Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
If you desire to shape the contours of your back side for a fuller, rounder buttock, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus is here to help you reach your aesthetic goals. By using liposuction to transfer your own fat during a Brazilian butt lift procedure, Dr. Gallus can shape the gorgeous natural look and feel that you want.
What is a Brazilian butt lift?
A Brazilian butt lift is a form of buttock enhancement that uses your body’s own fat instead of a silicone implant or other foreign material. During Brazilian butt lift surgery, Dr. Gallus harvests fat from fuller areas of the body (think: hips, belly, and thighs) using liposuction, purifies it in a centrifuge, then strategically injects it into the buttocks—a process called fat transfer. The result is a fuller, rounder behind using your body’s own fat. BBL surgery has a satisfaction rate of 97.1%, according to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Am I a good candidate for Brazilian butt lift surgery?
You may be a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you:
- Have a flattened buttocks and outer hips
- Have some extra fat in your hips, flanks, thighs, or abdomen
- Want a natural means of achieving a round, perky backside
- Do not have a history of blood clotting problems such as DVT or PE
- Are not taking blood thinning medications or using nicotine products
- Are at a healthy, stable weight and are in overall good health
- Have a BMI under 30
Benefits of Brazilian butt lifts
Brazilian butt lift procedures can provide San Diego patients with the following benefits:
- Highlight your curves and enjoy a fuller, more contoured buttocks
- Can improve confidence and self-esteem
- No visible scars, lengthy recovery period, or potential for infection, unlike implant-based buttock augmentation
- Uses the body’s own fat to provide natural enhancement and augmentation
BBL surgery has a satisfaction rate of 97.1%, according to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
“This wasn’t my first experience with plastic surgery and by far Restore has been the best. Dr. Gallus is amazing. She listens to your needs, makes sure you understand what she is able to do and address’ all of your concerns… I highly recommend Restore SD.”
—Actual patient of Dr. Gallus
About Brazilian butt lift surgery in San Diego
Dr. Gallus performs butt augmentation surgery under general anesthesia in our private Quad A-accredited surgery center. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours to perform and is an outpatient surgery, meaning you are able to go home after you recover from anesthesia. Learn more about Quad A accreditation »
During surgery, Dr. Gallus will harvest fat from your hips, flanks, thighs, and abdomen using the SAFELipo™ liposuction technique. The fat is then purified in a sterile processing device and injected with a small cannula (round tube) in multiple layers to beautifully sculpt and define the shape of the buttocks. The fat is a living graft and will establish its own blood supply to help ensure its survival. Great strides have been made in fat grafting in the last decade and it is reasonable to expect that 60-75% of your grafted fat will survive and provide a robust and long-lasting improvement in your figure.
Safety is Essential: With a BBL, Cheaper is Not Better
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your BBL in an accredited facility is essential for safety, as these experts have the rigorous training and credentials to minimize risks in this complex procedure. Unlike clinics abroad that may cut costs by bypassing safety standards, board-certified surgeons adhere to strict protocols to prevent serious complications like fat embolism. Investing in a qualified surgeon ensures you’re prioritizing your health and long-term results.
Bri Breaks it Down: Breast Implants, 2 BBLs, & Botched Filler in Mexico
In this episode of All the B’s, our fun and unfiltered plastic surgery podcast, Bri discusses her experience getting two Brazilian butt lifts, and recaps her Mexico filler fiasco!
Can a Brazilian butt lift be combined with other procedures?
Brazilian butt lift surgery is frequently combined with other plastic surgery procedures, including:
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Thigh lift
- Mommy makeover
- Avéli cellulite treatment
Combining surgical procedures is often very efficient in terms of cost and recovery, as you will already be under anesthesia in a surgical facility anticipating a recovery period. If you are interested in undergoing multiple surgeries, Dr. Gallus will work with you to develop a comprehensive surgical plan that is designed to optimize your results and safety.
Are BBLs safe?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who follows the latest safety protocols, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can be a safe procedure. However, BBLs have been associated with risks, including fat embolism, which occurs when fat is inadvertently injected into a blood vessel. To enhance safety, Dr. Gallus utilizes advanced ultrasound technology during every BBL procedure. With a handheld ultrasound linked to a screen, Dr. Gallus performs live injections while visually confirming exactly where the fat is being placed. This level of precision helps ensure fat is injected only in safe areas, significantly reducing risks. Patient safety is Dr. Gallus’s top priority, and she follows only the latest guidelines to provide the safest possible experience.
Video Transcript
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety is of the utmost importance. With regards to Brazilian butt lifts, there has been a consensus from our national societies on how to maintain safety during a BBL. Research has shown that safety during a BBL is best performed with the use of an ultrasound. With these handheld ultrasounds that are linked to a screen on an iPad, I can do a live injection and see exactly where the fat is being distributed. This ensures the utmost safety during your procedure. For more information or to find out if a Brazilian butt lift is the right procedure for you, please reach out to Restore SD Plastic Surgery.
Black Market BBLs: When Plastic Surgery Turns Deadly
In this episode of All the B’s, our fun and unfiltered plastic surgery podcast, Dr. G and Bri debate unsolved murders in the industry and weigh in on those shady underground BBLs you’ve probably heard about.
Your Safety = Beautiful Brazilian Butt Lift Results
Brazilian Butt Lift at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus operates in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. She proudly works with a board-certified anesthesiologist and holds privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Recovery
After your buttock lift (and recovering from anesthesia), you will be able to go home with a responsible adult who can ideally spend the first few days of recovery with you. Some surgical pain is expected, for which you will be prescribed pain medication. You will need to wear a compression garment during butt lift recovery for 4-6 weeks to ensure a smooth contour in the areas from which the fat was harvested. Some patients choose to use a Brazilian butt lift pillow for additional comfort. You will have some swelling and bruising after surgery, but this generally subsides within the first few weeks after surgery. RestoreSD also offers lymphatic massage for your post-surgery care to reduce swelling and promote better fat graft survival.
You will need to stay off your backside for 10-14 days, so make sure you have a comfy place set up and someone to assist with daily tasks. You will be meeting with Dr. Gallus frequently for follow-up visits, and she will help you get back to your normal activities based on your speed of recovery. Keep in mind that most complications come from getting too active too early. During your personal consultation, Dr. Gallus will help you plan the best date for your BBL procedure so as to allow enough time for recovery.
Results
Once your final fat grafting results are visible (4-6 months after surgery), your BBL results should last as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Note that because your grafted fat is living, the size of the fat cells in your buttocks can fluctuate with your overall body weight.
Expertly harvested and carefully purified fat can yield graft survival in the range of 60-75%. This amount of fat survival is very predictable and you can expect to see some decrease in size after the swelling subsides and the non-viable fat is reabsorbed by your body. The final results of fat grafting can generally be seen after 4-6 months. Some patients return for a second round of fat grafting a year or two after their initial Brazilian butt surgery to adjust the size and shape of their buttocks a bit more.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Adds volume to the buttocks for a fuller, rounder curve
- Transfers fat from other areas of the body to the buttocks
- Uses the patient’s own fat for results that look and feel natural
- Autologous Fat Transfer – A procedure that involves removing fat from one part of the patient’s body (via liposuction) and injecting it into another area, in this case, the buttocks, to enhance volume and shape.
- Body Contouring – A series of procedures aimed at reshaping and refining the contours of the body to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing figure; a BBL is considered a form of body contouring.
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) – A cosmetic procedure that enhances the size and shape of the buttocks without the use of implants; instead, it relies on the transfer of the patient’s own fat.
- Buttock Augmentation – Any surgical procedure that increases the size or improves the shape of the buttocks; a BBL is one type of buttock augmentation.
- Cannula – A thin tube used during liposuction to remove fat from the donor site, which is then prepared and reinjected into the buttocks during a BBL procedure.
- Donor Site – The area(s) of the body from which fat is harvested for transfer in procedures like a BBL, typically including the abdomen, thighs, hips, or lower back.
- Fat Embolism – A rare but serious complication where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel; it’s a risk associated with fat transfer procedures like BBL.
- Fat Grafting – The process of harvesting fat from one part of the body and injecting it into another area to enhance volume; a key component of the BBL procedure.
- Flanks – The sides of the body between the ribs and hips; liposuction is often performed on this area during a BBL to enhance the waist-to-hip ratio.
- Implants – Synthetic materials used to enhance the size and shape of certain body parts, such as breasts or buttocks; unlike a BBL, which uses fat transfer, buttock augmentation can also be achieved with implants.
- Incisions – Small cuts made in the skin to facilitate procedures such as liposuction and fat transfer; in a BBL, incisions are typically small and strategically placed to minimize visible scarring.
- Liposuction – A cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body using a suction technique; it’s the first step in a BBL.
- Purified Fat – Fat that has been processed and cleaned after being extracted via liposuction and before being reinjected into the buttocks during a BBL.
- Recovery Time – The period needed for healing after a BBL, during which activities may be limited and special precautions, such as avoiding sitting directly on the buttocks, are recommended.
- Sedentary Shield – A specially designed cushion or pillow used after a BBL to avoid putting pressure on the buttocks while sitting, promoting optimal fat graft survival.
- Seroma – An accumulation of fluid beneath the skin at the site of surgery, a potential complication following procedures like liposuction and BBL.
- Volume – In the context of a BBL, refers to the amount of fat injected into the buttocks to achieve the desired increase in size and fullness.
Brazilian Butt Lift FAQ’s
What happens at my Brazilian butt lift consultation?
When you arrive at Restore SD Plastic Surgery to discuss your BBL, Dr. Gallus will perform a detailed examination as well as review your medical history and any medications you are taking. At your consultation, you will have photos taken with our Vectra 3D imaging system and discuss treatment areas and options while viewing your photos series. With our state-of-the-art Canfield software, potential surgical results can be viewed and adjustments can be made, helping you to visualize possible outcomes of a butt lift procedure.
What should I do to prepare for BBL surgery?
If you have close friends or relatives who have had Brazilian butt lift surgery, start there! A personal story of their journey may guide you to questions to ask your surgeon and having someone with a shared experience is invaluable. Educate yourself by reading our procedure page and viewing our educational videos.
Can I get plastic surgery if I’m a smoker?
At Restore SD Plastic surgery, we want to deliver safe, consistent, and reproducible results. Smoking tobacco or using any nicotine products has adverse effects on wound healing. Your risk of fat necrosis, infection, and prolonged incision healing are much higher if you use nicotine. We recommend a nicotine-free period of 8 weeks prior to surgery and at a minimum 4 weeks postoperatively. We have a simple urinary nicotine test that we complete in the office to help you on your journey to a safe and gratifying surgical experience with us.
I have diabetes—what do I need to know?
Diabetes can increase your risk for certain types of infections and prolonged wound healing. To ensure you can undergo a safe BBL surgery, butt lift patients work with their medical team to maintain an ideal blood sugar level. With a coordinated effort from patients, surgeons, and medical doctors, surgery can be performed safely with outstanding results. However, in certain cases, Dr. Gallus may choose to postpone surgery until your diabetes is under control.
Do BBLs use implants?
No, Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) do not use implants. BBLs increase volume by transferring your own natural fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, to your buttocks.
Why should I choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?
It is important to ask if your surgeon is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. As board-certified plastic surgeons at Restore SD, we have years of training and expertise in breast and body surgery that cannot be imitated by short courses and alternative certifications. Ensure that your surgeon is proficient in the procedure(s) you want. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of 23 members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. These specialties represent the traditional core of fully trained specialists. Alternative boards have come up over the last several years to lend legitimacy to incompletely trained or poorly trained practitioners. Accept nothing less than a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who preferably is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
How long is recovery time after a BBL?
Depending on your profession, you should expect to take 1-2 weeks off from work after your BBL surgery. You will not be able to drive while taking narcotic pain medication, so make sure you plan a ride home after surgery and have a friend or family member stay with you at least for the first few days.
How soon can I travel after having Brazilian butt lift surgery?
Having surgery means a commitment to an appropriate recovery. We recommend scheduling your surgery at a time that allows enough time to recover and gradually return to your normal activities. Flying, driving long distances, or leaving the immediate area, is not recommended until you have been cleared by your surgeon. If you have specific travel needs or require advice for emergency travel soon after a procedure, please let us know and we will be glad to discuss the details with you.
How do I minimize post-operative scarring on my buttocks after surgery?
A Brazilian butt procedure is performed through multiple small, discreetly-placed incisions that are a centimeter or less in length. Although these scars are small and well hidden, your Restore SD surgeons will educate you about scar management postoperatively. A surgical scar will take 9-12 months to fully mature. Your scar will go through changes during the healing process and your Restore SD team will help you manage this part of your recovery. Your scar treatment plan can consist of sun avoidance, scar massage, scar cream, and fractionated laser treatments.
How do I choose the best BBL surgeon in San Diego?
It is important to ask if your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As board-certified plastic surgeon at Restore SD, Dr. Gallus has years of training and expertise in body contouring surgery that cannot be imitated by short courses and alternative certifications. Ensure that your surgeon is proficient in body contouring surgery and high-volume fat grafting in particular. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of 23 members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. These specialties represent the traditional core of fully trained specialists. Alternative boards have cropped up over the last several years to try to lend legitimacy to incompletely trained or poorly trained practitioners. Accept nothing less than a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who preferably is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Choose Restore SD Plastic Surgery for your San Diego Brazilian butt lift
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus has over a decade of experience performing Brazilian butt lift surgery. In addition to operating in a fully credentialed facility, we take the time to listen to your goals and partner with you to develop the best and safest surgical plan that will optimize your results and leave you looking and feeling your best.
Female plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus and our San Diego plastic surgery team are here to make your plastic surgery journey a positive—and even fun—experience! Dr. Gallus partners with you to establish the perfect breast augmentation surgery plan to achieve your goals. To begin your journey with a consultation at our San Diego office to discuss surgery recommendations, cost, and more, call 858-224-2281 or contact us online today.
Call to schedule your consultation today »
References »
O’Neill RC, Abu-Ghname A, Davis MJ, Chamata E, Rammos CK, Winocour SJ. The Role of Fat Grafting in Buttock Augmentation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020 Feb;34(1):38-46. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-3401038.
Shridharani SM, Broyles JM, Matarasso A. Liposuction devices: technology update. Medical devices (Auckland, NZ). 2014 Jul 21;7:241-51. doi: 10.2147/MDER.S47322.
Triana L, Reddy CL, Liscano E. Complications of Fat Grafting Versus Implants in Gluteal Augmentation: A Retrospective Review and Lessons Learnt. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023 Oct;47(5):1939-1944. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03431-x.
Condé-Green A, Kotamarti V, Nini KT, Wey PD, Ahuja NK, Granick MS, Lee ES. Fat Grafting for Gluteal Augmentation: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016 Sep;138(3):437e-446e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002435.
Cansancao AL, Condé-Green A, Vidigal RA, Rodriguez RL, D’Amico RA. Real-Time Ultrasound-Assisted Gluteal Fat Grafting. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2018 Aug;142(2):372-376. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004602.
Pazmiño P. Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Grafting: A to Z. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2023 Oct;50(4):587-601. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2023.07.002.
Del Vecchio D, Kenkel JM. Practice Advisory on Gluteal Fat Grafting. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2022 Aug 24;42(9):1019-1029. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac082.
Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020 Jun;87(6):367-375. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097.
H, Roh S, Mese T, Uchiki T, Sasaki A, Nagamatsu S. Effect of Postoperative Compression Therapy on the Success of Liposuction in Patients with Advanced Lower Limb Lymphedema. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021 Oct 22;10(21):4852. doi: 10.3390/jcm10214852.
Vidal-Laureano N, Huerta CT, Perez EA, Earle SA. Augmented Safety Profile of Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Transfer: Retrospective Study With 1815 Patients. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2024 Mar 15;44(4):NP263-NP270. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjad377.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Mar 21, 2025
Brazilian butt lift blog posts from Dr. Katerina Gallus
Podcast – Bri Breaks it Down: Breast Implants, 2 BBLs, & Botched Filler in Mexico
Why You Should Consider a Brazilian Butt Lift
Achieve Your Dream Contours with a Brazilian Butt Lift
