Do BBLs Last?
Posted January 26, 2026 in Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian Butt Lift gives you fuller curves on the backside with little to no visible scarring afterward. The results are natural and beautiful, but how long do they last? This blog will answer that question with tips on how to ensure you enjoy your Brazilian Butt Lift results for many years to come.
4 Min. Read
How Long Does a BBL Last?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a two-step procedure that provides long-lasting benefits. Those steps include:
Liposuction for Fat Extraction
A BBL begins by removing fat from one or more areas of the body using liposuction. This surgery uses a narrow cannula to suction fat from areas where stubborn fat accumulates, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen. Liposuction sculpts the treatment areas, enhancing the appearance. Since the fat is removed, liposuction results are considered permanent for patients who maintain a stable weight after surgery.
Fat Transfer for Buttock Augmentation
The extracted fat is purified before being injected into the buttocks for augmentation. Since the body will reabsorb a portion of the injected fat cells, Drs. Careaga and Ramos place more fat into the area than the patient needs to achieve their desired results. In the weeks following the procedure, some fat cells will reabsorb, some may migrate to another location, while others will acquire a new blood supply in the buttocks and settle there. These integrated fat cells provide long-lasting buttock enhancement.
BBL Results After One Year
During the first year after your BBL, you are likely to see many changes to your treatment areas. Bruising and swelling are common after surgery and can affect your ability to see your results. You will also have more fat injected into the buttocks than you need, so your backside will look larger than you want at first.
Within six months, the body reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat, giving you a better idea of your BBL results. Swelling also continues to subside, both in the buttocks and around your liposuction areas. By the end of the first year, you can expect to see your intended outcome.
BBL Results After 10 Years
Ten years later, many patients continue to enjoy the increased lift and volume in their buttocks. The transferred fat cells remain, although they may grow or shrink based on your diet and lifestyle. The liposuction treatment areas do not regain the fat cells removed, but they can be affected by your diet and weight fluctuations.
The natural aging process can also lead to changes in your body contour over time as skin loses elasticity and the body succumbs to gravity. Some patients may opt to undergo an additional procedure at this time to maintain their positive results.
Factors That Impact the Longevity of a BBL
Most BBLs offer long-lasting results, but some factors can significantly impact their longevity, such as:
The Success of the Fat Transfer Process
The fat extracted through liposuction must “survive” the transfer to the buttocks. While the body will always reabsorb some fat, your odds of a successful transfer depend on your surgeon’s ability to extract the fat without damaging the cells and to purify it properly so only the healthiest cells are injected.
The Patient’s Recovery Process
The way you handle your recovery will also dictate the success and longevity of your BBL. Any pressure on the buttocks during the recovery process can cause more fat to be reabsorbed. The more closely you follow your BBL aftercare instructions, the better (and more long-lasting) your results will be.
Diet, Lifestyle, and Weight
The most critical factor in extending your BBL results is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight. To keep your positive outcome, eat a nutritious diet and get regular exercise to keep your body in top form.
Considering a BBL in Miami?
Our Careaga Plastic Surgery team has extensive experience in fat transfer, ensuring the best possible BBL results for their patients. To learn more about this popular body-contouring treatment, call our Miami office at (305) 574-9262 or complete our online contact form.