Brazilian Butt Lift: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Brazilian Butt Lift?
A plastic surgeon, a doctor trained in reshaping the body, performs a Brazilian butt lift. The risk of complications drops a lot when an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon does it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, moves extra fat into the butt and hips for a fuller shape.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A BBL gives a fuller look in the butt and hips. The early years of the procedure had a death rate that was far too high. Newer safety guidelines have made it much safer and more standardized.
How to prepare
You may be asked to do the following.
- You may be asked to get a blood test.
- You may be asked to take certain medicines or change the ones you take now.
- You may be asked to stop smoking.
- You may be told to avoid aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs, because they can increase bleeding.
- If the surgery is done as an outpatient, arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you the first night.
What happens during it
Fat is moved from other areas of the body into the butt and hips. A tube called a cannula is used to inject the fat. A safety task force set up by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises that fat be placed only in the space between the skin and the muscle. It also advises a rigid, large-diameter cannula and slow injection at a slanted angle. Ultrasound gives real-time images of where the cannula is, and medical groups strongly encourage its use.
Recovery
You may be allowed to go home after a few hours. You will wear a support garment around the clock, and your surgeon tells you for how long. Small tubes may be placed under the skin for a short time to drain extra blood or fluid. You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks, and some surgeons prefer longer. Prolonged sitting can damage the fat. You are encouraged to sleep face down or on your side. When you must sit, a pillow or cushion behind the legs raises the buttocks and keeps pressure off the fat grafts. You can generally go back to exercise after six to eight weeks. If you have unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, your mental state suddenly changes, you have severe trouble breathing, or you have chest pain that lasts two minutes or more.
Risks and side effects
The task force found a fairly high rate of complications, and the most serious was fat embolism. A fat embolism happens when fat gets into the bloodstream and blocks circulation. These problems seemed to come from putting fat in and around the muscle, where large veins run. If a vein tears, fat can be pulled into it and travel toward the lungs. Aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs can increase bleeding.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon performs it, and experience matters. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says all of its members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It can be done in an accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.
Common questions
What is the most serious danger of a Brazilian butt lift?
The most serious complication named is fat embolism. It happens when fat gets into the bloodstream and blocks circulation.
How long do you have to avoid sitting after a Brazilian butt lift?
You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks. Some surgeons prefer longer.
When can you exercise again after a Brazilian butt lift?
You can generally resume exercise after six to eight weeks.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They do not perform the procedure, because a plastic surgeon does. Before surgery, you may be asked to get a blood test or to adjust your current medicines.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - All in the wrist: Improving safety for the Brazilian butt lift
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Buttock Enhancement Preparation
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Buttock Enhancement Recovery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
