Thinking about getting a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)? It’s natural to have a lot of questions, especially about what happens after surgery. One of the most common concerns is noticing changes in the size of your buttocks during the healing process.
After a BBL, your body goes through several stages of recovery before the final results are visible. It’s important to know that about 30–50% of the transferred fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body. This means your final outcome might look slightly different from what it looks immediately after surgery.
In the first few weeks, swelling and bruising can make the buttocks appear larger. As the swelling goes down and the fat settles, some volume loss is completely normal. In this blog, we'll explore the key reasons behind BBL shrinkage and share essential aftercare tips to help you maintain your best possible results.
What Is BBL Shrinking, and Why Does It Happen?
To understand why BBL shrinking occurs, it’s important to first understand what a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is.
A BBL is a cosmetic surgery that uses a patient’s own fat to enhance the shape, fullness, and contour of the buttocks. During the procedure, excess fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. The collected fat is then purified and strategically injected into the buttocks to create a rounder, more lifted appearance.
However, not all of the transferred fat will survive the process. It’s normal for the body to reabsorb a portion of the injected fat during healing, typically within the first 3 to 6 months after surgery. To account for this natural fat loss, surgeons usually inject a little more fat than needed, ensuring the final results still match the desired look once healing is complete. The fat that successfully establishes a new blood supply will become a permanent part of the buttocks, while the rest will gradually be absorbed by the body.
Which Factors Contribute to BBL Shirinking?
Post-operative Care
Proper post-operative care is essential for achieving the best BBL results. Failing to follow recovery guidelines — such as avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks, wearing compression garments, and getting recommended lymphatic massages — can lead to complications and negatively impact the final outcome.
Natural Aging Process
As we age, the body produces less collagen, causing the skin to lose firmness and elasticity. These changes, along with shifts in muscle tone and fat distribution, can gradually alter the shape and fullness of your BBL results over time.
Poor Surgical Technique
Your surgeon's skill plays a major role in the success of your BBL. Poor fat quality or inexperienced technique can lead to uneven or less durable results, affecting the final results.
Genetics
Genetics, metabolism, and body composition all play a role in how your BBL turns out. Your genes affect fat distribution and skin elasticity, while a higher metabolism can cause fat to be absorbed more quickly. Additionally, your muscle mass and body fat percentage can impact how well the fat survives over time.
Alcohol and Smoking
Both smoking and alcohol can impair blood flow to the transferred fat cells, leading to complications and poor fat graft survival, which can negatively affect your BBL results.
Diet and Hormonal Changes
Your diet and hormonal shifts can affect how well the transferred fat lasts after a BBL. Sudden weight changes or hormonal imbalances may cause uneven fat distribution or lead to fat reabsorption, impacting the surgical results.
Related: What ruins a BBL?
How to Prevent or Minimize BBL Shrinking?
Follow Surgeon Guidelines
For the best long-term results, strictly follow your surgeon's post-op instructions. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and monitor for any signs of complications or infections that could impact healing.
Use the BBL Pillow
Sitting directly on the buttocks can put pressure on the transferred fat cells, causing them to be reabsorbed or damaged. A BBL pillow is specifically designed to keep pressure off the buttocks, ensuring better fat survival and preserving your results.
Wear Compression Garments
Wearing compression garments as directed after surgery helps reduce swelling and bruising while improving blood circulation. It's crucial to wear the garment 24/7 during the recommended period to support fat retention and optimal healing.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for preserving your BBL results. Avoid drastic weight changes, as weight loss can cause the transferred fat to shrink or be reabsorbed. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods that support skin elasticity, fat retention, and overall healing.
Gentle Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage after a BBL helps improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and minimize bruising. It also aids in the removal of toxins from the surgical site, promoting faster healing and better fat retention.
Related: What Happens If You Don't Get BBL Massages
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and alcohol can hinder blood flow to the transferred fat cells, affecting fat survival and compromising your BBL results.
Are BBL Results Permanent?
BBL results are generally permanent after the healing process is complete. However, they aren’t immune to changes over time. Weight fluctuations, aging, and lifestyle habits can all affect the size and shape of your results — weight gain can enlarge the buttocks, while weight loss can make them appear smaller. To maintain the best outcome, it’s important to keep a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle.
What to Expect in the Long Run After BBL?
Most of the healing and fat settling happens within the first 3–6 months after a BBL. By around one year, your final results should be fully visible, with the fat that survived becoming permanent. It’s normal to see some initial shrinkage as swelling goes down and excess fat is naturally absorbed. However, if you notice significant asymmetry, lumps, hard areas, or drastic volume loss after six months, it’s important to consult your surgeon for an evaluation.
Conclusion
A BBL can deliver beautiful, lasting results when done properly and cared for thoughtfully. While some fat loss during recovery is normal, the fat that remains becomes a natural, permanent part of your body. By following your surgeon’s aftercare advice and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy your enhanced curves with confidence for years to come.