Butt augmentation enhances the shape, size, and balance of your buttocks. You can choose between butt implants for dramatic, long-lasting volume, a non-surgical BBL (fat transfer) for natural results and body contouring, or a butt lift to remove sagging skin and create a lifted look. Recovery and costs vary by procedure, but each can improve confidence and proportion. For expert, board-certified care, consult Dr. Arturo Valdez in Cancun, Mexico.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought that you didn’t have enough curves? Some women are blessed with a large chest, but lower down in the buttocks, they may not have as much volume.
If this sounds like you, then you may feel insecure about your disproportionate figure. It may have a profound effect on your daily life, and you want to change things for the better. Fortunately, you can boost your self-confidence by opting for butt augmentation.
What is butt augmentation, what options are available, and what else should you know about this procedure? Read on to find out.
What Is Butt Augmentation?
“Butt augmentation” is a general term that refers to cosmetic techniques that improve the appearance of your buttocks. The goals are to:
- Increase volume and projection
- Correct asymmetry or flatness
- Create a more lifted and balanced silhouette
- Improve body proportions
There are three main categories: butt implants (surgical), non-surgical Brazilian butt lift (BBL), and butt lift. We’ll go over each in more detail below.
Butt Implants
Butt implants are similar to breast implants in that silicone implants are surgically placed inside or underneath the gluteal muscles. This option is great for people who have minimal body fat and can’t undergo fat transfer, such as with a BBL.
Butt implants can increase the size and improve the contour of your buttocks, and you’ll get predictable and long-lasting volume. Plus, you’ll get immediate and noticeable results.
Usually, you’ll go under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will insert the silicone implants either intramuscularly (within the gluteal muscle) or subfascially (above the muscle but below the fascia). Either way, the surgery should take 2-3 hours, and you’ll take 4-6 weeks to fully recover.
Non-Surgical BBL
If you don’t want to go under the knife, then a non-surgical BBL is an option. This procedure involves liposuction, which means you can also get rid of stubborn fat in areas like your stomach or thighs. The surgeon then purifies this fat and injects it into the buttocks to give them more volume.
In most cases, you’ll be given general anesthesia, but some patients will get intravenous sedation, depending on their situation. The fat is extracted, purified, and injected, and then they’ll finish off by closing the incisions with sutures.
You can’t sit on your buttocks for up to two months, but at some point, you can use a BBL pillow. Full recovery may take two to three months, and for you to see the full results, it can take up to six months.
Butt Lift
A butt lift is also a surgical procedure, and it’s more extensive. The purpose is to remove excess fat and sagging skin, so as the name implies, your buttocks will be “lifted” and have a more perky appearance.
Do note that if you want a larger posterior, a butt lift won’t do this. Instead, it’ll make your butt smoother, less dimpled, and more toned.
This is another procedure that uses general anesthesia, and the surgery will take a few hours. Your plastic surgeon will make incisions to perform both liposuction and the removal of excess skin.
Afterward, the full recovery process will take several months, and you can’t sit directly on your buttocks for around six weeks.
Recovery and Aftercare
If you opt for the surgical procedures (such as implants and butt lift), the full recovery will take a lot longer since there are incisions. Plus, the process will be tougher, as you’ll have to take extra care to ensure that the larger wounds heal correctly.
For example, with the surgical procedures, you’ll have to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for several weeks, and you’ll have to sleep on your stomach or sides too. You’ll also have to wear compression garments to minimize swelling.
On the other hand, for the non-surgical procedures, you’ll experience mild bruising or swelling for a few days, which means you can’t do strenuous activity during that period. But you’ll experience gradual improvement over the next week as you heal and collagen forms.
Cost for Your Gluteal Augmentation Procedure
Do note that the cost for any procedure will depend on where you are, as well as which surgeon you choose and the extent of treatment you’ll need.
With that said, in general, butt implants will cost the most. Not only do you have to pay for the plastic surgeon’s expertise, but also the implants themselves.
Next is the surgical butt lift, as that is extensive as well. The “cheapest” procedure on this list is a BBL.
Comparing Your Options
The ideal butt augmentation for each person will depend on their preferences and goals.
First of all, if you want dramatic results and/or lack body fat, then butt implants can be ideal for you. There’s a longer recovery period associated with it, but these implants can last over a decade.
On the other hand, if you want more natural and gradual volume, choose the non-surgical BBL. There’s less downtime, but the results don’t last as long (2-3 years).
Lastly, if you want to tighten things up and volume isn’t your main concern, then a butt lift is probably what you need.
What if more than one procedure sounds ideal for you? Then no problem, as in many cases, you can combine the treatments. For example, a plastic surgeon can do a BBL with other procedures at the same time, such as:
- A tummy tuck
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuciton
- Labiaplasty
- Arm lift or thigh lift
Combining procedures allows you to save money in the long run too. While the upfront cost is much higher, the total cost will be much lower than doing each treatment separately. This is because the surgeon only has to set up once, as opposed to multiple times.
Is a Butt Augmentation Right for You?
If you want to boost your buttocks, then a butt augmentation may be ideal. There are several options available, so explore them and see which is the best route for you.
Then, speak to a qualified plastic surgeon who can help you make the best decision possible. From there, you can get the body you’ve always wanted and deserved.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation if you’re interested in butt augmentation. Dr. Valdez is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has over 17 years of experience and is RealSelf.com verified.
References
- Butt Augmentation: Fat Transfer, Surgery, Benefits & Risks. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed October 16, 2025.
- Buttock Enhancement. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed October 16, 2025.
- Buttock Enhancement Procedure Steps. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed October 16, 2025.
- Butt (Buttocks) Lift: What It Is, Surgery & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed October 16, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of butt augmentation?
The three primary options are butt implants, non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) using fat transfer, and a butt lift. Implants add dramatic volume, BBLs use your own fat for natural enhancement, and lifts remove sagging skin for a toned, lifted appearance.
How long do butt augmentation results last?
Implants can last 10 years or more with proper care. BBL results typically last 2–3 years, depending on fat retention and body changes. Butt lifts offer long-term tightening results, but natural aging and weight fluctuations can affect outcomes over time.
How long is recovery after butt augmentation?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Butt implants and butt lifts require 4–6 weeks before full activity, while a non-surgical BBL has about 2–3 weeks of downtime. In all cases, you’ll need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks to protect your results.
How much does butt augmentation cost?
Costs vary by procedure and surgeon. Generally, butt implants are the most expensive, followed by butt lifts, while BBLs are the most affordable. In Mexico, patients often save 50–80% compared to U.S. prices, while still receiving top-quality, board-certified care.






