics Awards

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2021

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2020

My Face My Body

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2019

My Face My Body

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2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

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2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

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2017

Aesthetics Awards

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