October 2024

BBL Reversal: How to Fix an Overdone Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has quickly risen in popularity among cosmetic and aesthetic surgery procedures, offering patients a fuller, more contoured backside. However, not all BBL results turn out as expected, and in some cases, patients may find their buttocks too large, unnatural, or asymmetrical. If any of those concerns describe your experience with buttock augmentation, a BBL revision or reversal can help restore a more proportionate look.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what a BBL is, the signs of an overdone BBL, and how a BBL reversal can provide a more balanced and natural appearance.

What is a BBL?

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks using the patient’s fat. In most cases, it's done in one of two ways, or sometimes in combination. Here’s how plastic surgeons are performing BBLs today:

-using harvested fat to contour and shape the buttocks
-with silicone butt implants

Fat Grafting BBL

Semaglutide targets areas of the brain that control appetite, helping people feel fuller with less food. This reduces overall calorie intake, a crucial factor in successful weight loss.

  • Fat Harvesting: First, fat cells are harvested via liposuction, typically from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
  • Fat Purification: The harvested fat is then purified to ensure it's safe for re-injection to shape and volumize the buttocks.
  • Fat Transfer: The purified fat cells are carefully injected into the buttocks to add volume and shape. The fat is usually placed in the subcutaneous layer above the gluteal muscle for a fuller, lifted look.

Buttock Implant BBL

  • Placement: The surgeon makes a small incision in a well-hidden location, often in the crease between the buttocks or along the top of the buttock near the waistline. This helps to minimize visible scarring.
  • Size: The incision is generally around 5-8 centimeters long, depending on the size and shape of the implants being used.

The surgeon creates a pocket for the butt implants, with two common placements:

  • Submuscular: Underneath the gluteus maximus muscle for a natural look and feel.
  • Subfascial: On top of the muscle but below the connective tissue (fascia). This method is less invasive and may be chosen based on the individual patient's anatomy and goals.

Recognizing An Overdone BBL

While a well-performed BBL can create a beautifully contoured, hourglass figure, sometimes the results can be overdone. Common signs of an excessively large or unnatural BBL include:

  • Excessive Size: The buttocks appear disproportionately large compared to the waist, hips, or thighs.
  • Boxy Shape: Instead of a round or heart-shaped contour, the buttocks may appear too square or boxy.
  • Unnatural Projection: When the buttocks protrude too far, they can give an artificial or unbalanced appearance.
  • Poor Contour: A lack of smooth transitions between the lower back, hips, and buttocks can result in an uneven, harsh look.

Is Your BBL Too Large?

If you're questioning whether your BBL is too big, here are a few factors to consider:

  • Body Proportions: Are your buttocks in proportion with your overall frame? If they overshadow your waist and hips, you may have an unbalanced look.
  • Discomfort: A large BBL can make it uncomfortable to sit or wear certain clothes.
  • Aesthetic Concerns: If your original surgery has caused your buttocks to appear exaggerated or unnatural, you may be a candidate for a revision surgical procedure.

Bigger Isn't Always Better. The Shifting Trend in Buttock Augmentation

The Impact of Weight Loss On A Butt Lift with Butt Implants

After losing a significant amount of weight, butt implants may cause the buttocks to look distorted. This is because the reduction in surrounding fat can make the implants appear overly pronounced or out of proportion with the rest of the body. Weight loss can also result in reduced skin elasticity, causing the implants to shift or create an unnatural shape and projection. In such cases, implant removal or BBL revision, often combined with fat grafting and skin tightening procedures, may be necessary to restore a more balanced, natural contour.

You can schedule a complimentary consultation with me to discuss your butt implant removal and receive a customized treatment plan to achieve the shape and projection that best fits your frame.

Why Does a BBL Sometimes Look Overdone?

There are a few reasons why a BBL may result in an overly large appearance:

  • Over-Transfer of Fat: Sometimes, more fat is injected than necessary to compensate for the natural fat loss that occurs after the original surgery. This can lead to a result that’s too large or disproportionate.
  • Weight Gain: After surgery, the transferred fat behaves like normal fat. If you experience significant weight gain, the buttocks may expand beyond the desired size.

What Is A BBL Reversal?

For those unhappy with the size or shape of their buttocks after a BBL, a BBL reversal can provide relief. This involves removing some of the previously injected fat using liposuction. The procedure focuses on reducing the size of the buttocks and improving contour.

However, it’s important to note that fat injected into or below the muscle cannot be safely removed due to the risk of damaging important structures, such as nerves and blood vessels.

BBL Results

Addressing Loose Skin After a BBL Reversal

After removing excess fat, some patients may experience sagging or loose skin in the buttock area. This is a common concern, but several treatments can help improve skin elasticity:

  • Vaser Ultrasound: Uses ultrasound waves to break up fat cells while promoting skin tightening.
  • Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis: RF energy stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and tighten the skin.
  • BodyTite: Combines liposuction with RF energy to remove fat while tightening the skin.
  • Surgical Butt Lift: For more significant sagging, a surgical procedure may be necessary. This involves removing excess skin to create a more lifted, firmer appearance.

Customizing Your Results After a BBL Reversal

BBL reversal can also be tailored to correct the shape of your buttocks. If your goal is not just to reduce size but to achieve a more balanced shape, your board-certified plastic surgeon can work with you to reshape the area. For example, if your buttocks are boxy or V-shaped, fat removal can help create smoother transitions and a more rounded, aesthetically pleasing contour.

The Importance of Consulting a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. John Burns- America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024.png__PID:aa66431b-ebc5-432e-afcd-f2f069c98955

If you're considering a BBL revision, it's crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this type of corrective aesthetic surgery. In my practice, I see women and men from all over the country for revision procedures to correct body contouring gone wrong.

I offer a complimentary consultation so you can meet me, decide if my philosophy and approach are a right fit for your vision, and so you can receive pricing for planning your bbl revision.

About Dr. Burns

Conclusion

A BBL revision is possible for those unhappy with the size or shape of their buttocks after a Brazilian Butt Lift. By carefully removing excess fat and addressing issues like skin elasticity, you can achieve a more balanced, natural look. Whether you're concerned about an overdone appearance, loose skin, or both, selecting a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon will help you both look and feel better about your backside.


Learn More:  Everything You Need To Know About Skinny BBL
Mommy Makeover BBL

Research Skinny BBL

Stay In Touch

Follow us for news and information on plastic surgery procedures