Fat grafting or fat transfer is a wonderful technique to reshape and plump several body areas. The most common are the fat transfer to the buttocks, to the hips, to the chest (specially for males), to the hands (for hand rejuvenation and improvement of visible veins). The term liposculpture is also used to describe body contouring improvement using liposuction or a combination of liposuction and fat injection. to the right candidate.
Augmentation gluteoplasty, of popularly known as a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) is the plastic surgery procedure for the aesthetic improvement (augmentation) of the buttock area. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and buttock shape, a “Butt-Lift” can be achieved by different kinds of procedures:
Liposuction with or without fat grafting / liposculpture
Liposuction of the waistline, back and hip area can sculpt the body in a way that enlarges the buttocks without any specific surgery to the buttocks. However, we can also add the patient’s own fat from liposuction to the buttocks to enhance the size and shape of the area. Liposuction with buttock fat grafting is a great option for patients that want to get rid of unwanted fat at the waistline and back and enhance the buttock in the same procedure. Congenital and traumatic deformities of the buttocks can also be improved by fat-suction and fat-injection.
Lower body Lift
A lower body lift is another procedure used to lift and fill the buttock. It includes the removal of skin and fat excess of the upper gluteal area, with or without buttock augmentation. Autologous fat can be used for volume increase, either as fat injection or fat transposition with a local flap. Lower body lift is a popular option for patients that underwent massive weight loss (MWL) or extreme weight fluctuations over the years and present with buttock deflation and skin laxity.
A good assessment of your body’s anatomy, skin quality and fat distribution is crucial to determine the right procedure for you. Come and see us for a consultation where we will carefully evaluate you and help you define the best options for your body.
General preoperative recommendations for liposuction and fat transfer:
What to avoid before surgery:
- DO NOT take any aspirin for 7-10 days before your scheduled procedure. Do not take NSAIDS (Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen) for 5 days before surgery. You may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) if needed for aches or pains. Please contact the office at if you have any questions about any medications that you are taking or if you are prescribed aspirin by your cardiologist or Primary Care Provider (PCP).
- Discontinue Vitamin E 10 days before surgery.
- Avoid the following herbal supplements for 10 days before surgery: Echinacea, Ephedra / Phentermine (used for weight loss), Feverfew, Fish Oils, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, Goldenseal, Kava-Kava, Licorice, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort and Valerian.
- Stop Smoking. The harmful effects of smoking can cause tissue death, infection, and open wounds. It also makes you age faster!
- Alcohol can promote swelling of the surgical area and it is best to avoid alcohol intake for at least one week before surgery.
What to take before surgery:
- Dr Miotto will recommend some medications and supplements to help speed up recovery after surgery.
General postoperative recommendations after liposuction and fat transfer surgery:
- If your surgery was done with sedation or general anesthesia, you must have a responsible adult to transport you home and stay with you for a full twenty-four hours after your surgery.
- You will be unable to drive if you are taking narcotics.
- It is common to feel sluggish for a few days as the anesthesia works its way out of your system.
- It is recommended to elevate the head with two to three pillows after all facial procedures.
- Your initial post-operative appointment will be scheduled by your Patient Care Coordinator
Activity:
- Please refrain from physical activity that will increase your heart rate or blood pressure for 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, bed rest is NOT recommended, and you should be walking at normal pace after the procedure.
- Frequent walking will decrease the risk of post-operative blood clots (mostly after general anesthesia).
Bathing:
- You can shower twenty-four hours after surgery. You may clean the incisions as instructed by Dr Miotto or her nurses after the procedure.
- Do not submerge yourself into a tub/pool until all wounds have healed (usually in 3 weeks).
- Do not scrub the surgical sites, however you can allow soapy water to run over them.
- Avoid lotions on the surgical sites for 2 weeks, but you can moisturize any other areas as desired.
Returning to Work:
- Recovery time will vary; however, most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks after the procedure, within one week you will have a feel for your specific limitations and will be able to determine how comfortable you will be with resuming your daily activities and workload.
Diet:
- Immediately following surgery, it is best to eat bland, easily-digested food and avoid excess sugar and salt. Healthy proteins (eggs, lean meat, beans, nuts), rice, fruits and cooked vegetables (broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes) will provide your body with nutrients essential for healing.
- Eat a few bites of food before taking pain medications as these can cause nausea.
- A diet low in sodium will help minimize swelling and water retention.
- Drink plenty of water! Drinking low sugar sports drinks and protein shakes are recommended.
Final Results:
- Keep in mind that our goal in aesthetic surgery is improvement and not perfection. You will be followed closely after surgery to assure that you heal well and have the best possible results.
- It can take months for the very final results of your surgery be apparent. After 12 weeks, you can expect your results to be mostly permanent. Expect subtle changes in swelling and healing (including the appearance of scarring) to continue to appear for up to twelve months.
- It is important for you to keep open communication with your physician and return for your follow up visits. We will take pre and post pictures along the way and look at the final results together.
GABRIELE C. MIOTTO MD, MEd., is a Brazillian-American plastic surgeon specialized in aesthetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures, specially of the face, eyes, nose, breasts and liposuction.
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