Body Procedures

How Safe is a Brazilian Butt Lift? What You Should Know Before Surgery

BY BLISS TEAM,  
July 7, 2025

The Brazilian Butt Lift, better known as the BBL, has become one of the most talked-about and transformative body contouring procedures of the last decade. It promises fuller, rounder curves using your own body fat, and when done correctly, it can produce stunning, natural-looking results.

But with popularity comes questions, especially around safety. If you're considering a BBL or just starting your research, understanding the real risks and modern advances in safety is key to making an informed, confident decision.

Bliss believes education is empowerment. Here’s what you should know before moving forward with a BBL.

The Basics: What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian Butt Lift is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of the buttocks using fat transfer. Here's how it works:

  1. Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or lower back.
  2. That fat is then processed and purified.
  3. Finally, the surgeon injects the fat into strategic areas of the buttocks to improve volume, projection, and contour.

All that said, the appeal of a BBL lies in its dual benefit: removing fat where you don’t want it and adding curves where you do, all without implants.

Learn more about the different butt shapes requested during a BBL.

Why Safety Concerns Exist Around BBLs

BBLs have been under attention in recent years due to higher-than-average complication rates, particularly when performed incorrectly or by unskilled physicians.

The biggest risk is fat embolism, a rare but serious condition that happens when fat is mistakenly injected into big veins and travels to the lungs or heart.

This risk prompted additional research and the creation of new safety protocols, including:

  • Only injecting fat above the gluteal muscle (never deep into or under it).
  • Using blunt cannulas to reduce vascular injury.
  • Requiring real-time ultrasound guidance in some states.

Surgeons who use these improved techniques and have formal training in BBL operations significantly lessen these risks.

How Safe Is a Brazilian Butt Lift Today?

When performed by a board-certified surgeon following current safety guidelines, a Brazilian Butt Lift is generally considered safe. In fact, the procedure has become significantly safer in recent years due to:

  • Tighter regulations in high-volume states like Florida and California.
  • Standardized surgical protocols adopted by professional boards.
  • Increased awareness about client selection, fat volume limits, and technique.

Still, it's not a casual procedure. The key is choosing the right provider, being honest about your medical history, and following post-op instructions carefully.

Choosing the Right BBL Surgeon for You

Not all providers are the same, and not every surgeon who does BBLs is a board-certified surgeon. Here's what you should look for:

  • Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
  • Experience performing multiple BBLs annually, with before-and-after photos to prove it.
  • Use of current safety techniques (ask directly about fat injection depth and method).
  • A commitment to client education and honest expectations.

Bliss only matches you with vetted, board-certified plastic surgeons who meet high safety and aesthetic standards.

Is a BBL Right for You?

A Brazilian Butt Lift can be a fantastic choice if:

  • You have enough body fat to harvest through liposuction.
  • You’re in good general health and a non-smoker.
  • You’re at a stable weight.
  • You’re looking for natural enhancement.
  • You understand that some fat will be reabsorbed, with final results taking about 3 to 6 months to fully develop.

It’s also worth noting that BBLs are not ideal for everyone. Extremely lean clients or those with unrealistic expectations may be better candidates for alternative procedures. A consultation with a professional can help decide if this is the right step for you. 

How Bliss Prioritizes Safety in Your BBL Journey

With all cosmetic procedures, and especially with Brazilian Butt Lifts, who you choose matters. At Bliss, our priority is not just helping you get great results, but ensuring that your experience is safe, informed, and supportive from start to finish.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Smart matching with board-certified surgeons who specialize in fat transfer.
  • Care Advisors who walk you through every step, from consultation prep to post-op questions.
  • A focus on natural-looking, proportionate results that reflect your body and goals.

We also provide transparent education on complementary procedures (like tummy tucks or body contouring) if you’re looking to enhance other areas at the same time.

Let us match you with the right surgeon, answer your questions, and support your journey from start to finish.

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