What’s the Difference Between a Brazilian Butt Lift and a Regular Butt Lift?

Ever wondered what the difference is between a Brazilian butt lift and a regular one? Both aim to give you that coveted youthful, firm rear view, but their methods differ significantly. As we dive into the intricacies of each procedure, we’ll also shed light on the benefits, potential risks, and recovery expectations you may encounter. Intrigued? Let’s redefine beauty from behind.

Comparison between the results of a regular and a Brazilian butt lift.
When comparing buttock lifts and Brazilian butt lifts, a key difference lies in the technique used.

Technique: How Each Procedure Enhances the Shape of Your Butt

How a Regular Butt Lift Reshapes Through Skin Removal and Lifting

The traditional buttock lift is a surgical procedure aimed at improving sagging and loose skin in the buttock area. Often referred to as a gluteal lift, this procedure doesn’t add volume to your butt. Instead, it raises your buttocks by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin. The procedure primarily involves incisions for the removal of fat and skin, followed by the repositioning of tissues to create a more youthful appearance.

How a Brazilian Butt Lift Uses Fat Transfer to Add Volume and Shape

Brazilian butt lift surgeries are rapidly becoming one of the most requested buttock augmentation procedures. Unlike the traditional procedure, the Brazilian butt lift procedure revolves around fat transfer. It combines liposuction and fat grafting to augment and reshape the buttocks. The procedure starts with liposuction, where fat is harvested from different parts of the body, processed, and then injected into the gluteal muscles. This technique aims to provide a perky, round, and prominently youthful buttocks shape.

Candidates: Who’s the Right Fit for Each Butt Lift Option?

Who Should Consider a Regular Butt Lift? Best Candidates Explained

Traditional butt lifts work exceptionally well in cases where excess skin needs removal, particularly after significant weight loss. This option is ideal for patients who do not require additional volume but want a firmer and more toned buttock appearance. It’s a preferred option when skin laxity is the primary concern.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift? Here’s What You Need

The Brazilian butt lift is best suited for individuals who have a sagging buttocks area and enough fat in other areas of their body to serve as donor sites. This makes it ideal for those who want to add volume while also enhancing the overall shape of the butt. Candidates looking for a natural-looking augmentation without implants often choose this route.

Results: What Kind of Butt Shape Can You Expect?

The Results of a Regular Butt Lift: Firmer and More Toned, Without Added Volume

The outcome is a more toned and firm buttock region. Contrary to popular belief, a regular buttock lift does not involve silicone implants. Instead, it adjusts your body’s natural composition to give an uplifted and perkier appearance to your rear end. It provides a refined silhouette, particularly beneficial for those with loose skin due to weight loss or aging.

Brazilian Butt Lift Results: Fuller, Rounder, and Naturally Contoured

A major perk of a BBL is the enhancement in appearance and body proportion through a fat transfer technique. It results in a more natural, fuller, and youthful contour, while also improving the skin texture due to collagen stimulation. Many patients report an increase in self-confidence following the procedure.

Risks and Drawbacks: Understanding the Potential Downsides

Regular Butt Lift Risks: What to Know Before You Commit

There are potential risks with a regular butt lift, including infection, blood clots, and unfavorable reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, results can be affected by future weight fluctuations, which may alter the shape and appearance of the buttocks. Some patients may require revision surgeries to maintain optimal results.

Brazilian Butt Lift Risks: Why Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters

Despite its popularity, a BBL carries specific risks such as asymmetry, fat embolism, infection, and excessive bleeding. Since the procedure involves injecting fat into the gluteal muscles, it requires a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to reduce risks. The fat survival rate also varies, meaning some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time.

Recovery: What the Healing Process Looks Like for Each Procedure

What to Expect During Recovery from a Regular Butt Lift

After a traditional buttock lift, patients usually experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort for several weeks. Gentle walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation. Light work may resume within a few weeks, while intense physical activity is typically delayed for about 3 to 4 months.

Recovering from a Brazilian Butt Lift: Timeline and Tips for Best Results

BBL recovery requires special seating arrangements to avoid pressure on the newly transferred fat for the first few weeks. Normal activities can often resume within 2 to 3 weeks, but intense exertion should be avoided until cleared by the surgeon. Full results and healing can take several months, with good aftercare being crucial to protect the fat grafts.ime and ensures patient safety.

Longevity of Results: Which Butt Lift Lasts Longer Over Time?

How Long Do Results from a Regular Butt Lift Last?

The results of a regular butt lift are generally long-lasting, especially when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Since this procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening tissue, the improvements in shape and firmness are usually permanent. However, natural aging and future weight changes can gradually impact skin elasticity and affect the overall appearance. For many patients, the results can last 10 years or more, with occasional maintenance procedures depending on individual factors.

What About the Longevity of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Brazilian butt lift results can also be long-term, but they depend heavily on how the transferred fat survives. After the procedure, about 60–80% of the injected fat typically remains permanently. The fat that survives acts like fat anywhere else in the body—it grows or shrinks with weight fluctuations. Because of this, maintaining a stable weight is crucial to preserving the enhanced shape. When done correctly, a BBL can deliver results that last several years or longer, especially with good aftercare and surgeon technique.

Cost Comparison: How Much Does a Brazilian Butt Lift or Regular Butt Lift Cost?

What’s the Price Range for a Traditional Butt Lift?

The cost of a regular butt lift varies based on surgeon experience, location, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, patients can expect to pay between $7,000 and $15,000. This typically includes anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care. Since this procedure is often performed after major weight loss, some patients may bundle it with other body contouring surgeries, which can affect overall pricing.

How Much Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Cost?

A Brazilian butt lift is usually priced in the range of $8,000 to $16,000, but this varies based on how many areas require liposuction. The cost includes fat harvesting, processing, and grafting—all of which make the procedure more complex and time-intensive than a standard lift. While it may cost more than a traditional lift in some cases, patients benefit from dual-body contouring—both where the fat is removed and where it’s transferred—adding value to the procedure.

Note: Neither procedure is typically covered by insurance, as they are considered cosmetic. However, financing options or payment plans may be available through your surgeon’s office.

Scarring: What Will the Incisions Look Like After Surgery?

Scarring After a Regular Butt Lift

Because a regular buttock lift involves incisions to remove excess skin, visible scarring is an expected part of recovery. Incisions are typically placed along the top of the buttocks or hidden in the natural crease to make scars less noticeable in clothing and swimsuits. Over time, with proper healing and scar care, most scars fade significantly, though they won’t disappear completely. Surgeons often recommend silicone sheets, scar creams, or laser treatments to minimize their appearance.

Scarring After a Brazilian Butt Lift

One major advantage of a Brazilian butt lift is minimal scarring. Since the procedure uses liposuction and small cannulas for fat injection, the incisions are tiny—usually less than a centimeter—and are placed in discreet areas of the body. These small entry points typically heal very well and fade into barely noticeable marks. For patients concerned about visible scars, BBL is often the preferred option due to its less invasive approach to reshaping.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between a Traditional and a Brazilian Butt Lift

When choosing between a regular and a Brazilian butt lift, consider your body’s suitability for each, your desired appearance, and the recovery period. Regular buttock lifts often involve removing excess skin, while Brazilian butt lifts use body fat to enhance the buttocks’ shape and size. If you have enough body fat to spare, a Brazilian butt lift could be your best option.

Both require months of recovery, but the benefits to your body and overall appearance can be game-changing. The final decision between these options entirely depends on your individual body needs and aesthetic goals. Always consult with your surgeon to make the most informed choice.

There’s no definitive list or table that can make this decision for you – it’s deeply personal and depends on a variety of factors. Whether you’re leaning towards a buttock lift or a Brazilian butt lift, remember that the objective is to feel comfortable and happy in your body.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Rubinstein, a respected expert in the field of cosmetic surgery, strongly advocates for patients to make informed decisions. Whether you are considering a regular Buttock Lift or a Brazilian Butt Lift, it’s crucial to obtain professional advice on what would best suit your aesthetic goals and physical condition. Contact Dr. Ran Rubinstein for a comprehensive consultation today.