A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure that increases the volume and reshapes the contour of the buttocks using your own fat. Because it involves liposuction and fat transfer, small incisions are required—and with any incision, some scarring is inevitable. The good news is that BBL scars are typically small and fade over time with proper care. Understanding where incisions are made and how to take care of them can help you plan for your recovery and results.
Typical Locations of BBL Incisions
A Brazilian Butt Lift involves two procedures: liposuction and fat transfer.
During liposuction, your surgeon removes fat from areas such as your abdomen, thighs, flanks, or back. This fat is purified and prepared for injection into the buttocks. Liposuction requires small incisions—usually only a few millimeters long—through which a thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted to remove fat.
These incisions are often placed in discreet areas to make scars less visible. Common liposuction incision sites include:
- Along natural skin folds near the abdomen or waist
- Under the buttock crease
- Near the inner or outer thighs
- Along the lower back or flanks
During the fat transfer portion of your Brazilian Butt Lift, your surgeon uses small injections to transfer purified fat into your buttocks. These injections require tiny punctures in the skin, even smaller than liposuction incisions, and typically leave little to no visible scarring.
What Do BBL Scars Look Like?
BBL scars are generally small and round, about the size of a freckle or small mole. Initially, they may look pink or red and feel slightly raised. Over several months, they fade and flatten as your skin heals.
Your natural skin tone, your body’s healing response, and how closely you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions all affect how visible your scars become. For many patients, BBL scars eventually become barely noticeable.
If you have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, let your surgeon know during your consultation. They can discuss incision placement and scar prevention strategies for your skin type.
How to Care for Your Incisions
Proper incision care helps reduce the risk of infection and supports optimal healing. Here are a few general tips:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely. Everybody heals differently, and your surgeon’s plan will be uniquely tailored to your needs.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry. Gently clean with mild soap and water as directed. Avoid soaking in tubs or swimming until cleared by your surgeon.
- Avoid tight clothing. Compression garments help with swelling, but avoid friction from tight clothes over healing areas.
- Don’t pick or scratch at the incision sites. Although it can be tough, let scabs fall off naturally to prevent irritation or discoloration.
- Stay out of the sun. UV exposure can darken scars, making them more noticeable. Use sunscreen on a daily basis and keep scars covered when outdoors.
- Eat well and stay hydrated. A nutrient-rich diet supports tissue repair and recovery.
After BBL surgery, your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and provide personalized recommendations.
Scar Care Tips After Your BBL
Once your incisions have closed, you can take extra steps to help your scars fade:
- Use silicone-based gels or sheets. These products create a protective barrier that helps flatten and lighten scars over time.
- Massage healing incisions or scars gently. Once approved by your surgeon, light massage can improve circulation and soften scar tissue.
- Avoid smoking. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which can slow healing and affect tissue recovery.
- Be patient. Scars mature gradually. It can take 6 to 12 months to see their final appearance.
Consistent care makes a difference. While some scarring is part of any surgical process, most patients find their BBL scars fade to the point of being barely visible.
Interested in a Brazilian Butt Lift in Miami, FL?
Dr. Constantino Mendieta is a pioneer of the modern Brazilian Butt Lift and a highly recognized expert in body contouring. Choose 4Beauty by Mendieta for advanced surgical techniques with an evidence-based approach to help you achieve natural, balanced results.
Call (305) 860-0717 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and learn more.