BBL or Butt Implants for Thin Patients?
In recent years, buttock augmentation has grown immensely in popularity. The Brazilian Butt Lift, commonly known as BBL, has been brought to fame with celebrities like Nikki Minaj, Iggy Azalea and Cardi B being open about having undergone the procedure, and with the speculation about some of Kardashians. Also, while not the standard anymore, buttock implants are a viable option for patients who do not have enough fat for transfer to increase the size of their buttocks.
When considering their options, thinner patients wanting to enhance the size and shape of their buttocks are often confused as to which butt augmentation plastic surgery procedure would be best for them, a BBL or Butt Implants. Let’s examen the two surgeries in detail for these patients to have a better understanding.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Simply put, the BBL is the removal of fat from one area of the body to be injected into the buttocks for enhancement, improving on the current size and shape of the butt. Liposuction is used to remove the fat, which is typically taken from the abdomen, back and flanks. For thinner patients, liposuction is usually done in more areas due to a lack of fat. These areas can include the chin, the underside of the upper arms, the inner thighs, etc. A cannula is used to extract the fat. Then, the fat is purified and only the highest quality fat is injected into the buttocks.
Buttock Implants
Similar to breast implants, butt implants are used to augment the size of the buttocks. They are filled with silicone that is able to withstand pressure and stress without it becoming misshapen or flat. Buttock implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from round to oval to smooth to textured. For my patients that are getting butt implants, I usually suggest the transfer of at least a little fat so that the implants are better cushioned and the results are more natural than with implants alone.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a BBL Vs. Butt Implants
When we consider the advantages, the BBL is widely preferred over buttock implants by plastic surgeons because it offers more natural results since your own fat is being injected into the buttocks. Both the look and feel are more natural. With buttock implants, on the other hand, sometimes the outline of the implants is visible through the skin. In addition, the BBL allows plastic surgeons to combine two techniques, that of a lift and body contouring through 360 lipo. So, you get the added benefit of a contoured waistline with a BBL.
However, buttock implants may be the better choice, and sometimes the only choice, for some patients who do not have enough fat for transfer. Even with little fat, these patients may opt for butt implants because the results they want, they cannot achieve through fat transfer.
One of the biggest disadvantages regarding the BBL is the fat survival of the transferred fat. This is an unpredictable aspect of the BBL and in some cases your results might not be as expected. Whereas with buttock implants, you know exactly what the augmentation will be.
Asymmetry is another disadvantage that can be associated with the BBL. While this can be easily corrected with a revision, be sure to choose a thoroughly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon for your BBL to minimize the chances.
Two of the greatest cons to having butt implants are the possibility of a capsular contracture and the shifting of an implant. A capsular contracture occurs when tissue hardens around the implant and squeezes it. The displacement or shifting of an implant occurs when too much movement, pressure or force is put on the buttocks; thereby, shifting the implant out of position causing discomfort and bulging.
Regardless of what procedure you and your surgeon decide to go with, I will reiterate how important it is to select a good, highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon with the all the proper credentials. If you’d like a proper evaluation, contact our office to determine what procedure is right for you.