2-4 Hours
$12,500+
2 weeks Basic
4 weeks Full
Our Vision for Buttock Augmentation
Medically reviewed by Christopher J. Ewart, MD and Michael S. Tarakji, MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons — Updated August 2026
Our goal is to provide superior results while not compromising on patient safety, comfort and experience. While we cannot guarantee that every patient will have the perfect experience, we strive to make that happen. Our technique for narrowing the waistline with significantly enhance your buttock contour along with the fat grafting.
Risks and How We Minimize Them
BBL deserves the most honest safety conversation in cosmetic surgery: performed the old way, it historically carried the specialty’s highest complication risk, driven by fat entering deep muscle veins. That era produced strict modern guidelines — fat placed only in the subcutaneous plane, above the muscle — and we follow them without exception. Other risks are those of liposuction plus fat-graft survival (typically 60-80% of transferred fat survives; your result settles over 3-6 months). Add the standard rules — nicotine cessation (minimum 2 weeks, ideally 4-6 weeks), honest candidacy screening, and our QUAD A accredited surgical facility — plus the no-sitting protocol for the first weeks, which we will coach you through.
Common Concerns
- I have no buttocks
- The shape is not there
- No projection of my buttocks
- I want to move my fat from my waist to my buttock
- Get rid of the square shape
- I want more buttock fullness
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for a BBL (Brazilian butt lift)?
A Brazilian Butt Lift uses your own fat — harvested via liposuction — to augment and reshape the buttocks. Because it involves both liposuction and fat transfer, candidacy requirements are specific.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Sufficient donor fat in the abdomen, flanks, back, or thighs
- Good skin elasticity in the buttocks
- Stable weight for 3-6 months; ideal BMI roughly 22-32
- Non-smoker: Smoking impairs fat graft survival. We recommend quitting as early as possible (ideally 4-6 weeks before and after) and require a minimum of 2 weeks nicotine-free before surgery
- Able to follow positioning rules: No sitting directly on the buttocks for 2-3 weeks post-op
Safety First
Modern safety guidelines require fat injection above the gluteal muscle (subcutaneous plane only). Choose a board-certified surgeon who strictly follows these protocols in an accredited facility — Augusta Plastic Surgery operates a QUAD A accredited surgical facility.
Body Type Considerations
Naturally lean patients may not have enough donor fat for dramatic results. Curvier patients are often ideal candidates — ample donor fat allows buttock augmentation plus body contouring from the liposuction.
Who Should Reconsider
BBL may not be right if you have very low body fat, BMI above 35, smoke, or cannot commit to the post-op positioning requirements.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
Buttock Augmentation — Fat Grafting
Fat Grafting (Brazilian Butt Lift) — This is the most common type of augmentation. Fat can be removed from almost anywhere such as the abdomen, thighs, waist, and back and reinjected into the buttocks.
How does Buttock Fat Grafting work?
- Fat Harvesting — Fat is carefully harvested from the abdomen, waist, thighs and lower back with liposuction to create a thinner and more curved waistline while at the same time providing fat to be transferred to the buttock.
- Fat Purification — The harvested fat must then be decanted which involves removing the oil and serous fluid so that when the fat is injected, the highest percentage possible can survive.
- Fat Injection — The fat is artistically injected into the buttocks from deep to superficial to provide an improved shape and projection.
What is BBL (Brazilian butt lift) recovery like?
BBL recovery is unique because you must protect the transferred fat cells while they establish blood supply. Specific positioning rules make this recovery different from other procedures.
Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Op
Moderate to significant discomfort in both liposuction areas and buttocks. Compression garments worn over liposuction areas.
- Critical rule: No sitting or lying directly on your buttocks. Sleep on your stomach or side
- Use a BBL pillow when you must sit (places weight on thighs instead)
- Walk gently every few hours to promote circulation
- Compression garment 24/7 on liposuction areas
Weeks 1-2: Early Recovery
Swelling is significant — your buttocks will look larger than the final result. Begin lymphatic drainage massages at week 1-2 as advised. Continue the no-sitting restriction strictly.
Weeks 3-4: Transition
Most patients can return to work with a standing desk or BBL pillow. Limited sitting with a BBL pillow may be allowed at week 3.
Weeks 5-8: Progressive Improvement
Sitting restrictions gradually ease. Light exercise may resume at week 6. Surviving fat has established blood supply; size begins settling toward final volume.
Months 3-12: Final Results
Full exercise at month 3. Typically 60-80% of transferred fat survives permanently. Final shape and volume by months 6-12. The surviving fat behaves like native fat — it will change with your weight.
The no-sitting rule is the single most important factor for fat survival — take it seriously, invest in a quality BBL pillow, and maintain a stable weight.
Every patient heals differently — your surgeon will give you personalized guidance at your consultation. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
What kind of results can I expect from fat grafting?
Ideal Recovery Position
- The more fat you have the more we can inject but there is a limit. Those without much fat will sometimes gain weight to enhance their results.
- Those patients who have tight depressed skin and a poor shape to start with will still have a significant improvement but tight skin can limit how much fat can be injected and survive.
- Fat survival varies from patient to patient. In order to maximize your results, it is imperative that the patient follows the post-op instructions.