Butt Enhancements: BBL vs. Implants and Sculptra and How to Choose

When it comes to getting the right butt enhancement, several considerations are involved. Of course, understanding the differences and details of each procedure can take some time, which is why it’s best to start with education and finding a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon. That way, you can guarantee that you make the right decision, no matter which route you choose.

The first thing to know is that the Brazilian butt lift is totally different from butt implants. The other option, Sculptra, is more closely related to the BBL, but it utilizes a lab-created injectable to boost the booty instead of taking fat from elsewhere in the body. And regardless of the procedure, it’s interesting to note that as many as 40,000 people chose some type of butt augmentation in 2020—quite impressive considering we were in the midst of a pandemic, eh?

If you’re looking to treat your buttocks to a little boost, you have a few different options to consider. Here’s what you need to know about all three procedures, including how they work, how long it takes to recover, and the pros and cons of the Brazilian butt lift vs. butt implants and Sculptra.

What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The Brazilian butt lift has been gaining popularity in recent years because it is a procedure that can offer some major results. This fat transfer procedure takes excess fat from the abdomen, thighs, or elsewhere on the body and relocates it to the butt, which removes the risk of rejection because it’s fat from your own body that’s being used.

First, the fat will be harvested from the body via liposuction. Then it is purified and injected into the buttocks, allowing people to choose the ideal shape and size based on where the injections are placed.

BBL Pros and Cons

The BBL has no risk of rejection, as mentioned, and there are fewer risks associated with the surgical procedure since it’s simpler. This procedure can enhance the area where the unwanted fat is removed from in addition to plumping the buttocks, and it can all be done quickly and without big incisions.

The BBL offers long-lasting results and can conquer two problems at once. Depending on where you have the fat taken from, it could enhance your results even more. Most people are back to normal activities within weeks instead of months, which is another reason it’s popular.

The only real drawback to the BBL procedure is that it will be limited in how much can be changed or reshaped based on the person’s initial shape and the amount of fat that’s transferred from elsewhere on the body. If done improperly by a surgeon that is not a board-certified plastic surgeon, or if the fat is placed under the muscles, risks of a fat embolism increase.

What Are Butt Implants?

Butt implants are solid silicone implants that are designed to look and feel just like the real thing. These are chosen by people who want to make a more significant impact with their butt enhancement than you might get from BBL or Sculptra procedures. There are also an option for patients that don’t have enough fat for fat grafting. Depending on who performs the procedure, the implants may be placed differently and the incisions may also be made differently.

This is why it’s important to talk to a surgeon and get an idea of what to expect before making any decisions. A reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon can help you better understand the invasive nature of butt implants and the many alternatives that are available today.

Butt Implants and Body Rejection

One of the biggest complications of butt implants is the same as any other implant. The body could reject the foreign object and that could create a lot of potential issues. Rejection can lead to fevers, infections, swelling and inflammation, and several other symptoms and issues. It can even create serious health problems in some situations, although it’s rare.

Our bodies are designed to kick out foreign objects. Therefore, it’s one of the most high-risk procedures and it is suggested that people avoid this option unless it’s the only way to get the results that they want.

Other Cons of Butt Implants

Butt implants are made from silicone material, which has a unique firmness designed to match natural tissue. They require large incisions to be made in the butt that can lead to longer wound healing, potential infections, and more. If you don’t use a reputable surgeon, there could be serious issues with rejection or infection that occur. Plus, you might cause damage to the implants if you sit too long too early on or try to start exercising before you should.

These surgical procedures take longer, and so does the recovery time, which means that you’ll have to ensure that you won’t need to do any serious sitting or strenuous work for a few months. That’s often what causes people to seek out other options.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an injectable treatment that is categorized as a filler. It is made from poly-lactic acid, and while it costs much more than hyaluronic acid fillers, it also has better results and safer ingredients. Sculptra is most commonly known to be used for wrinkle treatments, but it can also be used as an injectable for the buttocks to enhance their shape and appearance.

Sculptra has been approved since 1999 by the FDA for cosmetic purposes and there have been more than 200,000 facial treatments with this injectable since its inception. Today, it is also on the list for people who want to improve the look of their butt. Instead of having to go through the extra step of the fat transfer, Sculptra goes straight to the injection process, allowing you to create the ideal body shape with the right injections.

This injectable filler can be used in several places on the body, but it should not be used by those who may have allergies. It’s also not available everywhere, so you’ll want to make sure that you choose a qualified surgeon.

Sculptra Pros and Cons

This treatment can last two or three years, which is much longer than other filler treatment options. It also helps stimulate the production of collagen in the body to enhance the natural look of the butt. It’s a non-surgical option with limited downtime and a great way to get results without invasive procedures with a lengthy recovery period.

Sculptra does require multiple vials and the results are not permanent. However, with a consultation and information about potential risks and side effects, those who choose it should be pleased with their results. For the most part, people can return to normal activity immediately, so there’s no real concern with recovery time here. That’s another reason that it’s become a popular choice.

Sculptra vs Brazilian Butt Lift vs Butt Implants  

So, now that you’ve taken the time to learn a little about all three of these procedures, it should be easier for you to narrow things down and choose what you think is best. Take the time to talk to your surgeon and consider just how invasive you want the procedure to be. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of body fat but you don’t want the invasiveness of implants, you might choose Sculptra injections instead, for example.

The recovery time for BBL procedures is short, but it also involves two parts—the butt healing and the healing lipo area. The BBL results are long-lasting if the patient maintain their weight.

Sculptra is a non-invasive solution that targets just the butt cheeks, it’s temporary but minimal to no recovery is involve.

Butt implant procedures are invasive. If they are truly the only option you can imagine, then talk to your surgeon about what to expect, how the procedure works and talk about the risk. Otherwise, discuss the options and find out how Sculptra or a BBL can give you similar results without the serious procedure that you don’t necessarily need.

Choosing the right option between BBL or butt implants will depend on your health, weight, how much excess body fat you have, your desired outcomes, and more. Personal preference plays a large role, along with any potential allergies to silicone or other implant materials. You will also want to talk to an experienced surgeon to determine what is best for your desired look.

Choose Your Butt Augmentation Carefully

When it comes to finding the right buttock augmentation, you have to know what best suits your goals and desires. If you want something simple and less invasive, the Brazilian butt lift procedure is a good choice. Some people want to go all-in and get a full butt lift with buttock implants, but that comes with a much longer recovery time and some much more serious risks. Ultimately, the way you decide to perk up your posterior will be up to you and your surgeon. To learn more, contact the experts at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery today.

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