251-929-7850
Brazilian
Butt Lift
Brazilian Butt Lift
For some women, their primary appearance concern isn’t a lack of curves above the waistline, but a lack of curves near their backside. A flat bottom can lead to problems with self-image, not to mention the frustrations involved with finding clothes that actually fit. Whether your natural assets tend toward the top-heavy or you just wish you had a little more “junk in the trunk,” a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) may be your best plastic surgery option.
Recognized as body contouring specialists, Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner are some of the top cosmetic surgeons near the Mobile-Pensacola metro area. Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures for both men and women, and we are known for our caring commitment to a patient-first approach while achieving absolutely excellent results.
Are You a Candidate for a BBL?
Because of the nature of this procedure, the ideal candidates should have some extra fat elsewhere on their body that they can donate to their bottom. This donor fat may be near the belly, thighs or around the waistline. At the same time, you should be at or near your target weight and in otherwise good health, mentally and physically. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about your results.
Before and After Photos
About Brazilian Butt Lifts
A Brazilian butt lift, sometimes called buttocks augmentation, uses your own fat cells to create a naturally curvaceous backside that can better balance out your feminine figure. The fat cells are first removed via liposuction, then the fat is processed using the LifeCell REVOLVE™ system to isolate the healthy fat before your surgeon then injects it into the bottom to boost the volume of your buttocks. Some women may include a Brazilian butt lift as part of a mommy makeover, or combine buttocks augmentation with breast implants for a more voluptuous figure overall.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Brazilian Butt Lift Benefits
A Brazilian butt lift enhances your curves naturally using your own fat for a fuller, more sculpted appearance. Key benefits include:
- Natural-looking results. A BBL uses your own fat for a soft, natural look and feel.
- No implants needed. Because your own fat is used to enhance the volume of your backside, a BBL avoids the risks associated with synthetic implants.
- Dual benefit of liposuction. Liposuction can slim areas like the abdomen, waist or thighs while simultaneously enhancing your buttocks with those same fat cells.
- Long-lasting results. Once the fat cells establish themselves, results can be permanent.
- Enhanced body proportions. A Brazilian butt lift creates a more balanced and contoured silhouette.
- Boosted confidence. An overwhelming majority of our patients report feeling a newfound sense of self-confidence after getting a BBL.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
The two contributing factors to beautiful results are patient candidacy and surgical skill, so it’s essential to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner if you’re considering a Brazilian butt lift. During this time, you can share your goals for surgery, and your surgeon can give you more specific information, as well as perform a physical evaluation in order to ensure that you’ll see the best possible outcome from your procedure.
This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have so you know exactly what to expect at each step along the way. Some of the most helpful questions you might want to ask at your BBL consultation include:
- Am I a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift?
- How much fat do I need for a successful BBL?
- Which area(s) do you think are the best for fat transfer?
- How much fat typically survives after the transfer?
- What are the risks and potential complications for this procedure?
- Would you recommend combining a BBL with other procedures to achieve my goals?
Your Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure
The Brazilian butt lift is a two-step process. First, your surgeon will determine the best donor area from which to collect living fat cells using liposuction. Secondly, any impurities are then removed before the cells are carefully injected into their new location. During injection, the surgeon carefully layers the fat cells for optimal contouring, enhanced volume and natural-looking results.
Since liposuction requires only very small incisions and injections are delivered with a fine-gauge needle, the Brazilian butt lift is considered a “scarless” procedure. Often, liposuction access points are so small that they only require a single suture after surgery, so you can be sure to enjoy a discreet yet unmistakable boost to your figure.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Risks and Complications
When performed by a highly trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon, fat grafting typically carries only minimal risks, which are primarily limited to the same side effects that are possible with liposuction alone: swelling, fluid buildup and bleeding or infection. However, given the negligible size of the incisions, more serious complications are rare. Your surgeon will go over all of the potential risks and benefits of both liposuction and fat grafting with you before your butt lift so you’re fully informed about what to expect.
Your New Look: Recovery & Results
A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) offers a natural way to enhance your curves by using your own fat to create a fuller, more sculpted backside. Following the post-operative care instructions we provide closely will help to ensure you see the best possible outcome and long-lasting results.
Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery
Directly after your BBL procedure, you can expect some tenderness and swelling in the area(s) where liposuction was performed, as well as in your buttocks, where the fat was injected. We will ask you to wear a compression garment to help manage swelling and promote a comfortable recovery. While you’ll need to rest for the first few days, most people are able to resume light activities within a week and can expect to return to work and other normal daily activities within two weeks.
However, you will need to take care to avoid putting direct pressure on your buttocks for around 2 to 4 weeks, as sitting or lying directly on your backside can compromise fat survival. To protect your results, you can use a special BBL pillow or lie on your stomach or sides while your body heals. Avoid strenuous exercise for up to six weeks or until your surgeon gives you the green light – but you are encouraged to get up and move around the house regularly to promote healthy circulation.
As your body heals, some initial swelling will subside, and you may notice some changes in volume due to the natural absorption of some fat cells. This is completely normal and expected. Following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a stable weight will help to preserve your beautiful BBL results in the long run.
Brazilian Butt Lift Results
Right after your BBL, you will see an immediate improvement in the shape, profile and projection of your buttocks. However, because some of the transferred fat cells may not survive, your surgeon may initially overfill the area to ensure long-term volume retention. Over the following months, the fat that successfully establishes itself in its new location will remain there permanently, and your final results will gradually emerge.
Most patients see their full, final results around 3 to 6 months after a Brazilian butt lift, once all swelling has subsided and the transferred fat has stabilized. While the results of a BBL are long-lasting, weight fluctuations can affect the shape and size of your buttocks over time. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight will help you to enjoy your new curves for years to come.
Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs
How much does a Brazilian butt lift cost in Alabama?
The cost of a Brazilian butt lift in Alabama varies based on a number of factors, including the volume of fat that you would like to transfer and from which areas. After listening to your goals and creating an individualized BBL plan for you, we can provide you with a more accurate BBL cost estimate. We are also happy to discuss our cosmetic surgery financing options with you at this time.
How do I choose the right BBL cosmetic surgeon near me?
Choose a reputable cosmetic surgeon in your area who has ample experience performing Brazilian butt lift procedures as a BBL requires intricate surgical skill and knowledge, as well as an artistic eye. Be sure that your cosmetic surgeon has completed extensive medical schooling and training and is a respected professional in his or her field. Look at before and after photos of people with a similar build and body type as yours to give you an idea of the level of results you might be able to expect.
Is a BBL the best body contouring procedure for me?
A Brazilian butt lift could be right for you if you would like to achieve a more voluminous contour while maintaining a natural look, feel and movement. The best candidate for a BBL will be in good physical and mental health, have realistic expectations for his or her BBL results and have some amount of excess fat in other areas that can be used in the BBL procedure.
Is a Brazilian butt lift safe?
Brazilian butt lifts are generally safe cosmetic procedures when performed by an experienced and highly qualified cosmetic surgeon. As with any surgical procedure, BBLs come with a risk of complications, which should be discussed with you at your consultation. Proper Brazilian butt lift preparation and aftercare are crucial to a smooth recovery process and optimal results.
How painful is a Brazilian butt lift?
You shouldn’t feel pain during your Brazilian butt lift, as this procedure is performed under either general or local anesthesia. However, some mild discomfort, soreness, bruising and swelling are common side effects after a BBL. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medication and detailed recovery instructions to keep you comfortable in the first few days after your Brazilian butt lift.
How long does it take to recover from a Brazilian butt lift?
Most people plan to take around two weeks off work and other daily activities for their BBL recovery. During this time, it is important that you do not sit directly on your buttocks to avoid complications and to maximize your results. In the several following weeks, you can gradually sit down for short periods of time. It can take six weeks or more to fully recover from your Brazilian butt lift.
When can I sit and sleep normally after a BBL?
You can typically sit using a BBL pillow after about two weeks, but avoid direct pressure on your buttocks for at least four weeks. Dr. Koehler recommends sleeping on your stomach or sides during this time. Most people can resume normal sitting and sleeping positions after 6 to 8 weeks.
How soon will I see my BBL results?
You may notice an immediate difference in your body shape and contours following your Brazilian butt lift. However, it can take 3 to 6 months for your final results to develop.
How long does a Brazilian butt lift last?
Brazilian butt lift results can last for several years or even decades. Expect to lose around 40 percent of the initial volume gained after your BBL in the first two weeks or so. This is normal and is accounted for when performing your Brazilian butt lift.
Factors, such as weight loss or gain, the natural aging process, your exercise habits and your diet can all influence your final results and how long they might last.
Trending Topics in BBLs
- The BBL’s Not Going Anywhere: Listen to Dr. Koehler’s podcast episode explaining why Brazilian butt lifts are safer now than ever before – and still just as popular.
- Lose It AND Use It: Listen to Dr. Koehler’s podcast episode discussing all things fat transfer – how it’s done, why it’s so popular and if it could be right for you.
- What Are “Banana Rolls” and How to Get Rid of Them: Read our blog post about the infamous “banana rolls” under the buttocks and how liposuction – with or without a BBL – can help you get a smoother, more contoured shape.
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2025
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