As the popularity and acceptability of surgical augmentation grows, so too has the trend towards choosing to “fix” those parts of the body we are not happy with. Brazilian Butt Lifts and butt implants have become two of the most popular butt augmentation procedures in recent decades. If you have spent time researching either procedure, you have likely seen references to both on any given blog or website. In many cases, these two procedures are referenced interchangeably or mistaken as the same thing.
Still, a few important differences should be considered when deciding which approach may best suit your appearance goals. If you find your bottom is smaller than you prefer, appears deflated, or you just want a booty like the celebrities online, read on to learn more about how butt implants or a Brazilian Butt Lift may be able to help.
What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Genetics can be a blessing or a curse. Our height, hair growth, facial contours, and even the size and shape of our rear ends are significantly influenced by genetic influence. Although a healthy diet and regular exercise can affect body weight and muscle tone, many people continue to struggle with a “flat” rear end. Butt augmentation surgeries such as butt lifts can help overcome genetic influence by reshaping the butt and surrounding areas.
A Brazilian Butt Lift is a surgical procedure meant to augment the appearance (specifically size and shape) of the buttocks without using implants. The butt lift procedure uses fat transferred from other body areas, including the hips, abdomen, lower back, and thighs. During the first steps of the butt lift, excess fat is removed from these areas using liposuction, after which a portion of the fat is injected into the buttocks to enhance their size and shape.
What Are Butt Implants?
Butt implants are physical prosthetic implants inserted behind the muscle, similar to the process used for breast implants. In many cases, a drain is inserted to allow for fluids and blood to drain for a week following the surgical procedure. Butt implants do carry a higher risk than Brazilian Butt Lift surgery due to the introduction of a foreign object into the body. In some cases, the body does not respond well to the implant. The implants can sometimes move or displace, making them look less natural than augmentation performed with body fat. Finally, implants do require replacement every eight to twelve years, resulting in the need for additional surgical procedures if you wish to maintain the appearance achieved by the implant.
Are You A Good Candidate for A Brazilian Butt Lift?
Brazilian Butt Lift procedures, while still a surgical procedure, are often considered less risky and the results more aesthetically pleasing than butt implants. However, as with any surgical procedure, not everyone is an ideal candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift.
You may be a good candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift if:
- You are interested in altering the appearance of your buttocks but are not interested in or cannot have implants (due to medical history or other factors).
- Your skin tone and elasticity in the area of your hips and buttocks are healthy and flexible.
- The fat stores in your abdomen, thighs, and other areas used to harvest fat for the injections are adequate.
- You are willing (and able) to lay low and avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks while you heal.
Brazilian Butt Lift vs. Butt Implants
Your plastic surgeon is a source of information and direction when it comes to choosing which procedure may be best for you. One of the most significant benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift is that it increases size and evens out the shape without the necessity of an implant. When performed by a highly trained plastic surgeon, like Dr. Hopkins at an accredited medical facility such as J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery, a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is low risk and can provide natural-looking, long-lasting results. If you are interested in augmentation but do not have adequate fat stores, implants may be your only option; however, it is essential to understand there are added risks to having implants.
Recovery and Results
As mentioned before, either a Brazilian Butt Lift or butt implants require slight modifications to your day-to-day routine during the recovery process. Butt Implants will require you to have a drain, which will need to be removed within a week to ten days. While the pain for either procedure is generally minimal and controlled through pain medication, you will have to avoid sitting or lying on your buttocks for at least two weeks after your procedure. During recovery, you will need to sleep on your abdomen or side and stand for all other activities except using the toilet. Some patients may need to use a “donut” for a short time to avoid placing pressure on your backside when sitting. You will be able to resume regular sitting positions and activities six to eight weeks after surgery.
You will also need to take time to rest and relax for a few weeks after either procedure. In most cases, provided your recovery goes without complications, you should be able to resume light daily activities after one week and return to work after two weeks. Exercise and other strenuous activities should not be resumed without consent from your plastic surgeon.
The results of a Brazilian Butt Lift are meant to last many years. The fat cells (with proper aftercare, diet, and exercise) removed to create the injections will not return to the areas from which they were removed, and the cells that are transferred to the buttocks will remain for many years after your procedure. As noted above, butt implants do not have the same longevity.
Ready for a Brazilian Butt Lift? Find a Plastic Surgeon Near You
When performed by a trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Hopkins or another board-certified plastic surgeon local to you, a Brazilian Butt Lift or butt implants are procedures that can help you achieve the desired fullness and appearance. The best way to learn more about each procedure and which one may be most suitable for you is to meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation.
If J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery in Dallas is not local to you; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a detailed list of board-certified plastic surgeons across the nation.
