If you’re longing for a fuller, rounder, more symmetrical butt, you’re in luck—you have many options to consider to achieve the look you desire. Whether you’re thinking about a transformation from a traditional Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), quicker results from BBL injections, or exploring other non-surgical alternatives like exercise, there is a solution for you.
Each treatment offers unique benefits, from enhancing your curves to boosting your confidence. So, which one is your best option?
Keep reading to explore the key differences between traditional BBL and BBL injections so that you can make the best choice for your body, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals.
What is a Traditional BBL?
A traditional Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure where fat gets removed from other areas of the body and injected into the butt to improve its shape. During this procedure, patients usually get sedated with general anesthesia and fall asleep. If a small amount of fat gets transferred, a local anesthetic may be used instead, which causes the patient to stay awake during the procedure.
Following the anesthesia, the skin gets numbed. Then, a surgeon makes small incisions to begin liposuction and remove excess fat. This harvested fat generally comes from the abdomen, thighs, hips, or back. It then becomes purified so that the healthiest cells get transferred into the butt. Since healthier cells survive longer, this process helps you achieve longer-lasting results.
After liposuction, the surgeon makes several incisions around the butt before injecting the purified fat into specific locations. This adds volume to enhance your appearance. Then, the incisions are closed with stitches.
A traditional BBL usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the treatment. It is a generally safe, FDA-approved procedure.
What Makes a Good Candidate for a Traditional BBL?
The minimum age you can receive a traditional BBL is 18. Your body has finished developing at this age, making it safe to get this procedure.
Other factors that make someone a good candidate for a traditional BBL include:
- A healthy lifestyle
- Stable weight
- Excess body fat available for harvesting
- Good skin elasticity
- Realistic expectations for surgery
The following may disqualify someone from getting a traditional BBL:
- Not enough body fat for transfer
- Fluctuating weight
- Smoking
- Loose or sagging skin
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, chronic respiratory conditions, and autoimmune disorders
- Unrealistic expectations for results
What are BBL Injections (The Nonsurgical BBL)?
BBL injections, or nonsurgical BBL, enhance the volume and shape of the butt with injectable dermal fillers. These fillers also lift this area without incisions and fat removal.
This procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes. The length depends on the amount of filler needed and the treatment area.
The FDA has approved several types of dermal fillers, including:
- Sculptra: This is an FDA-approved injectable filler primarily made from poly-L-lactic acid. Unlike other fillers that add volume immediately, Sculptra gradually stimulates your body’s collagen production, which builds lasting volume over time. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a subtle, more natural-looking enhancement that develops over a few weeks.
- Radiesse: This is another FDA-approved dermal filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) microspheres inside a gel carrier. This filler provides immediate volume and increases collagen when injected into your skin. Radiesse adds volume and contours the butt and is an excellent option for anyone looking for quicker results.
Who is a Good Candidate for BBL Injections?
Like with traditional BBL, a good candidate for nonsurgical BBL should be at least 18 years old.
Other qualifications for being a good candidate for this procedure include:
- Good health
- Stable weight
- Skin elasticity
- No previous surgeries in the treatment area
- Realistic expectations for results
Certain factors may disqualify you from having this procedure, including:
- Substantial skin sagging
- Unrealistic expectations
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Autoimmune diseases and other conditions that could affect healing
The BBL Breakdown: Traditional BBL vs Nonsurgical BBL
Benefits
Your choice between a traditional or nonsurgical BBL depends on your aesthetic goals, with each procedure offering unique benefits.
Brazilian Butt Lift Benefits
A traditional BBL offers many enhancements, including:
- Fuller Butt: This procedure helps you achieve a larger, rounder, more symmetrical butt.
- Natural-Looking Results: Using your body’s fat to enhance your butt creates a more natural appearance.
- Balanced Body Shape: A BBL can create an hourglass figure and give you a better balance between your upper and lower body.
- Smoother, Firmer Skin: As fat gets transferred to the butt, it fills this region, making your skin look tighter. It also reduces cellulite and stretch marks.
- Sculpts Several Areas: Liposuction slims parts of your body like your arms and stomach, further enhancing your results.
Nonsurgical BBL Benefits
With nonsurgical BBL, you can experience the following benefits:
- Non-Invasive: This procedure uses injections to achieve your cosmetic goals. It does not require anesthesia or incisions, leaving no or minimal scarring.
- Natural-Looking Results: The results appear subtly over time without looking overdone.
- Little to No Downtime: It’s usually safe to do normal activities immediately, making it a convenient option.
- Safer Procedure: Since it’s nonsurgical, this procedure has fewer risks and complications than the traditional BBL.
- Customizable Solution: This option offers the flexibility to adjust the shape and volume of the butt with precision.
Results
When considering a BBL, it’s important to understand how long the results from traditional and nonsurgical procedures can last. Let’s explore the longevity of each option and the factors that influence their effectiveness.
How Long Do Traditional BBL Results Last?
The results of this procedure are semi-permanent. Individual results may vary, but they can last several years up to a decade.
After surgery, you’ll notice an enhanced appearance in the liposuction areas in 6-12 weeks, but it usually takes 3-6 months to see the full results.
Additionally, genetics play a role in how your body stores fat, which will impact the longevity of your results. While you cannot control your genetics, you can do some things to help preserve the outcome of your procedure.
Factors that will help your BBL results last include:
- Maintaining Your Weight: Gaining weight can cause asymmetry in your butt, and losing weight will reduce volume.
- Be Careful When You Exercise: Some exercises strain the glutes and lead to weight loss.
- Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well and exercising regularly will help preserve your results.
- Proper Aftercare: Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions and go to your follow-up appointments.
If you experience weight changes, you may consider having a touch-up.
How Long Do Nonsurgical BBL Results Last?
Though individual results may vary, nonsurgical BBL injections usually last 1-2 years.
Factors that affect the longevity of your results include:
- Type of Filler: Sculptra typically lasts the longest because it boosts collagen production. It generally lasts 12-18 months.
- Metabolism: A higher metabolism causes the filler to diminish more quickly, causing short-term results.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking, sun exposure, and a poor diet can break down the fillers, affecting the results.
- Number of Treatments: Having touch-up appointments will help your results last longer. Some patients need 2-3 treatments, spaced 2-3 months apart, to maintain their desired appearance.
- Good Aftercare: Following your provider’s advice about aftercare will help you maintain your results.
Aftercare and Recovery
Proper aftercare and recovery are key to help achieve the best results. Whether you choose traditional BBL or nonsurgical BBL injections, here’s what you need to know about the recovery process for each procedure.
Traditional BBL Aftercare and Recovery
The downtime after a traditional BBL is usually six weeks, but it can vary. Most patients can return to light activities within the first few days but should avoid anything strenuous.
Usually, your surgeon will remove your stitches 1-2 weeks after surgery. Keeping your incision sites clean and dry is important to prevent infection.
Common Side Effects
Mild to moderate side effects are normal and improve over time. Typical side effects include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Discomfort or soreness
- Numbness or tingling
- Fluid drainage from incision sites for the first few days
Most side effects begin to subside within a few days, but swelling could last 6 weeks. It could take up to 6 months to completely heal, and taking your prescribed medications will help alleviate discomfort.
Aftercare Tips
Follow these guidelines to accelerate your healing:
- Avoid sitting on your buttocks for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Use a BBL pillow when sitting to minimize pressure.
- Wear a compression garment to limit swelling.
- Stay hydrated and promote healing with nutritious foods.
When to Call Your Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain that isn’t relieved by medication
- Excessive swelling or bruising that doesn’t improve
- Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or pus
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden confusion could be signs of a fat embolism
A rare but serious complication of a Brazilian Butt Lift is a fat embolism, which occurs if fat cells are accidentally injected into the bloodstream. Fat could travel to vital organs like the lungs, heart, or brain when this happens. While uncommon, it’s one of the biggest risks of this procedure.
Nonsurgical BBL Aftercare and Recovery
Unlike a traditional BBL, nonsurgical BBL injections have a quicker, easier recovery process. Most patients immediately return to their daily activities with minimal restrictions.
Common Side Effects
It’s normal to experience mild side effects after this procedure, including:
- Temporary swelling or bruising at the injection sites
- Redness or tenderness
- Minor lumps or unevenness as the filler settles
- Mild soreness or discomfort
These side effects should subside within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Aftercare Tips
To alleviate your side effects, follow these aftercare guidelines:
- Avoid sitting on your buttocks for extended periods. Use a cushion, if needed, to reduce pressure.
- Don’t do any strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours.
- Keep the treated area clean.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to support collagen production.
- Attend follow-up appointments as needed for touch-ups.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your provider if you experience any of the following severe reactions:
- Severe pain or swelling that lasts more than two weeks
- Signs of infection at the injection site, including fever, redness, and pus
- Lumps that do not become even over time
Why Choose SKINNEY’s Exclusive Skinney Butt Lift (SBL)
SKINNEY Medspa’s exclusive nonsurgical butt-lift, the skinny butt lift, is an innovative combination of Radiesse and Sculptra injectables with Emsculpt & Flex muscle-stimulating technologies to enhance and sculpt the glutes. Designed to improve skin texture, reduce cellulite, fill in hip dips, and add volume, the SBL offers a cutting-edge alternative to traditional surgical butt lifts—delivering natural-looking curves without downtime. Best of all, you get a bigger, rounder, fuller butt in just 30 minutes!
Get the Best Nonsurgical BBL in NYC
There’s a lot to consider when choosing between traditional BBL and BBL injections. BBL injections offer a quicker, non-invasive solution with gradual results, while a traditional BBL provides immediate volume with a longer recovery process.
Decision-making can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. At SKINNEY Medspa, we’re here to help you understand your options and guide you toward the best treatment for your body.
At SKINNEY Medspa, you can get the best nonsurgical BBL in NYC. Call us at (212) 754-6639 to schedule a free consultation.
No matter which option is best for your cosmetic journey, our team of experts will help you achieve your desired results.
