A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a popular cosmetic surgery that enhances the size and shape of the buttocks. During a BBL, fat is removed from areas like the abdomen, hips, or thighs using liposuction. This fat is then processed and injected into the buttocks to make them fuller and rounder.
While a BBL can beautifully augment the backside for many patients, the procedure does have limitations. BBLs involve risks and require a significant recovery. The surgery may not be appropriate for every individual wishing to enhance their rear.
So who is not a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift procedure? Here we will explore the factors that can make someone unsuitable for this particular surgery.
Those at Their Ideal Body Weight
One of the key requirements for getting a BBL is having adequate body fat to harvest. The surgeon removes fat through liposuction from places like the stomach, sides, lower back, and thighs. This harvested fat is then purified and injected into the buttocks.
If a patient is already at their ideal weight, they likely do not have enough excess body fat for harvesting. Most plastic surgeons want patients to have a BMI of 30 or less before surgery. If the patient is underweight and has little body fat, there may not be enough fat to adequately augment the buttocks.
Patients who are already lean need to consider whether a BBL is the right choice. In some cases, a butt implant may be a better option than fat grafting. Butt implants involve using silicone implants to enhance the shape of the rear.
Those With Unrealistic Expectations
Some patients considering a BBL may have unrealistic expectations about the potential results. It’s important to understand that there are limitations to the shape and size the surgeon can create.
Each person has a unique amount of fat available for grafting. The maximum amount of fat that can safely be injected per side is generally 350-600cc. If a patient is expecting extreme proportions, they may be disappointed with the outcome of a BBL procedure.
It’s essential to discuss expectations thoroughly with the plastic surgeon. If a patient is set on a dramatically larger rear that is beyond what fat grafting can provide, a BBL is likely not the right treatment.
Those With Underlying Health Issues
BBL candidates need to be in good overall health to safely undergo surgery. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia and takes 2-4 hours to complete. Liposuction removes fat from multiple areas of the body.
Those with serious underlying health conditions may not be suitable for a BBL procedure. Individuals with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system can face heightened risks of complications.
Smoking and drug/alcohol abuse can also increase risks and interfere with proper healing. That’s why plastic surgeons want BBL patients to avoid smoking and drinking for a minimum of 2 weeks before and after surgery.
Those With Uncontrolled Weight Fluctuations
Weight fluctuations can significantly impact the results of a BBL. If a patient loses a dramatic amount of weight after surgery, the injected fat cells may shrink. This can cause deflation of the buttocks and a loss of surgical results.
Likewise, substantial weight gain after a BBL can negatively affect the look of the rear. If a patient struggles with unstable weight, they may not be an ideal candidate for fat grafting to the buttocks.
The best candidates for BBL have maintained a stable weight over the past year. This shows they can keep their weight steady and are committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Those Struggling With Eating Disorders
Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder can rule out candidates for a BBL. These conditions directly impact body weight and fat stores in the body.
A history of disordered eating makes it less likely the patient’s weight will remain stable after surgery. This instability can lead to problems with fat graft survival and aesthetic results in the buttocks region.
Candidates for a BBL need to have their eating habits under control. Those still overcoming an eating disorder may be better candidates for this procedure once their recovery is further along.
Those Who Sit for Long Periods
Following a BBL, patients must avoid putting direct pressure on the buttocks for 2-3 weeks. Sitting for prolonged periods can shift the implanted fat cells before they fully stabilize.
People whose jobs or lifestyles require them to sit for long stretches each day may not be ideal candidates. It can be challenging to avoid sitting and putting pressure on the operated areas as required.
Discuss your daily routine with your surgeon so they can advise you on precautions to take. Adjustments to work obligations may be needed for the first few weeks following surgery.
Those Who Can’t Take 2+ Weeks Off Work
Recovering from a BBL requires diligence and patience. Most patients need to take off a minimum of 2 weeks from work and regular activities.
The first week following surgery is focused on rest and healing. Strenuous activity and pressure on the buttocks is restricted. Assistance with basic functions like washing, dressing, and household chores is needed.
If taking 2+ weeks away from responsibilities is not feasible, patients may struggle to properly recover from a BBL. Be sure your schedule allows adequate time for rest and healing.
Those Unwilling to Adjust Activities Post-Op
Getting a BBL requires some temporary yet important lifestyle adjustments during recovery. Restrictions include:
- No sitting directly on the buttocks for 2-3 weeks
- No athletic activities for 3-6 weeks
- No submerging operated areas in water for 3-4 weeks
- Wearing a compression garment for several weeks
- Sleeping face down or on the side
- Attending regular post-op appointments
If a patient is unwilling to temporarily adjust their normal routine, a BBL may not be the right choice for them. Proper healing requires diligence and patience in the weeks following surgery.
Those Who Smoke or Abuse Substances
Smoking severely impacts healing and increases risks of complications after plastic surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing essential blood flow to surgical areas.
Likewise, alcohol and substance abuse hamper proper recovery. Surgeons require BBL patients to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and recreational drugs for a minimum of 2 weeks before and after surgery.
Smokers may be required to stop 4+ weeks in advance. Continued smoking or substance use after surgery can result in issues like fat necrosis, tissue death, and wound breakdown.
Those With Revision Surgery in Mind
Some patients consider a BBL because they plan on revision surgery down the road. However, planning repeat surgery is generally not recommended.
While some settling of the buttocks shape can occur as swelling resolves, surgeons aim for optimal results from the first BBL procedure. There are risks with undergoing multiple surgeries.
The best candidates wish to have their surgery once and then maintain results through healthy living. Those set on revision plans may need to reconsider if a BBL is appropriate currently.
Those With Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition marked by obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance. People with BDD still feel unsatisfied about minor or even nonexistent flaws after plastic surgery.
This obsession places BDD patients at higher risk for requesting multiple surgeries. However, undergoing multiple procedures does not typically improve their condition long-term.
Candidates for a BBL should have realistic expectations and a mostly positive body image. Psychological screening can help identify if body dysmorphia makes someone unsuitable for surgery now.
Conclusion
A BBL can beautifully enhance the backside – when done on the right candidate. The best candidates are at or near their ideal weight, in good health, understand the procedure’s limitations, and can take ample time off to recover.
This surgery may not be appropriate for those who lack enough donor fat, have unrealistic expectations, struggle with eating disorders or fluctuating weight, or cannot or will not modify activities post-op. Proper patient selection ensures optimal results from BBL procedures.