Key Takeaways
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 2-5mm (freckle-sized) |
| Location | Belly button, bikini line, hip creases—never on buttocks |
| Number | 4-8 tiny incisions total |
| Healing | 6-12 months to fade; 12-18 months full maturation |
| Satisfaction | 89-92% report excellent outcomes |
| Best treatment | Silicone gel + SPF 50+ + daily massage |
Quick Summary:
BBL scars measure 2-5mm and are hidden in natural body creases at liposuction donor sites—not on the buttocks. According to Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2024), 89-92% of patients report complete satisfaction with scar appearance after 12 months when following proper aftercare protocols including silicone treatment and sun protection.
Why Trust This Guide
This guide cites 2024 peer-reviewed research from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and clinical guidelines from ASPS and ISAPS. Our editorial team works with board-certified plastic surgeons performing 500+ BBL procedures annually at JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul.
What Do BBL Scars Look Like?
BBL scars are flat, pale dots measuring 2-5mm that fade to match surrounding skin within 6-12 months. These tiny marks—smaller than a pencil eraser—become virtually invisible for 89-92% of patients after complete healing (ISAPS, 2024).
Unlike other cosmetic procedures, BBL creates minimal scarring because the procedure uses small cannulas requiring only tiny entry points. The scars form exclusively at liposuction donor sites where fat is harvested, not on the buttocks where fat is injected.
Fat injection into the buttocks creates only pinprick marks that disappear within 2-3 weeks. This means your enhanced buttocks will have no visible scarring—all permanent marks remain hidden on donor areas covered by underwear.
BBL Scar Appearance by Healing Stage
| Stage | Timeframe | Color | Texture | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | Days 1-7 | Bright red | Sutured, swollen | Visible |
| Early | Weeks 2-6 | Dark pink/purple | Slightly raised | Noticeable |
| Intermediate | Months 2-4 | Fading pink | Flattening | Fading |
| Mature | Months 6-12 | Pale/skin-matched | Flat, smooth | Hard to find |
| Final | 12-18 months | Nearly invisible | Soft dots | Undetectable |
Expert Insight
“Modern micro-cannula techniques create incisions of 3-4mm compared to 8-12mm with traditional methods. Smaller incisions heal faster and produce significantly less visible scarring.”
— Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2024)
BBL Scars Pictures: Before and After
BBL scars pictures show tiny freckle-sized dots at 12 months that blend completely with surrounding skin. Before-and-after photos reveal scars progressing from 3-5mm red lines immediately post-surgery to pale, nearly invisible marks after full healing.
What BBL Scars Pictures Reveal
Immediately after surgery: Photos show small red incision lines 3-5mm long, closed with sutures or surgical tape. Surrounding skin appears bruised and swollen. Incisions are located in body creases—not on buttocks.
At 1 month: Scars appear dark pink or purple in photos. Slight elevation visible. Bruising resolved. Incisions still noticeable upon close inspection but easily covered by underwear.
At 3 months: Photos show significant fading. Scars transition from pink to pale. Flattening visible. Most patients comfortable wearing bikinis without scar concerns at this stage.
At 6 months: Before-and-after comparisons show dramatic improvement. Scars difficult to locate without knowing exact positions. Color matches or is slightly lighter than surrounding skin.
At 12+ months: Final photos show scars as tiny pale dots resembling small freckles or moles. Many patients cannot locate their own scars without actively searching. 89-92% report complete satisfaction with appearance.
What You Won’t See in BBL Photos
BBL before-and-after photos do not show scars on the buttocks because fat injection creates only pinprick marks that heal completely within weeks. All visible scarring appears at donor sites (abdomen, flanks, back, thighs) in areas hidden by clothing.
Where Are BBL Scars Located?
BBL scars are located at liposuction donor sites in areas hidden by underwear: belly button, lower bikini line, hip creases, bra line, and inner thigh folds. No scars appear on the buttocks themselves.
Board-certified surgeons prioritize scar concealment when planning incision placement. Every incision is strategically positioned in natural body creases where scars blend with normal skin texture after healing.
BBL Scar Locations by Donor Area
| Donor Area | Incision Location | Why This Location | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdomen | Belly button, bikini line | Natural folds hide scars completely | Hidden by underwear |
| Flanks | Hip crease, waistband line | Leg-torso junction conceals marks | Hidden by underwear |
| Back | Bra line, lower back | Clothing covers these areas | Hidden by bra/clothing |
| Thighs | Inner thigh fold, gluteal crease | Natural crease hides scarring | Hidden by underwear |
| Buttocks | Pinprick entry points only | Fat injection needs minimal access | Invisible after 2-3 weeks |
The exact scar locations depend on which donor areas provide fat for your procedure. Surgeons discuss incision placement during consultation and customize positions based on your anatomy and treatment plan.
BBL Incision Scars: Size and Number
BBL incision scars measure 2-5mm (3-4mm with modern micro-cannula techniques) and number 4-8 total depending on how many donor areas are treated. These are among the smallest incisions in cosmetic surgery.
BBL Incision Size Comparison
| Procedure | Incision Size | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| BBL (micro-cannula) | 3-4mm | Size of a grain of rice |
| BBL (standard) | 4-5mm | Size of a pencil eraser |
| Traditional liposuction | 8-12mm | Size of a fingernail |
| Buttock implants | 7-10cm | Length of a credit card |
| Tummy tuck | 25-40cm | Hip to hip |
Number of BBL Incisions
Minimum (2-3 donor areas): 4-5 incisions total
Average (3-4 donor areas): 6-7 incisions total
Maximum (5+ donor areas): 8-10 incisions total
Each incision serves as an entry point for the liposuction cannula. More donor areas mean more incisions, but all remain small (2-5mm) and hidden in body creases.
Do BBL Scars Go Away?
BBL scars do not disappear completely but fade to nearly invisible marks within 6-12 months. According to Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2024), 89-92% of patients report they cannot locate their own scars after full healing.
The tiny 2-5mm incisions become difficult to detect even when actively searching. Complete scar maturation takes 12-18 months, during which scars progress through predictable color and texture changes.
BBL Scar Fading Timeline
| Timeframe | What Happens | Patient Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1-2 | Red → pink transition | Scars still visible, healing |
| Month 3-4 | Major fading occurs | Swimwear confidence returns |
| Month 6 | Significant improvement | Hard to spot without searching |
| Month 12 | Near-final appearance | Most cannot locate own scars |
| Month 18 | Full maturation | Permanent stable appearance |
Proper aftercare—silicone treatment, sun protection, massage—significantly improves fading speed and final appearance. Patients following protocols achieve better outcomes than those who skip aftercare steps.
BBL Scar Healing Timeline
BBL scar healing takes 12-18 months for full maturation. The most dramatic visible improvement occurs during months 2-4, with most patients achieving swimwear-ready results by month 3.
Week-by-Week BBL Scar Healing
Week 1:
- Incisions closed, covered with dressings
- Bright red appearance, mild swelling
- Keep dry for first 48 hours
- Mild drainage is normal
- Pain managed with prescribed medication
Weeks 2-3:
- Sutures dissolve or are removed (days 7-10)
- Begin gentle cleaning with mild soap
- Scars appear dark pink or purple
- Itching indicates healthy healing
- Avoid scratching or picking scabs
Weeks 4-6:
- Start silicone gel once fully closed
- Scars may temporarily appear darker
- Begin gentle scar massage
- Compression garments continue
- Avoid sun exposure on scars
Months 2-3:
- Most dramatic improvement occurs
- Scars flatten significantly
- Color transitions pink → pale
- Most patients comfortable in swimwear
- Continue all scar care protocols
Months 4-6:
- Progressive fading continues
- Scars blend with surrounding skin
- Texture becomes smooth
- Color stabilizes
- Reduce silicone use if desired
Months 6-12:
- Final maturation phase
- Subtle continued improvement
- Near-final appearance achieved
- Most scars virtually invisible
- Long-term sun protection continues
Expert Insight
“Patients who strictly follow post-operative instructions achieve 60-80% fat retention and significantly better scar outcomes compared to those who skip compression garments and scar care protocols.”
— Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2024)
What Causes Bad BBL Scars?
Bad BBL scars result from sun exposure, smoking, infection, poor wound care, genetic predisposition to keloids, or choosing inexperienced surgeons. Following aftercare protocols prevents most scar complications.
Controllable Causes of Poor Scarring
| Cause | How It Worsens Scars | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Sun exposure | Causes permanent hyperpigmentation | SPF 50+ for 12 months minimum |
| Smoking | Reduces blood flow, impairs healing | Stop 4+ weeks before/after |
| Infection | Causes inflammation and widening | Follow wound care instructions |
| Picking scabs | Reopens wounds, creates larger scars | Let scabs fall naturally |
| Skipping silicone | Misses proven scar reduction | Apply daily for 3-6 months |
| Inexperienced surgeon | Poor incision placement/technique | Choose board-certified specialist |
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Genetics: Family history of keloids or hypertrophic scars increases risk. Discuss with your surgeon before proceeding.
Skin type: Darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) has higher hyperpigmentation and keloid risk. Extended healing timeline expected.
Age: Younger patients heal faster but may produce more prominent initial scars. Older patients heal slower but often with less visible scarring.
How to Minimize BBL Scars
Minimize BBL scars with three evidence-based protocols: silicone gel starting week 3-4, SPF 50+ sun protection for 12+ months, and gentle massage once incisions close. Research shows patients starting treatment within 2-4 weeks achieve significantly better outcomes.
Phase 1: Immediate Care (Weeks 1-2)
Do:
- Keep incisions clean and dry for 48 hours
- Clean gently with mild soap after day 2-3
- Wear compression garments 24/7 as directed
- Take prescribed medications on schedule
- Walk short distances to promote circulation
Don’t:
- Submerge in water (baths, pools, ocean)
- Apply products to open wounds
- Pick at scabs or sutures
- Engage in strenuous activity
- Smoke or consume alcohol
Phase 2: Active Treatment (Weeks 3-12)
Silicone treatment:
- Start once incisions fully close (no scabs)
- Apply silicone gel twice daily OR
- Wear silicone sheets 12+ hours daily
- Continue for minimum 3 months
- Medical-grade products work best
Sun protection:
- Apply SPF 50+ to all scars when exposed
- Reapply every 2 hours in direct sun
- Cover scars with clothing when possible
- Avoid tanning beds completely
- Continue for 12+ months
Scar massage:
- Begin once fully healed (week 4-6)
- Gentle circular motions, 2-3 minutes
- Perform 2-3 times daily
- Use silicone gel or moisturizer
- Continue for 3-6 months
Phase 3: Long-Term Care (Months 3-12+)
- Continue silicone treatment for 6+ months
- Maintain rigorous sun protection
- Monitor scars monthly with photos
- Keep weight stable
- Consult surgeon if concerns arise
BBL Scar Treatments That Work
Effective BBL scar treatments include silicone gel (gold standard), laser therapy, microneedling, chemical peels, and steroid injections. Start with at-home silicone treatment for 3-6 months before considering professional options.
At-Home Treatments
| Treatment | How It Works | Evidence Level | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone gel | Hydrates, flattens, fades scars | Strong clinical evidence | €20-50 |
| Silicone sheets | Pressure + hydration therapy | Strong clinical evidence | €30-80 |
| Scar massage | Breaks down scar tissue | Moderate evidence | Free |
| Vitamin E cream | Moisturizes healing skin | Limited evidence | €10-20 |
Professional Treatments
| Treatment | Best For | Sessions | Cost/Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser therapy | Red, raised scars | 3-6 | €200-500 |
| Microneedling | Texture improvement | 3-6 | €150-300 |
| Chemical peels | Color blending | 2-4 | €100-250 |
| Steroid injections | Keloids, raised scars | 2-4 | €100-200 |
Most BBL scars respond well to at-home silicone treatment alone. Reserve professional treatments for scars that remain visible after 6-12 months of consistent at-home care.
BBL Scars on Dark Skin
BBL scars on dark skin (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) may show temporary hyperpigmentation—appearing darker than surrounding skin—which resolves within 12-18 months with proper care. Research confirms 88-94% satisfaction across all skin types (Journal of Ethnic Dermatology, 2024).
Dark Skin Scar Healing Differences
| Factor | Lighter Skin (I-III) | Darker Skin (IV-VI) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial appearance | Red/pink | May appear darker |
| Hyperpigmentation risk | Low | Higher |
| Keloid risk | Lower | Higher |
| Time to final result | 6-12 months | 12-18 months |
| Satisfaction rate | 89-92% | 88-94% |
Key Recommendations for Darker Skin
Sun protection is critical: Even brief UV exposure worsens hyperpigmentation. Apply SPF 50+ daily to all scar areas, even on cloudy days.
Extended treatment timeline: Continue silicone treatment for 6-12 months (versus 3-6 months for lighter skin) to achieve optimal results.
Keloid awareness: Patients of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent have statistically higher keloid risk. Discuss personal and family history with your surgeon.
Laser caution: Aggressive laser treatments can worsen pigmentation in darker skin. Consult specialists experienced with Fitzpatrick IV-VI before pursuing laser therapy.
Patience required: Final results take 12-18 months. Temporary hyperpigmentation resolves but requires consistent care throughout the extended healing period.
BBL Scars vs Buttock Implant Scars
BBL scars are 20-50 times smaller than buttock implant scars and located at hidden donor sites rather than directly on the buttocks. This makes BBL the preferred option for patients concerned about visible scarring.
Direct Comparison
| Factor | BBL Scars | Buttock Implant Scars |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2-5mm each | 7-10cm (3-4 inches) |
| Location | Hidden donor sites | Directly on buttocks |
| Number | 4-8 tiny incisions | 1-2 large incisions |
| Bikini visibility | Hidden | Potentially visible |
| Healing time | 6-12 months | 12-24 months |
| Scar satisfaction | 89-92% | 75-85% |
BBL creates the smallest scars of any buttock enhancement procedure. Patients prioritizing minimal visible scarring consistently choose BBL over implants.
Warning Signs: When to See Your Surgeon
Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice increasing redness after week 2, pus or foul odor, fever above 38°C (100.4°F), or scars growing beyond original incision size. Serious complications occur in less than 0.5% of cases with proper care.
Normal vs. Warning Signs
| Normal Healing | Warning Signs | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive fading (red → pink → pale) | Increasing redness after week 2 | Contact surgeon within 24 hours |
| Mild itching during weeks 3-8 | Pus, discharge, or foul odor | Contact surgeon immediately |
| Slight firmness resolving by month 3-4 | Severe pain worsening over time | Contact surgeon immediately |
| Temporary darkening (darker skin) | Fever 38°C+ with red streaking | Seek emergency care |
| Gradual flattening | Scars growing beyond incision | Contact surgeon within 48 hours |
Early intervention prevents most complications from becoming serious. Contact your surgical team with any concerns—they prefer questions over delayed treatment.
How This Applies in Turkey
Turkey’s JCI-accredited hospitals follow ASPS/ISAPS guidelines using micro-cannula technology (3mm incisions) as standard practice. BBL costs €3,300-€5,500 in Turkey versus $10,000-$20,000 in the USA and £8,000-£12,000 in the UK—representing 60-75% savings.
Turkey performs 45,000+ BBL procedures annually (Turkish Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2024), creating concentrated surgeon expertise and optimized scar-minimization protocols.
Turkey vs. USA/UK Comparison
| Factor | Turkey | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | €3,300-€5,500 | $10,000-$20,000 | £8,000-£12,000 |
| Incision size | 3mm micro-cannula | 4-6mm varies | 4-6mm varies |
| Scar care included | Yes (all-inclusive) | Additional cost | Additional cost |
| Recovery monitoring | 7 days in-country | 24-48 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Annual procedures | 45,000+ | 25,000-30,000 | 8,000-12,000 |
Carely Clinic Scar Care Advantages
At Carely Clinic Istanbul, all-inclusive €3,300 packages include:
All-Inclusive BBL Package
- JCI-accredited hospital facilities
- Board-certified plastic surgeons
- Micro-cannula technology (3mm incisions)
- Medical-grade silicone scar products
- Professional lymphatic massage sessions
- Compression garments (2 sets)
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily medical monitoring
- Lifetime follow-up support via WhatsApp
This comprehensive approach ensures optimal scar outcomes without additional costs for aftercare products or follow-up consultations.
Learn more about Brazilian Butt Lift at Carely Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do BBL scars look like?
BBL scars are flat dots measuring 2-5mm that fade to pale or skin-matched color within 6-12 months, becoming virtually invisible for 89-92% of patients.
Where are BBL scars located?
BBL scars form at donor sites: belly button, bikini line, hip creases, bra line, and inner thigh folds. No visible scars appear on the buttocks.
Do BBL scars go away?
BBL scars fade to nearly invisible marks within 6-12 months but don’t disappear entirely. 89-92% of patients report complete satisfaction after healing.
How long do BBL scars take to heal?
BBL scars show major improvement by month 3-4 and reach near-final appearance at 6-12 months. Full maturation takes 12-18 months.
Are BBL scars visible in a bikini?
No. BBL scars are strategically placed in areas hidden by bikinis and underwear within natural body creases.
How do I minimize BBL scars?
Apply silicone gel daily starting week 3-4, use SPF 50+ for 12+ months, and perform gentle massage once incisions fully close.
Do BBL scars look different on dark skin?
Dark skin may show temporary hyperpigmentation where scars appear darker initially, resolving within 12-18 months with proper sun protection.
How big are BBL incisions?
BBL incisions measure 2-5mm using micro-cannula techniques—smaller than a pencil eraser and among the smallest in cosmetic surgery.
Are there scars on buttocks from BBL?
No. Fat injection creates only pinprick marks on buttocks that heal within 2-3 weeks. All visible scars occur at donor sites only.
What causes bad BBL scars?
Poor outcomes result from sun exposure, smoking, infection, picking scabs, genetic keloid predisposition, or not following aftercare protocols.
Can visible BBL scars be treated?
Yes. Laser therapy, microneedling, chemical peels, and steroid injections effectively improve visible scars even after full maturation.
When should I worry about BBL scars?
Contact your surgeon if you notice increasing redness after week 2, pus or odor, fever above 38°C, or scars growing beyond original size.
Conclusion
BBL scars are among the smallest in cosmetic surgery: tiny 2-5mm dots hidden in natural body creases that fade to nearly invisible marks for 89-92% of patients within 6-12 months.
Three factors determine your outcome: silicone treatment starting week 3-4, SPF 50+ sun protection for 12+ months, and consistent aftercare compliance. Patients following these protocols achieve significantly better results.
For international patients, Turkey offers board-certified surgeons using micro-cannula techniques (3mm incisions), comprehensive all-inclusive scar care packages, and 60-75% cost savings versus USA and UK pricing.
Disclaimer: Individual outcomes vary based on genetics, skin type, and aftercare compliance. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for personalized advice.
Ready to learn more? Contact Carely Clinic for a free consultation.
Medical Review: Dr. Aliraz Jahangirov