What Does BBL Stand For ? Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL for short, is a cosmetic surgery that uses fat from other parts of your body to make your buttocks bigger and better shaped. A BBL isn’t really a “lift” like a facelift, even though that’s what it sounds like. Instead, it’s a fat transfer procedure that takes fat from one part of the body and puts it into the buttocks to make them look fuller and more curved.
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a mix of two well-known procedures:
- Liposuction to get rid of fat from places like the back, stomach, or thighs
- Using fat grafting to make the buttocks bigger and more shapely
Because of these two benefits, BBL is one of the most popular body shaping procedures in the world.
BBL Full Form and Alternative Names
Full form of BBL: Brazilian Butt Lift
Some other names for BBL surgery are:
- Adding fat to the buttocks to make them bigger
- Transfer of fat from the glutes
- Safe subcutaneous buttock augmentation (SSBA) is a way to move fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks
- Surgery to make the buttocks bigger
When talking about the procedure, doctors may use these words to mean the same thing.
How Does BBL Surgery Work?
Step 1: Fat Removal (Liposuction)
Using liposuction techniques, the surgeon takes out extra fat from donor areas. Some common places for donors to give are:
- Waist and stomach
- Back and sides
- Hips and thighs
- Arms (sometimes)
Step 2: Fat Processing
The fat that was taken out is carefully processed and cleaned so that the healthiest fat cells can be sent.
Step 3: Fat Injection
The processed fat is carefully put into different parts of the buttocks to make them the right shape and size. Modern methods make sure that fat is only put in safe places above the muscle.
Why is it Called “Brazilian” Butt Lift?
Brazilian plastic surgeons came up with the name for the procedure in the 1990s when they were the first to use it and make it popular. Brazil has a long history of beach culture and a society that cares about bodies, where curvy figures are celebrated.
Brazilian surgeons came up with advanced fat transfer methods that made results that looked natural and full, which became very popular around the world. As the procedure became more popular around the world, the name “Brazilian” stuck.
Types of BBL Procedures
Traditional BBL
- Best for: People who have enough fat to work with
- Fat transfer: 400 to 800 cc per buttock
- Results: Huge increase in size
- Time to heal: 6 to 8 weeks
Skinny BBL
- Best for: People who are thin and don’t have much fat
- Transfer of fat: 200 to 400 cc per buttock
- Results: Natural improvement
- Time to heal: 4–6 weeks
Mini BBL
- Best for: Small changes
- Fat transfer: 150 to 300 cc of fat per buttock
- Results: Small improvement
- Recovery: It takes 3 to 4 weeks to get better
Lipo 360 + BBL
- Best for: The best way to change your whole body
- Includes: Liposuction all the way around plus BBL
- Results: Full body contouring
- Time to heal: 8 to 10 weeks
BBL vs Butt Implants: What’s the Difference?
| Factor | BBL | Butt Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Your own fat | Implants made of silicone |
| Look | Natural look | Can look fake |
| Feel | Soft and real | Less natural and firmer |
| Scars | Small marks from liposuction | Scars from bigger cuts |
| More advantages | Gets rid of fat in trouble spots | No more body contouring |
| Longevity | Permanent (with a stable weight) | Lasts a long time, but may need to be replaced |
Most patients like BBL because it gives them natural-looking results and also makes other parts of their body better through liposuction.
How Much Does BBL Cost?
The cost of BBL surgery varies a lot depending on where it is done and how experienced the surgeon is:
United States: $8,000 to $15,000
United Kingdom: £6,000 to £12,000
Turkey: €3,100 to €4,500
Mexico: $4,000 to $8,000
Colombia: $3,000 to $6,000
Why Turkey is a Better Deal:
- Medical care of high quality at lower prices
- Hospitals that have been accredited by JCI
- Surgeons who have a lot of experience and are board-certified
- Packages that include everything, including a place to stay
- 60 to 70 percent less than in the US and UK
Is BBL Surgery Safe?
Since the early 2000s, BBL safety has gotten a lot better. BBL is now thought to be as safe as other major plastic surgery procedures when done correctly by qualified surgeons.
Safety Improvements:
- Only subcutaneous injection (fat goes above muscle)
- Guidance from ultrasound for exact fat placement
- Board-certified surgeons who have received extra training
- Accredited places with the right safety gear
- There are strict limits on how much fat can be transferred
Current Safety Statistics:
The complication rate for BBL is less than 1 in 15,000 procedures when done by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited facilities. This is the same as for tummy tuck surgery.
BBL Recovery: What to Expect
Week 1–2: First Steps to Recovery
- No sitting directly on your butt for two weeks
- Only sleep on your stomach or side
- Wear compression clothes all the time
- Take the pain medicine your doctor gave you
- Not much walking or doing basic things
Week 3–4: Slowly Coming Back
- You can sit for short amounts of time with a special pillow
- You can go back to light work
- Walking slowly is good for you
- The swelling starts to go down a lot
Month 2–3: More Activity
- Most normal activities started up again
- Light exercise with the surgeon’s OK
- There is a clear improvement in shape
- Continued slow healing
Month 6–12: Final Results
- Healed completely
- Final size and shape set
- All activities and exercises are allowed
- Long-term results became stable
Am I a Good Candidate for BBL?
Ideal Candidates:
✅ Enough fat to move (BMI 22–30)
✅ Good health overall for surgery
✅ Realistic expectations about results
✅ Weight that stays the same for at least six months
✅ Not a smoker or willing to stop for a short time
✅ Able to avoid sitting for two weeks after surgery
Not Suitable for BBL:
❌ Too thin and not enough fat for transfer
❌ Serious medical issues that make surgery less safe
❌ Expecting things to turn out differently than they do
❌ Unable to follow the instructions for care after surgery
❌ Weight that is not stable or weight that is actively losing
Choosing the Right BBL Surgeon
Essential Qualifications:
- Certification from the board in plastic surgery
- BBL training and experience that is specific
- At least 100 BBL procedures must be done
- Hospital privileges at facilities that have been accredited
- Follows the most up-to-date safety rules for subcutaneous injections
- When possible, uses ultrasound guidance
Questions to Ask:
- How many times have you done a BBL?
- What rules do you have in place to keep people safe?
- Can I see pictures of cases like this before and after?
- What could go wrong and what are the risks?
- How often do complications happen?
- Do you use ultrasound to help you?
Frequently Asked Questions About BBL
How long do the results of a BBL last?
If you keep your weight stable, the results of BBL will last forever. The fat cells that were moved act like regular fat cells and will change as your weight changes.
How bad does it hurt to recover from BBL?
Most patients say that the pain from BBL is moderate and can be controlled with the medications they are given. The areas where you get liposuction usually hurt more than the areas where you get buttock injections.
When can I sit normally again after BBL?
You shouldn’t sit directly on your buttocks for at least two weeks. After that, you can slowly go back to sitting normally over the next four to six weeks with the help of special cushions.
What will happen if I gain or lose weight after BBL?
Like normal fat, the fat cells that were moved will grow or shrink when you gain or lose weight. Big changes in weight can change how your BBL turns out.
Is it possible to do BBL with other things?
Yes, a “mommy makeover” is when BBL is done with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or other body contouring procedures.
How much fat do you need for BBL?
Most BBL procedures move 400 to 800 cc of fat from each buttock, but this can change depending on your goals and how much fat you have.
Non-Surgical BBL Alternatives
Liquid BBL (Non-Surgical BBL)
- Method: Fillers that can be injected into the skin
- Duration: 12 to 18 months
- Cost: $3,000 to $6,000
- Downtime: Minimal
- Best for: Making things better in a small way
Sculptra BBL
- Method: Injections that make collagen grow
- Duration: 2 to 3 years
- Cost: $2,000 to $5,000
- Downtime: Very little
- Best for: Improvement that happens slowly and naturally
Exercise and Diet
- Method: Targeted workouts (like squats and lunges)
- Duration: Needs to be done regularly
- Cost: A gym membership or equipment for your home
- Results: Little improvement
- Best for: Toning up all your muscles
Why Choose Turkey for BBL Surgery?
Turkey is now the world’s leader in cosmetic surgery, offering:
Medical Excellence:
- More than 50 hospitals are JCI-accredited
- Board-certified plastic surgeons who have trained in other countries and use the latest surgical tools and methods
- The government puts money into medical tourism
Cost Advantages:
- Savings of 60–70% over the US and UK
- Packages that include everything start at €3,100
- Included are luxury accommodations. There are no extra fees or hidden costs
Quality Assurance:
- Strict rules and procedures for safety
- Surgeons with years of experience and thousands of surgeries
- Up-to-date buildings with cutting-edge technology
- Complete aftercare and follow-up
Getting Started: Your BBL Journey
Step 1: Research and Consultation
- Find out about qualified surgeons and clinics
- Set up consultations in person or online
- Talk about what you want to achieve and what you expect
- Look at photos of similar cases before and after
Step 2: Medical Evaluation
- Full health check before surgery
- Talk about your medical history and the drugs you take
- Go over the surgical plan and methods
- Know all the risks and rewards
Step 3: Surgery Planning
- Finish up the details of the surgery and the schedule
- Set up time off from work and help with recovery
- Get your house ready for care after surgery
- Carefully follow the instructions you get before surgery
Step 4: Recovery and Results
- Do everything the doctor tells you to do after surgery
- Go to all of your follow-up appointments
- Be patient as the final results come in
- Keep up a healthy lifestyle for long-lasting results
Conclusion
BBL is short for Brazilian Butt Lift, a popular cosmetic surgery that uses your own body fat to make your butt bigger and better shaped. This procedure uses liposuction to get rid of extra fat and strategic fat injections to make the buttocks look fuller and more attractive.
When done by qualified, board-certified plastic surgeons who follow the most up-to-date safety rules, modern BBL surgery is safer than ever. The procedure gives you results that look natural and can make your body look much better and give you more confidence.
Whether you want to have BBL surgery in your own country or look into medical tourism options like Turkey, the key to success is to do a lot of research, have realistic expectations, and pick a surgeon who puts your safety first.
Ready to learn more about BBL surgery? Talk to our board-certified plastic surgeons about your goals and see if this procedure is right for you.
Author: Medical Content Team | Reviewed by: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons
Last Updated: July 2025
This article is only for educational purposes and should not be used instead of medical advice from a doctor. Always talk to a qualified plastic surgeon about what they think is best for you.
