A BBL with ultrasound guidance is one of the newest developments in facilitating a safer, more effective buttock enhancement procedure. A BBL, or a Brazilian butt lift, involves liposuction techniques to transfer fat deposits to the buttocks, allowing them to stay there permanently. With a standard BBL, patients can enjoy a rounder, fuller backside that promotes an attractive hourglass shape. By incorporating ultrasound imaging, surgeons can create more precise contours and get the visual feedback needed to re-inject fat at the correct depth within the buttocks.
At New York Surgical Arts, we want our patients to feel confident that they are choosing the best care they can get. Our practice is led by extensively experienced board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Gordon Andan, who has performed hundreds of body contouring procedures. Dr. Andan makes the effort to contribute and learn through peer-reviewed research, and participation in nationwide conferences, keeping him up-to-date with the latest techniques.
If you are interested in the benefits of the BBL with the enhancement of ultrasound technology, call our office in NYC or Garden City at (516) 746-0155, or get in touch with us via our website’s contact form, and we will be happy to schedule your appointment with Dr. Andan.
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Before and After Photos
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian butt lift is the autologous transfer of fat to the buttocks. For a BBL, the surgeon makes one or two tiny incisions to access the fat layer beneath your abdomen, waist, back, or another area with unwanted fat. After removing an adequate amount through suction, the deposits are purified and re-administered strategically into areas of the buttocks. A skilled surgeon can use their aesthetic vision to place the fat into areas that the patient wishes to volumize and promote an ideal waist-to-hip ratio; this process is called fat grafting, or fat transfer.
Today, BBLs are some of the most popular procedures, and the number of these surgeries performed has increased by 61% within the last 10 years! (1) As of 2023, Florida passed a law requiring surgeons to utilize ultrasound imaging to perform BBLs, demonstrating that ultrasound is the next innovative step in ensuring high-quality fat grafting.
Are BBLs Safe?
Due to its dramatic rise in popularity, patients are sometimes skeptical of the BBL procedure’s safety. Luckily, leading foundations in the field have created multiple surgical guidelines for surgeons to implement in their practices. For example, the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation recently researched the BBL to evaluate how to improve the procedure’s safety profile. They established the ideal cannula size (the instrument that harvests fat deposits), instructions on the best angle for insertion under the skin, and the speed at which to harvest the fat. They also provided surgeons with vital information on the fat grafting process itself. (2) Well-informed surgeons who stay updated on the latest advancements within cosmetic surgery, like Dr. Andan, are most qualified to create the most amazing BBL results that promote an easier recovery for patients.
Benefits of the Ultrasound-Guided BBL
This unique approach to the BBL offers patients a multitude of benefits:
- Dr. Andan can collect fat from the midsection, back, or flanks, allowing you to achieve a slimmer midsection.
- The incision required for fat harvesting is only 0.5 to 1 cm long, so any scarring is insignificant.
- BBL enhancement requires the use of your own fat, a biocompatible material that will create a natural look and feel.
- Ultrasound imaging allows Dr. Andan to visualize the different layers of the deeper adipose (fat) tissue and the more superficial fat, permitting him to re-inject fat deposits into the correct tissue plane safely.
- Ultrasound imaging completely prevents the rare occurrence of fat injection into a buttock muscle or a blood vessel.
Personal Consultation
During your first consultation appointment with Dr. Andan, he will ask you about your expectations for the procedure and the proportions you would like to achieve with fat transfer. He will evaluate the best areas for fat harvesting, your overall skin elasticity, and your medical history to see if you are a good candidate for a BBL. You should come prepared with questions regarding the procedure, and Dr. Andan will take the time to explain his answers thoroughly. He will go over personalized preparation steps, the surgery itself, and what to expect during your recovery. Dr. Andan wants each of his patients to make an informed decision that impacts their health, so you will be able to take your time considering if the BBL is right for you.
To get started with your first step toward renewed body confidence, call New York Surgical Arts in NYC or Garden City at (516) 746-0155 or inquire about our services by filling out our online form.
Preparation
As with any cosmetic procedure, preparing well for your surgery will improve the quality of your results and help you recover well. Before your procedure date, Dr. Andan will order blood tests to get a comprehensive look at your overall health. While reviewing your medications and supplements, he will make adjustments to prevent bleeding and bruising risks. You will need to refrain from blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications and certain supplements in the days leading up to your surgery. If you are a smoker, you should stop at least 1 month before and continue to avoid cigarettes and other nicotine products until you are fully healed. Nicotine and other associated chemicals can negatively affect your blood circulation and how well your body recovers.
As with any BBL procedure, you should consider making some lifestyle adjustments to make the first few days much easier. This may include stocking up on OTC medications approved by Dr. Andan and organizing loose-fitting clothing and pillows to keep pressure off of your buttocks. You may want to figure out some easy-to-prepare meals. You will need to mostly rest for the first few days, so planning ahead and getting a friend or family member to assist you will be beneficial.
Procedure Steps
To begin your procedure, Dr. Andan’s anesthesiologist will place you under general anesthesia, or you will be able to undergo an “awake” BBL with only local anesthesia and sedation. For an awake BBL, you will be very sleepy, tranquil and very comfortable. Regardless of anesthesia methods, Dr. Andan will begin by making a tiny incision in the abdomen, waist, or back and administer the tumescent fluid. This solution will serve to numb the tissues under the skin, restrict bleeding, and engorge the targeted fat- preparing it for detachment from other connective tissues. Next, he will use a suction cannula to collect the fat using back-and-forth motions to provide an even sculpting effect.
After storing the collected fat, he will place it in a centrifuge device that will further filter the fat deposits, removing blood and other components. He will then re-inject the fat with a thin cannula, making only one small incision for each buttock. At the same time, Dr. Andan will observe real-time ultrasound imaging to ensure the fat is placed appropriately. On average, studies find that surgeons graft about 400 to 550 ml of fat (13.5 to 18.5 oz) for each buttock. (1) The entire procedure is done within 2 to 3 hours.
Recovery and Results
You will be able to go home on the same day as your BBL, but you will need someone to drive you. Dr. Andan will give you a compression garment to wear over your buttocks and midsection to prevent fluid accumulation. For around 2 weeks, you will need to avoid placing any pressure on your buttocks to avoid changing the new contours. Dr. Andan will closely monitor your progress to let you know when it will be safe to lie on your back and/or sit.
You should begin taking very light walks as soon as you feel better; this will encourage healthy blood flow throughout your body. However, you may have to postpone the gym for several weeks. Although you will notice your contours right away, it will take a few months for your final results to settle in. You will be able to maintain your results by simply maintaining your weight. Gluteal muscle-building exercises can also help highlight your new shapely figure.
Cost of a BBL in NYC
The cost of your BBL will depend on your personalized treatment plan. We will give you an estimate at the time of your consultation and the details associated with each fee. At New York Surgical Arts, we have a variety of financing options with Cherry Financing, CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
To find out more about our other procedures mentioned on our blog or to schedule your consultation today, call our NYC or Garden City location at (516) 746-0155 or contact us online. Your dream body is just one phone call away.
References
- O’Neill RC, Abu-Ghname A, Davis MJ, Chamata E, Rammos CK, Winocour SJ. The Role of Fat Grafting in Buttock Augmentation. Semin Plast Surg. 2020;34(1):38-46. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3401038
- Villanueva, Nathaniel L. M.D.; Del Vecchio, Daniel A. M.D.; Afrooz, Paul N. M.D.; Carboy, Jourdan A. B.S.; Rohrich, Rod J. M.D.. Staying Safe during Gluteal Fat Transplantation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 141(1):p 79-86, January 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003934