A decade ago, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surged in popularity as one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures, promising enhanced curves and a fuller backside. Just as beauty standards continue to evolve, so has the popularity of BBLs. Many patients are now reconsidering the exaggerated proportions that were once in vogue and seeking BBL reversals.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Ozan Sozer is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in El Paso, TX
- Dr. Stanley Okoro is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Atlanta
- Dr. Onielo Garcia is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Miami
“The BBL has been popular for a while and many patients had high-volume injections,” says El Paso, TX plastic surgeon Ozan Sozer, MD. “Quite a few of these patients now have abnormally large buttocks full of cellulite. These patients are seeking solutions to this problem.”
A Changing Attitude
Social media platforms are filled with former BBL patients sharing their experiences, with many expressing dissatisfaction over time. The once popular procedure is now known for exaggerated contours, irregular shapes and distorted proportions. Complaints often center on the fat spreading in ways that create an unnatural appearance, adding width rather than projection. According to Dr. Sozer, when a BBL is performed, “50 percent of the injected fat gets revascularized and becomes part of the normal fat.” This integration into the body’s natural tissue makes the fat sensitive to changes like weight gain. “If a patient already had an exaggerated procedure with high-volume fat injection, it is very likely for this person to look deformed due to weight fluctuations,” Dr. Sozer explains.
Additionally, the BBL procedure itself has had a string of bad PR in recent years, earning a reputation as one of the riskiest surgeries due to the injection techniques that can lead to fat embolisms, a potentially fatal complication. However, Dr. Sozer reassures that, in skilled hands, the surgery is not necessarily more dangerous than other procedures, as proper injection techniques like injecting above the muscle are now required. “The risks involved with the surgery are no different than other surgeries. But sometimes, patients present with recurrent infections and this is a challenging situation where we may not be able to restore attractive buttocks.”
“The trend is shifting towards a ‘classic look’ where skinny is in again,” notes Atlanta plastic surgeon Stanley Okoro, MD, who says he sees his fair share of patients who had their BBL done in Miami. Many now want to “go back to the original shape but look a little better,” moving away from the exaggerated curves once popularized by celebrities and influencers. “People are tired of being looked at in public and some don’t want to stand out as much.”
How Does a BBL Reversal Work?
Yes, a BBL can be reversed, but it’s not a simple process. It requires a deep understanding of how the body responds to fat grafting. Miami plastic surgeon Onelio Garcia, MD explains that BBL reversals are typically performed on patients unhappy with the “extra fat that was injected” during their initial procedure. However, removing this fat is not as straightforward as it might seem. “Not all the fat that’s injected is alive,” he notes. “The bigger the volume that you inject, the larger the volume of fat that’s necrotic, which doesn’t come out through a suction cannula as easily.”
This dead fat can lead to contour deformities, complicating the reversal process. “When you’re removing dead fat, you’re leaving cavities behind, dead space,” Dr. Garcia warns. This can result in an uneven appearance if not handled with precision.
Dr. Sozer explains that more advanced cases may require a “buttock lift incision placed on top of the buttocks.” This more invasive procedure carries similar risks to other surgeries, with the added challenge of addressing recurrent infections in some patients.
To improve skin tightening, Dr. Okoro often incorporates advanced techniques like Morpheus8 and BodyTite. “I would say 87 percent of my BBL reversal patients have something else in addition to liposuction,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of combining procedures to achieve a more natural look. “You want to ‘shrink-wrap’ the skin around the new result where there is now less volume.”
The Future of BBL Reversals
As the aesthetic industry continues to shift, the demand for BBL reversals is expected to rise. The “ballet body” trend, reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, emphasizing a leaner physique, is gaining traction and more individuals are opting to undo their once-exaggerated curves. However, as Dr. Garcia advises, “The way to avoid having a reversal is by just avoiding that kind of BBL in the first place.”
Reversing a BBL can also be a costly endeavor, often more expensive than the original procedure. Patients considering a reversal should be prepared for both the financial and physical commitments involved. The cost of a reversal can vary depending on several factors, but typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000
For those contemplating a BBL, Dr. Garcia says the results can vary depending on how the body has responded to the fat grafting. “Remember, you’re sitting on this constantly and not all of that [fat] takes.” The fat that doesn’t integrate may spread over time, leading to a flatter, less-flattering result.
“You can achieve a really great shape to the backside by contouring the body with liposuction alone,” says Dr. Okoro. And for patients who want to get a little more projection, he says he can still utilize fat to fill in where needed. “Some patients don’t necessarily want to go back to what they had, but what looks best, and for that we need to create a balanced look.”
