Choosing Between Butt Implants and Brazilian Butt Lift: What You Need to Know
Almost everyone looks better with a plump and perky derrière. But let’s face it—we’re not all gifted with a “bootylicious” backside. And traditional solutions, like exercise and dieting? They can only go so far.
If you dream of a more well-defined booty, cosmetic butt enhancement offers a clear, reliable path to the silhouette you’ve always envisioned. But what’s the better choice: butt implants or a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?
At Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery, we know it’s not always easy to determine which procedure suits your needs best. That’s why we strive to inform patients of the nuances and potential outcomes of every surgery they consider. Because the last thing we’d ever want is to hear you say, “I wish I knew this earlier…”
In today’s article, we break down the differences between butt implants and Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have all the insights you need to choose the best option for your aesthetic goals.
BBL vs. Butt Implants: Discussing the Differences
Both BBL and butt implant surgery are transformative options for those looking to enhance the shape and volume of their buttocks. While both aim to achieve similar outcomes, they differ vastly in technique.
The biggest distinction? One relies on foreign implants to resculpt the booty, while the other uses your own natural body fat.
Let’s look at each approach in more detail.
Butt Implant Surgery
As mentioned, butt implant surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts silicone implants into your buttocks to enhance their size and shape.
Your surgeon will typically make these incisions along the crease of your booty to keep them well hidden. They then carefully place the implants either within or over your gluteal muscle to create the desired shape and projection.
Given it’s the only procedure performed, surgery is usually done in about two hours.
Ideal Candidates
Butt implants are best suited for individuals who:
- Don’t have enough fat for BBL fat transfer
- Desire more projection than a BBL can achieve
- Want more control over shape and size
- Have good skin elasticity
- Prefer a more permanent result
- Don’t smoke, are in good health, and have realistic expectations
Recovery and Results
Recovery from butt implant surgery is similar to that of a BBL in that you’ll have to avoid sitting and laying on your backside for two to three weeks. During this time, you’ll use post-surgical support cushions to prevent excess pressure on your rejuvenated booty.
After the third week, most patients can return to work and resume light activities. However, it’s best to wait at least one month or so to fully jump back into any intense workouts and rigorous activities.
Risks
Butt implant risks include:
- Implant displacement
- Implant rupture
- Implant rejection
- Capsular contracture
- Visible or palpable implants
- Asymmetry
- Dissatisfaction with results
- Infection, nerve damage, seromas
Cost
In the U.S., the average cost of butt enhancement with implants falls between $5,000 and $14,000. However, prices can climb as high as $20,000 or more in premium destinations like Miami and Beverly Hills.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Procedure
During a BBL procedure, your surgeon first performs liposuction to remove fat from certain parts of your body (like the waist, back, arms, and thighs). This harvested fat is then liquified and sterilized for transfer into your backside.
From here, your surgeon will strategically and artfully inject the donor fat into your buttocks, sculpting the shape and volume you desire as they go.
Similar to butt implants, these incisions are small and discreet so as to leave no trace of surgical intervention after your transformation.
Depending on how much fat is harvested, your BBL can take anywhere from four to seven hours.
Ideal Candidates
Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is best suited to those who:
- Have adequate donor fat for transfer
- Want a more natural look and feel than butt implants
- Seek comprehensive body contouring
- Prefer a less invasive option than butt implants
- Prioritize lower risk of infection and complications
- Don’t smoke, are in good health, and have realistic expectations
Recovery and Results
You’ll emerge from your BBL wearing a custom-fit compression garment. This helps reduce swelling and promote optimal healing. You’ll usually wear this garment for at least six weeks, but extending its use thereafter will only enhance your results.
You’ll have to avoid sitting and sleeping on your backside for the first two to three weeks. From there, you’ll gradually reintroduce sitting and laying in short intervals.
Around the twelve-week mark, you’ll find yourself easing back into your daily routine. Only this time, you’ll be rocking that hourglass figure you’ve always dreamed of.
Risks
Potential risks associated with BBLs are:
- Fat absorption
- Fat embolism or necrosis
- Asymmetry or irregularities
- Lumpy or abnormal texture
- Dissatisfaction with results
- Infection, hematomas, and nerve damage
Cost
The cost of butt enhancement through BBL surgery is around $2,000 to $12,000. However, more high-end locales, like our beloved 90210, can drive prices upwards of $13,000 to $40,000.
Like with butt implant surgery, these prices can vary depending on surgical skill, facility, and demand.
Pros and Cons of Each Procedure: An Overview
Here are the benefits and potential drawbacks of each approach:
| Butt Implants Advantages | Butt Implants Disadvantages | Brazilian Butt Lift Advantages | Brazilian Butt Lift Disadvantages | |
| Instant, long-lasting results | Risk of implant rupture, rejection, or displacement | Allows for additional body contouring | Risk of fat absorption and visible irregularities | |
| More control over final outcome | Limited flexibility with adjusting shape and size | Results feel and look more natural | Less predictable outcome | |
| Less expensive than BBL procedure | Implants feel firmer and less natural than fat transfer | Less invasive in that it doesn’t require foreign object implantation | Higher investment than butt implants | |
| Ideal for patients with minimal fat | Implants will eventually need to be replaced | Lower risk of infection and complications | Not ideal for patients with inadequate fat |
Buttock Augmentation: Which Path is Best for You?
As you can see, both BBL and butt implant surgery offer different paths to the same destination: a plump, juicy booty and a rejuvenated sense of self.
But which approach is right for you? Ultimately, it depends on your anatomy, needs, and preferences. More importantly, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each surgery, ensuring the outcome outweighs any potential risks.
Dr. Cat’s take? When choosing butt augmentation surgeons, you want to invest in a provider who puts your safety and satisfaction above all else. With decades of experience and a long list of happy BBL patients, Dr. Cat has cemented herself as one of the most trusted specialists for gorgeous, natural-looking results that are seldom achieved with implants.
Your Vision, Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery’s Expertise
So, butt implants or Brazilian Butt Lift? We’re here to tell you that’s not a decision to take lightly, and you certainly don’t have to figure it out alone.
When you work with a surgeon who values trust, transparency, and open communication, they’ll take the time to discuss every option until you find the one that’s just right for you.
That’s where Dr. Cat’s tailored surgical approach truly sets her apart, offering a booty transformation that aligns perfectly with your aesthetic vision.
