Brazilian
Butt Lift

A Brazilian Butt Lift uses fat transfer to enhance and lift the buttocks naturally. Our board-certified surgeons harvest fat from the abdomen or flanks, purify it, and inject it strategically into the buttocks using subcutaneous-only technique following current safety guidelines.

Procedure

2–4 hours

Recovery

2–3 weeks

Anesthesia

General

Final Result

6 months

Starting from

$5,500

or $30/week financing

What a Brazilian Butt Lift actually is

A Brazilian Butt Lift — commonly known as BBL — is a fat transfer procedure that enhances shape, volume, and projection of the buttocks using your body’s own fat.

28,000+

BBL procedures performed in the U.S. in 2023

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2024 Report

The procedure has two phases performed in a single surgery. First, liposuction harvests fat from areas of excess — typically the abdomen, flanks, and inner thighs. The harvested fat is then purified through centrifugation to separate viable fat cells. Finally, the purified fat is strategically injected into the buttocks through small cannulas, layered carefully to create natural contour and projection.

Because the BBL uses your own fat, there is no risk of rejection — and the result feels and behaves like natural tissue. The procedure also delivers a contouring benefit at the donor sites: the abdomen and flanks become more defined as fat is removed, creating an hourglass silhouette in a single surgery.

How we minimize BBL risk

BBL safety has evolved dramatically over the last decade. We follow current Multi-Society BBL Safety Advisory guidelines to deliver results with industry-leading low complication rates. Here’s exactly what that means.

Subcutaneous-Only Injection

Fat is injected only above the muscle layer — never into muscle. This single change has dramatically reduced fat embolism risk.

Ultrasound Guidance

When clinically indicated, we use real-time ultrasound visualization to confirm the cannula stays in the safe subcutaneous plane during fat transfer.

Pre-Op Screening

Comprehensive medical history, lab work, BMI optimization, and donor fat evaluation. We turn down candidates whose health profile increases risk.

Accredited Facility

All procedures performed in an accredited surgical facility with full emergency equipment, board-certified anesthesiologist on-site, and ASA-monitored protocols.

Volume Limits

We follow ASPS-recommended fat volume guidelines per buttock. Over-injection increases pressure and risk — we prioritize safety over extreme volume.

Board-Certified Only

Every BBL is performed by a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. No residents, no assistants doing the work.

Closed Cannulas

We use specialized closed-tip cannulas designed to reduce vascular trauma during fat injection — another evidence-based safety upgrade.

Post-Op Monitoring

Structured follow-up at week 1, week 4, and month 3 — to catch any complications early and ensure proper recovery and final fat survival.

Are you a candidate for BBL?

Discover whether a Brazilian Butt Lift is right for you. We’ve outlined the key criteria that make for a strong candidate, as well as important factors that may affect your eligibility.

Strong candidate if...

✓ You have sufficient fat in donor areas (typically 3-4× what will be transferred)
✓ Your BMI is below 35 (ideally under 30)
✓ You’re a non-smoker (or willing to stop 4 weeks before/after)
✓ You have realistic expectations about size and shape
✓ You can commit to 2-3 weeks of no-sitting recovery
✓ Your weight has been stable for 3+ months
✓ You are in good general health

You may not be a candidate if...

✕ BMI above 35 (increases surgical risk significantly)
✕ Insufficient fat in donor areas
✕ Severe loose skin requiring lower body lift first
✕ Active smoking that cannot be stopped
✕ Uncontrolled diabetes or cardiovascular disease
✕ Unrealistic expectations about size

From arrival to recovery room

Marking & Planning

Your surgeon marks donor and target areas while you stand. Photos for medical records. Anesthesia consultation reviewed.

30-45 MINUTES
Anesthesia

General anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist on-site. Continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. You feel nothing.

PAINLESS
Fat Harvest

Through small 3-4mm incisions, fat is gently extracted from donor areas using cannulas. Amount harvested depends on transfer goals.

60-90 MINUTES
Purification & Injection

Harvested fat is centrifuged to isolate viable cells. Then injected subcutaneously through micro-cannulas, layered for shape and projection.

60-90 MINUTES

Dr. John
Pitman

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. John Pitman III, MD, FACS, is known for natural, balanced results across body-contouring, breast…

Dr. Richard Vagley

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Richard T. Vagley, MD, FACS, brings more than four decades of experience in aesthetic surgery…

Dr. Zachary Okhah

Plastic Surgeon

Ivy League–trained at Brown University, Dr. Zachary Okhah, MD, specializes in the Brazilian Butt Lift…

Dr Joel Shanklin

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

With more than three decades of surgical experience, Dr. Joel Shanklin, MD, FACS, is a board-certified…

Dr Jeff Weinzweig

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Internationally recognized as a surgeon, educator, and author, Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS…

Our Surgeons

See actual transformations

Over a decade of liposuction work. Hundreds of patients. Real photos from our private gallery — viewable after a brief verification process to protect patient privacy.

Your realistic BBL recovery.

DAY 1-3 · FIRST 72 HOURS

Face-down or side-lying

Bed rest, lying face-down or on your side. Compression garment 24/7. Soreness at lipo donor areas. Walk every 1-2 hours to prevent blood clots. Pain medication as prescribed.
WEEK 1 · CRITICAL PHASE

Absolutely no direct sitting

Swelling peaks days 4-5. Bruising at donor sites. No direct sitting on buttocks — this can crush transferred fat and reduce final result by 30-50%. BBL pillow only when essential.
WEEK 2 · RETURN TO WORK

BBL pillow technique

Return to desk work with BBL pillow. Compression garment continues 24/7. Bruising fading. Lymphatic massage recommended starting now to accelerate healing.
WEEK 3-4 · TRANSITION PHASE

Gradual normal sitting

Begin transitioning off the BBL pillow gradually — 15-20 minute increments. Light cardio cleared (no direct buttock pressure). Compression garment drops to 12 hours/day.
WEEK 6 · FULL ACTIVITY

Full workouts cleared

Normal sitting fully cleared. Strenuous exercise resumed (yoga avoiding direct buttock pressure). About 70% of final result visible. Final fat survival determined.
MONTH 6 · FINAL RESULT

Final shape & projection

All swelling resolved. Final shape and projection visible. Maintain stable weight to preserve results. Scars continue to fade through month 12.

BBL alone vs. BBL + Lipo 360

BBL + Lipo 360

Areas Treated: Buttocks + full midsection
Surgery Time: 4–6 hours.
Cost Range: $7,500 – $12,000
Recovery: 3–4 weeks
Best For: Full silhouette transformation
Final Result: Hourglass + buttock

BBL (Standalone)

Areas Treated: Buttocks + 2 donor areas
Surgery Time: 2–3 hours
Cost Range: $5,500 – $7,500
Recovery: 2–3 weeks
Best For: Buttock enhancement only
Final Result: Buttock shape

Transparent pricing

All-inclusive pricing covers surgeon fees, facility, anesthesia, compression garments, and follow-up visits. No hidden costs.

Tier 1 · BBL Standard

BBL Only

$5,500–$7,500

Buttock enhancement

1–2 donor areas (lipo)
Surgeon & facility fees
Anesthesia included
Compression garment (faja)
BBL pillow included
3 follow-up visits

Tier 2 · Featured

BBL + Lipo 360

$7,500–$12,000

Comprehensive contouring

BBL + full midsection lipo (360°)
Surgeon & facility fees
Anesthesia included
Faja & foams
BBL pillow included
3 Lymphatic massage sessions
6-month follow-up program

Tier 3 · Premium

BBL + Lipo 360 + J-Plasma

$9,500–$15,000

With skin tightening

BBL + Lipo 360 + J-Plasma
Renuvion skin tightening
Faja & foams
BBL pillow included
Extended lymphatic massage
Extended follow-up program

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a BBL cost in Miami?

At Smart Plastic Surgery in Miami, a Brazilian Butt Lift starts at $5,500. BBL combined with Lipo 360 ranges from $7,500 to $12,000. Pricing varies based on the number of donor areas, surgical complexity, and whether J-Plasma skin tightening is added. Financing is available through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and United Finance.

How long is BBL recovery?

BBL recovery requires 2-3 weeks of strict no-sitting on the buttocks while transferred fat establishes blood supply. Most patients return to desk work in week 2 using a BBL pillow. Strenuous exercise is cleared at 6 weeks. Final results are visible at 3-6 months as residual swelling resolves and final fat survival is determined.

Is BBL safe?

BBL is safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility following current safety guidelines. The historically reported risk of fat embolism has been dramatically reduced through evidence-based technique changes — specifically subcutaneous-only fat injection with ultrasound guidance when indicated. At Smart, our surgeons follow these Multi-Society BBL Safety Advisory protocols.

How much fat is transferred in a BBL?

The amount varies by patient based on body type, donor fat availability, and aesthetic goals. Typical transfers range from 600cc to 1,200cc per buttock. Surgeons over-fill by approximately 25% to account for normal fat reabsorption — about 15-30% of transferred fat is reabsorbed during the first 6 months. The body permanently retains fat that survives this initial period.

Can BBL be combined with other procedures?

Yes. BBL is most commonly combined with Lipo 360 (liposuction of the full midsection) for hourglass-shaped results. BBL can also be combined with tummy tuck for loose abdominal skin, J-Plasma for skin tightening, and breast augmentation in a “Mommy Makeover with BBL” combination.

When can I sit normally after BBL?

Direct sitting on the buttocks is restricted for 2-3 weeks to protect transferred fat cells while they establish blood supply. During weeks 1-2, you can briefly sit with a BBL pillow that distributes pressure to the thighs. Around week 3-4, you’ll gradually transition to normal sitting. By week 6, normal sitting is typically fully cleared. Following this protocol is critical — sitting too early can reduce final results by 30-50%.

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