Traditional Butt Lift vs. BBL: Key Differences Explained

When it comes to enhancing the appearance of the buttocks, two popular cosmetic procedures often come to mind: the traditional butt lift and the Brazilian butt lift (BBL). While both surgeries aim to improve the shape and contour of the buttocks, they achieve this in different ways. Understanding the key differences between a traditional butt lift and a BBL can help you make an informed decision based on your goals and body type.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two procedures, their benefits, and which option may be best for you.

1. What is a Traditional Butt Lift?

A traditional butt lift, also known as a gluteoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the buttocks and tightens the remaining tissues to lift and reshape the area. It is primarily designed to improve the contour of the buttocks for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or are dealing with sagging skin due to aging.

How a Traditional Butt Lift Works:

• Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions along the top of the buttocks or across the lower back to access the area. The placement of the incision is typically hidden in the natural crease of the buttocks.
• Skin Removal: Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to create a smoother, more lifted appearance.
• Reshaping: The surgeon contours the buttocks by lifting and tightening the underlying tissues, creating a more youthful and firm shape.

The traditional butt lift does not add volume to the buttocks. Its main goal is to lift and reshape the area, making it a great option for patients with loose, sagging skin.

2. What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a fat transfer procedure that enhances the size, shape, and contour of the buttocks by using the patient’s own fat. This fat is typically harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction and then purified and injected into the buttocks.

How a BBL Works:

• Liposuction: Fat is removed from areas where you have excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or back. This step not only reduces unwanted fat in these areas but also helps contour the surrounding body.
• Fat Processing: The extracted fat is purified and prepared for reinjection.
• Fat Transfer: The purified fat is strategically injected into specific areas of the buttocks to increase volume and create a fuller, more rounded appearance.

Unlike a traditional butt lift, the BBL focuses on adding volume and enhancing the shape of the buttocks using natural fat. It’s ideal for patients who want a more curvaceous figure or an hourglass shape.

3. Key Differences Between a Traditional Butt Lift and BBL

Understanding the main differences between these two procedures can help you decide which is best for your aesthetic goals.

A. Purpose

• Traditional Butt Lift: Aimed at removing excess skin and tightening the tissues to lift sagging buttocks. It’s commonly performed on individuals with loose skin due to aging or significant weight loss.
• BBL: Focused on enhancing volume by transferring fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks. It creates a fuller, more contoured shape.

B. Ideal Candidates

• Traditional Butt Lift: Best suited for patients with sagging, loose skin who are not looking to increase the size of their buttocks. It’s often recommended for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and want to correct the appearance of drooping buttocks.
• BBL: Ideal for individuals who want to enhance the size and shape of their buttocks and have sufficient fat stores in other areas of the body for liposuction. BBL candidates are usually looking for a more defined, curvier figure.

C. Volume Enhancement

• Traditional Butt Lift: Does not add volume to the buttocks. It simply lifts and tightens the skin to improve the shape.
• BBL: Increases volume by using fat transfer to plump and shape the buttocks.

D. Incisions and Scarring

• Traditional Butt Lift: Requires a larger incision, usually along the top of the buttocks or lower back, resulting in more noticeable scarring. However, these scars are typically hidden by clothing or in the natural folds of the skin.
• BBL: Involves small incisions for liposuction and fat transfer, resulting in minimal scarring. The incisions are tiny and tend to heal quickly, leaving little to no visible marks.

E. Recovery Time

• Traditional Butt Lift: Recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks, with the first two weeks requiring limited movement and avoiding pressure on the buttocks. Swelling and bruising are common, and patients will need to wear compression garments.
• BBL: Recovery is also about 4 to 6 weeks. Patients need to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for at least two weeks to ensure the fat graft takes successfully. Special cushions are often provided to relieve pressure on the buttocks.

F. Results

• Traditional Butt Lift: Results in a firmer, lifted appearance by removing excess skin, but it does not change the size or fullness of the buttocks.
• BBL: Provides a fuller, rounder shape with enhanced volume and definition. Patients achieve a curvier figure and a more pronounced silhouette.

4. Combining the Traditional Butt Lift and BBL

In some cases, patients may benefit from combining a traditional butt lift with a Brazilian butt lift. This combination addresses both sagging skin and volume loss, particularly in patients who have experienced weight loss and want to restore fullness while removing excess skin. Combining both procedures can offer the best of both worlds: a lifted, toned appearance with added volume.

5. Which Procedure is Right for You?

Choosing between a traditional butt lift and a BBL depends on your specific goals and body type. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Choose a Traditional Butt Lift if: You have significant sagging or excess skin in the buttocks area and want a more toned and lifted look without increasing the volume.
• Choose a BBL if: You want to enhance the size and shape of your buttocks by adding volume and have enough excess fat for liposuction.

6. Consulting with a Surgeon

The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your body type, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your needs.

Both the traditional butt lift and Brazilian butt lift offer unique benefits, but they address different concerns. A traditional butt lift is ideal for patients looking to tighten and lift sagging skin, while a BBL is perfect for those wanting to enhance volume and achieve a fuller, more contoured look. By consulting with a skilled plastic surgeon, you can explore your options and choose the procedure that best aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traditional Butt Lift vs. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

1. What is the main difference between a traditional butt lift and a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)?

A traditional butt lift removes excess skin and tightens the tissues to lift sagging buttocks, while a BBL uses fat transfer to enhance the volume and shape of the buttocks. The traditional butt lift is for skin tightening, while the BBL focuses on adding volume.

2. Who is a good candidate for a traditional butt lift?

A traditional butt lift is ideal for individuals who have loose or sagging skin on the buttocks due to significant weight loss or aging. It’s best for those who want a firmer, more lifted appearance without increasing the size of the buttocks.

3. Who is a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)?

A BBL is best suited for individuals who want to increase the size and enhance the shape of their buttocks. Candidates need to have enough excess fat in other areas of the body (like the abdomen or thighs) for fat transfer through liposuction.

4. Will I have noticeable scars after a traditional butt lift?

Yes, a traditional butt lift involves a larger incision, usually along the lower back or at the top of the buttocks, which can result in visible scarring. However, these scars are typically placed in less noticeable areas, and over time, they should fade.

5. Does a BBL leave scars?

A Brazilian butt lift involves small incisions for liposuction and fat transfer, resulting in minimal scarring. These small incisions heal quickly and usually leave little to no visible marks.

6. How long is the recovery time for each procedure?

Both procedures require a recovery time of about 4 to 6 weeks. In both cases, you’ll need to avoid sitting or putting pressure on your buttocks for at least two weeks. Wearing compression garments and following post-op care instructions are important for both surgeries.

7. Can I combine a traditional butt lift and a BBL?

Yes, many patients choose to combine both procedures, especially those who want to address sagging skin while also adding volume to the buttocks. Combining a traditional butt lift with a BBL offers the benefits of tightening and volume enhancement in one procedure.

8. How long do the results of a BBL last?

The results of a Brazilian butt lift are long-lasting, but some of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body. Maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results over the long term.

9. Which procedure is better for weight loss patients?

A traditional butt lift is often recommended for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess sagging skin. It tightens and lifts the skin for a more toned appearance. However, if volume loss is also a concern, a combination of a traditional butt lift and a BBL may be ideal.

10. How much fat is needed for a Brazilian butt lift?

The amount of fat needed for a BBL varies depending on the desired result, but most surgeons recommend at least 500 to 1,000 cc of fat to achieve noticeable enhancement. The fat is harvested from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or back.