The journey to a more proportional and sensual profile begins with a master of body architecture. Dr. De La Cruz utilizes advanced fat transfer techniques to ensure your Brazilian Butt Lift results are as safe as they are stunning.
The buttocks have been an important element of sexual attraction in essentially all cultures throughout recorded history. Recently, there has been an increasing demand among patients for youthful, prominent, and perky buttocks to achieve a more sensual body profile. Several types of augmentation, including breast and buttock enhancement, have been developed to help create a classic hourglass figure.
Buttock augmentation can be performed by using several methods, such as the insertion of silicone buttock implants, rearranging muscle and fat from your buttocks, and administering injections using fat grafts. The so-called “Brazilian Butt Lift” (BBL) has been increasingly popular in the United States, especially since this buttock augmentation procedure does not involve the placement of a buttock implant. This BBL procedure involves harvesting fat from areas with excess fat (such as the lower abdomen, flanks, and hips) through liposuction. These fat grafts are then subsequently injected into key areas of the buttocks to produce a more attractive and sensuous body profile. At De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, Houston BBL patients receive personalized care from double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz, an internationally renowned body contouring expert focused on safety, artistry, and naturally beautiful results.
Enhances buttock volume and shape using the body's own fat
Slims donor areas (waist, thighs, or flanks) while augmenting the rear
Performed by a double-board-certified plastic surgeon using subcutaneous-only injection
Most patients return to work within 10-14 days; avoid prolonged sitting for 2-8 weeks.
Results are long-lasting once the injected fat cells successfully integrate.
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A Brazilian Butt Lift, often referred to as a BBL, is a sophisticated fat grafting procedure that uses your own fat to add volume and lift to the buttocks. Unlike traditional buttock augmentation, which relies on synthetic materials, BBL surgery provides a more natural feel and a custom-tailored shape. The process begins with specialized liposuction to remove excess fat from areas such as the stomach or love handles. This fat is then purified and strategically reinjected to create a more prominent and perky profile.
Patients seeking a Brazilian butt lift BBL often choose this path because it offers a two-in-one transformation. By slimming the midsection or thighs, Dr. De La Cruz creates a smaller waist, making the new shape of the buttocks appear even more dramatic and athletic. Whether you are looking to correct a flat appearance or restore volume lost to age, this cosmetic procedure is designed to bring harmony to your entire body.
On the day of your Brazilian butt lift surgery, you will be cared for in our accredited, state-of-the-art facility. The surgical procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your total comfort. Dr. De La Cruz begins with 4D VASER High-Definition Liposuction, meticulously harvesting fat cells from the donor sites. This stage is critical because it captures natural muscle shadows while harvesting high-quality fat for the augmentation.
Once the fat is purified, the injection phase begins. Using a specialized blunt cannula to protect blood vessels and minimize trauma, Dr. De La Cruz carefully layers the fat into the subcutaneous space. He avoids the gluteal muscle entirely to ensure the highest standards of safety. This methodical approach allows him to sculpt the upper buttocks, creating the sought-after lift and youthful projection.
The fat transfer method for buttock augmentation offers numerous benefits, but it may not be appropriate for every patient. Dr. De La Cruz specializes in several buttock augmentation methods tailored to each patient's needs.
The preferred method for performing buttock augmentation is fat transfer, the use of the patient’s own body fat to reshape the butt. Fat injection yields a more natural result, carries a lower risk of infection, and contours the buttocks to enhance the overall effect. However, implants may be recommended for patients who have very little body fat to harvest, such as bodybuilders and naturally thin patients.
Following the High-Definition liposuction, Dr. De La Cruz performs the Brazilian Butt Lift, a two-step procedure for buttock augmentation using fat transfer. This technique, named for its Brazilian origin, involves harvesting the patient's own fat through liposuction. Dr. De La Cruz typically targets areas such as the lower back, waist, flanks (love handles), thighs, and stomach to not only provide the necessary fat for buttock enhancement but also to contour the surrounding areas, resulting in a more striking outcome.
To ensure the highest-quality fat for reintroduction into the body, liposuctioned fat undergoes a specialized purification process. Dr. De La Cruz utilizes a closed-system fat harvester, minimizing the risk of contamination and reducing the likelihood of infection. Additionally, antibiotics are used to cleanse the fat, further mitigating any potential sources of contamination.
To further prioritize patient safety, the transferred fat is carefully injected into the subcutaneous plane using a blunt cannula. This technique is employed to minimize the risk of fat embolism, a rare but potentially serious complication. By using a blunt cannula, Dr. De La Cruz ensures a controlled, precise transfer of fat, reducing the risk of adverse events associated with fat embolism. This approach underscores a commitment to achieving desired cosmetic results while prioritizing patient well-being throughout the Brazilian Butt lift procedure.
In the second step of the procedure, the harvested fat is meticulously injected into the buttocks using numerous tiny injections at varying depths. This meticulous approach ensures an even and aesthetically pleasing augmentation. Notably, particular attention is given to enhancing the upper buttocks, resulting in a youthful, naturally lifted appearance across the entire posterior region.
By combining liposuction and fat transfer techniques, Dr. De La Cruz provides patients with a shapely contour and long-lasting results for their buttock augmentation.
Buttock implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to best fit each patient’s body type and desired goal. They are made of soft silicone, which provides a firm, smooth, and natural feel. They are placed away from important nerves as well as the bony area on which you sit. The upper and outer regions of the butt become rounder and firmer once the implants are in place. The procedure takes about two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made inconspicuously in the depression between the buttocks.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is the gold standard for addressing flat or square buttocks that lack projection. It is also an excellent solution for patients experiencing sagging or volume loss due to natural aging or significant weight fluctuations. By utilizing gluteal fat grafting, Dr. De La Cruz can also correct hip dips or hollow areas on the sides of the hips, creating a smoother, more fluid hourglass curve. This procedure repurposes unwanted fat from the abdomen or thighs, addressing two aesthetic concerns in a single treatment.
Natural Feel and Proportional Beauty
Because the procedure uses your own fat rather than butt implants, the results feel incredibly natural and integrate seamlessly with your body. There is no risk of capsular contracture or implant displacement. A BBL offers a total body reimagining—a narrower waist and a fuller, more youthful posterior that fits better in clothing and boosts your self-esteem.
Safety-First High-Definition Sculpting
By choosing a specialist in 4D VASER technology, you benefit from less bleeding and better skin retraction in the donor areas. Dr. De La Cruz’s multi-modality approach ensures that the areas where fat was removed look lean and athletic, while the injected fat in the buttocks creates a perky, lifted appearance without the need for invasive incisions.
A Lasting Investment in Your Confidence
Unlike temporary fillers, a successful BBL provides results that can last for many years. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, they remain part of your body. This allows you to enjoy your new shape with the peace of mind that comes from a surgeon-led, evidence-based recovery process.
Buttock augmentation can enhance natural curves for patients unhappy with the shape of their buttocks. It can also add volume and roundness to a flat or small butt for patients seeking a more balanced body profile. Bodybuilders may seek buttock augmentation if they are unable to develop gluteal muscles in proportion with the rest of their bodies. Generally, if you are looking for a fuller, curvier butt, buttock augmentation may be for you.
Dr. De La Cruz values patient safety during your surgery. For the 4D VASER high-definition liposuction, there are certain criteria that should be met prior to your plastic surgery.
For patients who have co-morbidities, such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension, a medical and cardiac clearance is required prior to surgery. For patients whose age is >45, a cardiac clearance from a board-certified cardiologist is required by Dr. De La Cruz prior to your surgery. Safety is the top priority in our practice.
After buttock augmentation with fat transfer or silicone implants, patients should avoid sitting directly on the buttocks or lying on their backs for two to three weeks to maximize results. During this time, compression garments may be worn to reduce swelling. Patients may experience some pain or discomfort, bruising, and swelling after the procedure. Most patients return to work one to two weeks after their buttock augmentation and are able to resume all normal activities within four weeks. Swelling typically dissipates by the sixth week.
Dr. De La Cruz provides ongoing support and detailed post-operative instructions after buttock augmentation or a Brazilian Butt Lift. Basic BBL recovery guidelines include:
While the change in your silhouette is immediate, your final Brazilian Butt Lift results will truly shine once the initial swelling subsides, typically around the three-month mark. You will see a dramatic improvement in the projection and roundness of the buttocks, complemented by a leaner, more sculpted midsection. Because Dr. De La Cruz etches around the underlying muscles during the liposuction phase, your new shape will look athletic and fit rather than just larger.
To ensure the best outcome, it is vital to follow all post-operative instructions, such as using a special pillow and avoiding pressure directly on the buttocks for at least two weeks (and often longer). When you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight, your BBL results are designed to be permanent, providing a balanced, confident profile that lasts for a lifetime.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for a BBL is a decision that impacts your safety as much as your aesthetic. Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz is a double board-certified surgeon who has refined his fat grafting procedures under the world's most elite specialists. His commitment to "Uncompromising Safety" means he uses sterile closed systems for fat collection and adheres to strict subcutaneous-only injection protocols.
At our Houston practice, Dr. De La Cruz sculpts the body with the eye of a classical artist. From our state-certified ambulatory surgical facility to our personalized recovery support, we provide an elite experience that prioritizes your well-being. Here, you are receiving care from a humanitarian-led team dedicated to delivering honest results and building your confidence for the future.
Contact Dr. De La Cruz today for more information by calling 832.520.1844.
The amount of fat removed depends on your specific goals and the amount of donor fat available. For a standard BBL, we typically harvest several liters of fat, which is then purified to ensure only the healthiest fat cells are reinjected. Dr. De La Cruz will discuss the volume needed to achieve your desired shape during your consultation.
While both procedures address the midsection, combining a full tummy tuck with a BBL can be complex due to recovery positioning (you cannot lay on your front after a tummy tuck or your back after a BBL). However, many patients choose to have these procedures staged or combine a BBL with high-definition liposuction for a similarly dramatic effect.
Fat embolism is a rare but serious complication. Dr. De La Cruz significantly reduces this risk by using a blunt cannula and ensuring that fat is only transferred into the superficial subcutaneous layer, never into the gluteal muscle. Your safety is the foundation of every surgical choice we make.
The transferred fat cells behave like any other fat cells in your body. If you lose significant weight, those cells may shrink, and if you gain weight, they may expand. Maintaining a stable weight is the best way to preserve your sculpted hourglass results for the long term.
Potential complications of a BBL surgery include:
Plastic surgery is a rapidly evolving field. It is imperative that a plastic surgeon have a solid mastery of clinically relevant anatomy to perform emerging aesthetic gluteal body-contouring procedures. Buttock augmentation using fat grafts may seem to be a simple procedure, but like any procedure, potential complications and adverse events may occur.
