A Brazilian butt lift (also referred to as fat grafting to the buttocks or butt augmentation) is a popular and highly effective way to achieve a fuller, firmer, more shapely derrière. It also can help patients attain a more pleasing balance between the shape, size and contour of their backside in proportion to the rest of their body. 

Recently, there have been some concerns regarding the safety of this procedure. When patients ask me if a Brazilian butt lift is safe, my answer is yes. As an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of Brazilian butt lifts with very low complication rates, I believe this procedure is very safe. Major risks include 1) pulmonary or fat embolism—blood clot—for less than 1% of patients, and 2) anemia.

To learn more about Brazilian butt lift surgery, watch my short 2-minute video by clicking on the button below. And as always, please contact me with any questions or concerns you have about this procedure or any of the body contouring surgeries I offer. 

A Brazilian butt lift uses your own fat so there’s no chance of rejection

During this surgical procedure, excess fat is removed from certain parts of your body and transferred to your buttocks area to achieve a lifted, plumper and more rounded appearance. Typically, I extract fat from the lower back, “love handles” and abdomen and use it to shape the top part and sides of the butt. Then I slim and trim away where you have too much fat while building up where you would like more fullness.

In addition, many of my patients take advantage of the liposuction procedure used in a Brazilian butt lift to remove fat from their tummy, waist area and thighs. I transfer this extra fat to their butt, giving them the beautiful, sexy hourglass silhouette they’ve always wanted.

What happens during the procedure?

In order to have this procedure, you must have a good amount of excess fat in other parts of your body (such as your thighs, flanks or abdomen) that can be extracted and then injected into your buttocks.

During the procedure, I use liposuction to vacuum thin layers of fat from areas with excess fat deposits, then I layer these on top of each other in the buttocks to produce the desired contour and fullness. Approximately 50% of injected fat is reabsorbed, which is why I exaggerate the original fat transfer to account for this. In the vast majority of cases, a butt lift can last for many years.

Because of the meticulous way the fat is extracted, processed and re-injected for permanent, natural-looking results, Brazilian butt lift surgery typically takes 2-4 hours. However, this depends on the amount of liposuction performed and the amount of fat to be re-injected into the buttocks.

Following the procedure, special compression garments are typically worn for several weeks to help reduce swelling and to help shape the butt. People usually can go back to work about one week after the procedure. What seems to work well for my patients who work at a desk is to sit with your weight on your thighs and not your buttocks.

Is a Brazilian butt lift safe?

Yes, I believe the Brazilian butt lift procedure is very safe. The procedure is extremely popular and I have performed hundreds of them very successfully with very low complication rates. Major risks include pulmonary or fat embolism (blood clot) for less than 1% of patients, and anemia.

How long will the results last?

A Brazilian butt lift is a very long-lasting procedure. On average, expect about 50% of the injected fat to stay in the area and about 50% to be reabsorbed by the body, which is why I always put in extra fat deposits.

How soon can you go back to work after a butt lift?

People usually can go back to work about one week after the procedure. What seems to work well for my patients is to take a “boppy pillow” to the office and use it in their work chair.

Are you a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift?

A Brazilian butt lift is a highly individualized procedure that can be life-changing. The changes go beyond just re-shaping your butt, and can actually be a wonderful turning point in your life, boosting your self-esteem and enabling you to feel confident about your body, sometimes for the first time. This is why it’s very important that you’re choosing to have this surgery for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s ideas of what your body should look like.

You might be a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you:

1. Have lost a significant amount of weight and your butt now sags and droops.
2. Are overweight and haven't been able to lose weight through physical activity or changes in your diet.
3. Are at a normal weight but want to dramatically improve the appearance of your lower body.
4. Are at a normal weight but your skin won't contract after liposuction due to poor elasticity related to aging.
5. Are unhappy with the overall shape and lack of firmness of your butt.
6. Are in good physical health
7. Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
8. Do not smoke or drink excessively

Considering a Brazilian butt lift? 

If you are thinking about getting a Brazilian butt lift and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me. I will send you additional information prior to your appointment, then when we meet, I will answer all your questions, evaluate your body type and overall health, and learn what you’re hoping to achieve. Then together, we’ll decide what will bring you the best possible results.

To learn more about the many body contouring procedures I offer

There are several body procedures available to you in my plastic surgery practice. To learn more, please visit these pages on my website:

• Body Procedures
• Butt Augmentation
• Brazilian Butt Lift
• CoolSculpting
• EmSculpt®
• Liposuction
• Lower Body Lift
• Mommy Makeover
• Tummy Tuck

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.