March 6, 2023
Medically Reviewed by Dr. J. Hopkins
Brazilian butt lifts are growing in popularity day by day. It is a procedure that can help you achieve the backside fullness and shape you have always wanted, making it an option for younger people and those who face loss of butt volume because of aging.
If you want a Brazilian butt lift, you may not know what to expect from the procedure and recovery process. Learn more about what a Brazilian butt lift can offer, how to prepare for the procedure, and what side effects you can expect.
Brazilian Butt Lifts: The Basics
A Brazilian butt lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which surgeons remove fat from other areas of your body and use it to add fullness to your backside.
Since the procedure uses your own fat, you do not have to worry about silicone implants that might not look natural or that you would have to replace after a few years. It is a procedure best suited for the following people:
- Have realistic expectations
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit
- Have time to recover
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, unable to take the time to recover properly, or have serious medical conditions, you may not be the best candidate for this procedure.
Prepping for Surgery
Before you can schedule a Brazilian butt lift, you need to make an appointment with your surgeon. During this appointment, your surgeon will need you to give them your full medical history, tell them about your goals, and list any medications you take.
You will also have to pass a preoperative physical exam to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure.
Once your surgeon schedules your surgery, you will need to follow a few prepping instructions. If you smoke, you must quit a few weeks before the procedure. Smoking can complicate the recovery process. You also want to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, including:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- John’s Wort
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
Always ask the surgeon if you are unsure about the medications you take. In the week leading up to surgery, stop drinking alcohol but do drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Because a Brazilian butt lift is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia, you will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. You should also ask them to stay for at least the first night.
The Day of the Surgery
You want to arrive at the surgery location wearing comfortable clothes, no makeup, no contact lenses, and no jewelry.
After receiving general anesthesia, the surgery can begin. Your surgeon will first perform the liposuction to remove the fat needed for the Brazilian butt lift, and they will then filter it and inject it into your butt.
The procedure can take up to four hours, and you will then go to a recovery room. Once you have received clearance, you can have someone drive you home.
Normal Side Effects to Expect
As with any other surgical procedure, there are some side effects that are entirely normal. Discomfort is one of the things you may experience, and your surgeon will give you medications that can help keep you comfortable as you recover.
You can also expect some swelling and bruising in the area of the liposuction and injection sites, which is very common. You can help prevent some bruising by avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medications in the days leading up to the surgery. Your surgeon will also give you a compression garment, which can help with bruising concerns.
You may also experience some numbness at the liposuction or injection sites. It will generally pass after two or three weeks. Feeling some bumps or lumps on your abdomen or butt is also possible, but these should resolve on their own.
The Recovery Process
It is essential you follow your surgeon’s instructions as you recover from a Brazilian butt lift. You want to ensure that you wear your compression garment and avoid putting pressure on your backside since that can stop the fat cells from taking hold.
After about two weeks, you can return to your normal activities. Make sure to let your surgeon know of any side effects you experience as you recover.
Get the Backside You Want
With a Brazilian butt lift at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery, you can get the butt you have always wanted. Learn more about the Brazilian butt lift procedure.
