Dr. Saber’s Blog

Unsatisfactory Brazilian Butt Lift? Consider BBL Revision Surgery!

What is a revision BBL (Brazilian butt lift)?

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) revision is intended for patients who find the results of their first BBL surgery unsatisfactory. Revision surgeries are more technical, and the risk of complications is higher, so it’s very important to understand why the first surgery wasn’t successful.

There can be several reasons why a patient isn’t fully satisfied with the outcome of BBL surgery. In many cases, patients may find that their body doesn’t adapt to surgical intervention, or the body may not heal as intended.

But this can happen with any cosmetic surgery procedure, including tummy tuck and breast augmentation (breast lift, breast implant, and breast reduction).

Brazilian Butt Lift Revision Surgery

Who is a candidate for a BBL revision?

The plastic surgeon will discuss a variety of concerns that can result from BBL surgery with the potential candidate, including:

  • The resulting size of the buttock couldn’t be sustained post-surgery. Some patients have reported a loss of about 40% of their buttock size within six months of surgery.
  •  Not healing properly
  •  Deep grooves or “trenches” in the buttocks due to improper fat grafting
  •  Asymmetry
  •  Irregular contours
  •  Rippling effect because the flap created from liposuction isn’t uniform
  •  The appearance of residual dimples (cellulite appearance) over the lower buttock and upper posterior thighs
  • Lumps are a common side effect of BBL surgery, though they should resolve on their own with proper healing and recovery.

Generally, if your buttock is not in proportion with your body either from genetics, weight gain, or excessive buttock enhancement — by fat or implant placement — you may be a candidate.

How long do I have to wait before a revision BBL procedure?

Doctors advise that patients wait at least six months before revision surgery. It may take a year to see the results from fat grafting because it takes time for fat to be revascularized (have blood flow restored) and able to survive on its own.

Fat necrosis occurs when transplanted fat dies and the tissue becomes firm and lumpy. This usually softens with time. Time also allows post-surgical swelling to resolve.

At a certain point, both you and your plastic surgeon will know exactly what the initial results are and can review the improvement options if needed. 

What happens during the BBL revision surgery procedure?

A BBL revision will be performed under general anesthesia. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you’ll go home the same day. Only small incisions are made on the skin for both liposuction and fat transfer into the buttocks.

Liposuction performed during the original Brazilian butt lift procedure causes scarring in the areas of the body where fat is harvested. During revision surgery, attempts at removing fat from areas with scar tissue are complicated. Extra force is required to pierce through the scar tissue using traditional surgical tools, like a cannula.

Brazilian Butt Lift Revision Surgery

But surgical modalities have been upgraded. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction provides several advantages.

First, it is the definitive liposuction technique allowing for 40% more fat removal than traditional techniques. This is important because most of the excess fat has been removed in the first BBL surgery.

Now, BBL revision can be performed on patients where there is a limited amount of fat reserves.

Secondly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction is gentler on fat cells and provides 90% fat survivability (fat cells remain alive and usable by the body) following transfer. This is a significant improvement over the 60% survivability observed with traditional liposuction techniques.

This is critical when harvesting fat in areas with extensive scar tissue. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is the only technique that can correct contour irregularities in these areas that were created by the first BBL surgery.

Before ultrasound-assisted liposuction, revision surgery may not have been possible because there wasn’t enough fat available for transfer.

Keeping her patients safe remains [Dr. Saber’s] top priority.

Are BBL revision surgeries safe? Are there risks?

Fat injections into the buttocks are safe if delivered into the space just beneath the skin, but never below the fibrous connective tissue and into the muscle. This is the standard medical protocol for BBL and BBL revision.

There are a lot of blood vessels in and below the gluteal muscle. If any fat were to enter the veins, it can be carried into the heart or lungs, creating a fat embolism. A fat embolism blocks those critical vessels and causes death very quickly.

There’s been plenty of news about Brazilian butt lift risks. But even for revision surgery, it’s critically important to partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon you fully trust for the procedure. BBL revision should only be performed by BBL specialists who have experience with buttock shaping and augmentation, like Dr. Saber.

Complications from the surgery are likely a result of multiple factors, including the technically-challenging nature of the surgery. Furthermore, the rise in BBL interest has caused more non-board-certified and non-plastic surgeons to perform these surgeries.

To lower your risk of complications from cosmetic surgery, follow your provider’s instructions carefully before a procedure. You’re more likely to heal properly if you maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and quit smoking before your procedure.

Also, there’s no chance of the body rejecting fat cells from the transfer because they’re harvested from your own body.

Is there a difference between BBL surgery and revision BBL surgery?

Revision surgery is always more difficult. After the first BBL surgery, there is scarring and with scarring, there’s more bleeding. This may be more painful for the patient. When considering revision surgery, patients need to manage expectations by consulting with their doctor due to the uncertainty inherent in the revision.

Brazilian Butt Lift Revision Surgery

Results are visible immediately, but due to swelling, it can take up to four months or more to see final results. Healing from revision surgery is usually quicker. 

It’s also important to maintain your weight — within 10 to 20 pounds of your operative weight. Weight loss and weight gain can cause problems and change the revision results. Weight loss can result in loss of buttock volume and weight gain after surgery can cause areas of high-fat volume to be emphasized.

How much does revision BBL cost?

The costs for a BBL revision vary greatly depending on the geographic location and experience of the plastic surgeon. It also depends on the number and extent of additional areas needing liposuction or revision.

Whether it’s a Brazilian butt lift procedure or a Brazilian butt lift revision, the surgeon must be a board-certified plastic surgeon. Potential patients need to consider the surgeon’s experience in advanced body-sculpting techniques, view before and after photos, and determine if the surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – both professional organizations are highly reputable.

Why choose Saber Plastic Surgery for your BBL revision?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing cosmetic procedures and surgeries from a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. She ensures that all questions are answered so that each patient can make a truly well-informed decision.

Keeping her patients safe remains her top priority. She employs the latest state-of-the-art techniques and performs her procedures in the top surgical centers and hospitals, where she enjoys full admitting privileges.

Dr. Saber takes her patients’ safety very seriously. Her facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC recommendations. Masks are always required in our office during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

To request a consultation, please call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

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    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020