The Costhetics mailbox is always overflowing, often with enquiries about non-invasive alternatives to cosmetic surgery.
Most recently, people have been asking whether there is an alternative to the surgery known as the Brazilian Butt Lift. Our team threw themselves into this one and reviewed news and information on aesthetic enhancement and cosmetic surgery to find the answer.
We were surprised to learn that Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is very much in-demand, despite some deeply alarming statistics. That prompted us to investigate a filler-based approach to sculpting the bum, one with a great track record for satisfaction and safety.
What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a bit of a misnomer for a procedure developed by a doctor in New York City. In the 1990s, the then-revolutionary, two-phase cosmetic surgery was captured on video. As the cameras watched, the surgeon lipo-suctioned fat from his patient’s flanks, lower back, and stomach. The same fat was then re-injected into her backside, giving it more fullness and dimension. The patient was from Brazil and the video titled, “Building the Brazilian Butt”.
The name Brazilian Butt stuck out in people’s minds … as did the surgery … as did the woman’s shapely bum. BBL became synonymous with the ample bottoms seen from Rio to Sao Paulo. Soon the high, tight bum made ultra-popular by Kim Kardashian was in-demand and in-view around the world.
The procedure is still making news 30 years later. The New York Times reports:
- 40,320 buttock augmentations performed in 2020 (Source: Aesthetic Society)
- Keyword ‘BBL’ searched 200,000 times per month from January to May 2021 (Google)
All this is true despite this piece of news also shared by The Times:
- The procedure has the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic surgery
Cost of Brazilian Butt Lift: Time and Money
Gluteal enhancement, the medical term that describes the Brazilian Butt Lift, is an arduous surgical procedure. It doesn’t come cheaply. Here in Australia, the average cost for BBL varies from state to state. The type of augmentation selected also influences the cost. Patients who choose fat transfer will pay between A$11,000 and A$14,000. Those who choose implant augmentation will pay closer to A$18,000 .
Beyond the cost, some people can’t afford these high prices related to Brazilian Butt Lift recovery
- No sitting or placing weight on your bottom and back for at least two weeks
- Sleeping on your stomach only
- Refraining from full activity for one month after surgery
- Accidentally rupturing the implant
These problems pale in comparison to the risks involved during Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. A report in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted that one to two out of 6,000 BBLs resulted in death. Even with excellent training, it can be difficult for surgeons to know whether they are injecting transferred fat into the gluteal muscle. A misplaced injection can cause fat to obstruct blood flow in the heart or lungs. Death is immediate.
Countries have not yet banned this surgery, however a wide range of peer groups have called for it to be discontinued. In its place, they recommend sculpting the derriere with an injectable filler.
How to Inflate a Flat Bum without Surgery
Some of us are lucky to have been born with plump, perky bums. But even the perkiest bum can start to sag and deflate as we age. Whether you had it and lost it, or never had it at all, you may not want surgery to have a voluptuous bottom. The good news is that you don’t need it. The same filler that has been used for years to rejuvenate the face is working wonders a little bit lower down on the body … on bums.
The secret is collagen. Filler injections stimulate natural collagen production which helps:
- Restore volume
- Smooth out dimples
- Correct unevenness
- Improve contours
Fillers for your butt are different than facial fillers. They are stronger and denser to stand up to all the punishment your butt takes compared to, let’s say, your cheeks. Filler injections for bum enhancement take approximately 30 minutes to administer, with most patients requiring two to five sessions. The sessions can be scheduled from two to four weeks apart. They are an excellent option for slim people who would like a curvier backside but who lack excess body fat to transfer.
Dermal filler treatments for the rear end offer subtle results that develop over time. This is ideal for people who are concerned their transformation will be too obvious. The slow development also allows for any needed adjustments to be made easily. The final results will be at their peak in approximately eight weeks and may last as long as two years. Should you need to top up your treatment, it is easy to schedule additional injections.
Costhetics Says Find the Right Butt Lift Doctor
A highly trained, skilled, and experienced professional is always the best way to go when it comes to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic enhancement. If you’d like a little more junk in your trunk and don’t know which route is best for you, Costhetics says ask an expert. We’d be happy to help you find a doctor in your area who can help you achieve your aesthetic dreams.