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Butt Implants vs BBL: Which One Should You Get?

Butt Implants vs BBL

When we closely examine ourselves, there may be various parts of our body that we wish to improve. For some, it may be a small chest, while for others, it’s a small backside.

If you’re in the latter category, then there are several options available for gluteal augmentation. As a result, you can achieve the perfect look and regain confidence in your body and yourself.

Two popular procedures are butt implants and the Brazilian butt lift (BBL). When it comes to butt implants vs BBL, both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s best to learn more before making a decision. This article goes over the main differences.

What Are Butt Implants?

Butt implants are silicone prosthetic devices. How do butt implants work? They’re surgically inserted into the gluteal muscles to enhance both the size and shape of your buttocks.

The Procedure

Butt implants are inserted after the surgeon puts you under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. 

Then, they’ll make an incision in the gluteal crease (between the buttocks) or at the top of the glutes. After placing a silicone butt implant into each buttock, the surgeon will then close up the incisions with sutures.

Recovery Process

You’ll have initial swelling and discomfort for a few weeks, and you’ll be restricted from sitting during that time. 

Expect full recovery to happen in about six to eight weeks.

Pros

Butt implants are suitable for people who have low body fat and aren’t good candidates for a BBL. You’ll get a dramatic increase in size, and it’s predictable since the implants are a certain shape and size.

In addition, you’ll get long-lasting results with butt implants. You won’t have fat absorption concerns either.

Cons

There’s a risk of complications with implants since they can shift. You may also experience an infection or capsular contracture, which is where a pocket of scar tissue forms around the implant. Not only does this cause aesthetic problems, but also pain too.

This is a more invasive procedure as well, meaning you’ll have a longer recovery period. And while you can get more dramatic results, that can be a double-edged sword; it can potentially look and feel less natural in comparison to a BBL.

What’s a BBL?

A BBL is a fat transfer procedure, where the surgeon performs liposuction on target areas. The extracted fat is used to enhance the size and shape of your posterior.

The Procedure

Like with butt implants, you can be put under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon then uses liposuction to remove excess fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.

The extracted fat is purified and injected into strategic areas in your buttocks. Your surgeon will close the incisions from the liposuction with sutures.

Recovery Process

During the BBL recovery process, you’ll experience swelling and bruising for around two weeks. You’ll also be restricted from sitting while in recovery, but you can use a special pillow to prevent fat loss if you must sit. 

Expect full results to be visible in three to six months.

Pros

Because the procedure uses fat from your own body, the chances of allergic reactions are low. Plus, you get to remove fat from problem areas and put it into your backside to make it bigger. As a result, you’ll get great overall body contouring.

Those who want a more natural look and feel will also love the results they’ll get from a BBL.

Cons

Results are somewhat unpredictable since it depends on how much fat survives the recovery process. There will definitely be some fat reabsorption over time, too.

In addition, you’ll need sufficient donor fat for a successful procedure. Without it, liposuction can’t be done.

Most importantly, if you don’t find a qualified surgeon to perform your BBL, there’s a risk of fat embolism. So you need to be very thorough in your search.

Butt Implants vs BBL

As you can see, both types of butt augmentation can reshape your posterior and give it more volume. However, there are key differences you should be aware of, as they’ll help you shape your final decision.

Material Used

Butt implants use silicone implants, whereas a BBL uses your own fat. This makes the results from a BBL more natural, and your behind will feel softer too.

A BBL is also more natural in the sense that you’re using fat from your own body. Those who are averse to using synthetic materials are better off with a BBL.

Invasiveness

Implant placement will be more invasive than a BBL. Both liposuction and fat injection involve needles and injection points, rather than scalpels and cutting.

Recovery Time

Since butt implants are more invasive than BBLs, it’ll take longer to recover. In general, the former will take up to eight weeks for recovery, while the latter will take up to six weeks.

Longevity

Butt implants are permanent, so if you’re looking for something long-term, then they may be better for you. However, you should be aware that they may require replacements.


As for BBLs, there can be some fat absorption, but the results can last years.

Risk Factors

With butt implants, there’s the chance of shifting, infection, and capsular contracture. BBLs have the risk of fat absorption and fat embolisms occurring.

Ideal Candidate

Patients are the ideal candidate for butt implants if they’re lean and don’t have sufficient fat for a BBL. On the other hand, you’re a good candidate for a BBL if you have excess fat that can be used for liposuction.

Which Is Safer: BBL or Implants?

As you can see in the above sections, there are risk factors for both procedures. If you ask medical professionals, there will be conflicting answers as to which one is safer.

So are butt implants safe, and are BBLs safe? In general, yes, as long as you choose a reputable surgeon for your surgery.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

There’s no single right answer as to which one’s better in regards to butt implants vs BBL. Instead, it’s up to you to analyze the pros and cons of each and then make the optimal decision for your preferences and needs.

If you’re struggling to make a choice, then don’t hesitate to speak with an experienced surgeon. They can assess your situation and help you make an informed choice.

Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in either procedure. Dr. Valdez specializes in butt lifts and augmentations.

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