Brazilian Butt Lift: buttock shaping with your own fat
In a Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, fat is removed where there is too much and transferred into the buttocks where it is missing. The result is rounder, firmer-looking buttocks and a slimmer waist — without an implant, using your own tissue.
- With your own fat, no implant
- Duration depends on the extent
- Following the SAFE approach
- €7,900 to €14,200
A personal consultation with Dr. Ali Saalabian, without obligation.
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What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian Butt Lift combines liposuction and fat transfer: living fat cells are usually taken from the abdomen, hips or back, prepared and placed precisely into the buttocks.
The procedure therefore works twice over. The waist becomes slimmer because fat is removed there, and the buttocks fuller because they gain volume. It is precisely this contrast — the waist-to-hip ratio — that shapes the silhouette more than volume alone.
How much fat is transferred depends on the goal and on how much suitable fat is available. Very slim people sometimes have too little fat for a clear change; we clarify this at the first consultation.
Brazilian Butt Lift: what is behind the trend?
What is a BBL really, where are the risks, and which goals can be achieved? Dr. Saalabian uses one patient’s case to show how a Brazilian Butt Lift works.
How safe is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
The risk of a BBL depends above all on which layer the fat goes into: under the SAFE approach it is placed only beneath the skin and above the gluteal muscle, never into the muscle.
Large vessels run through the muscle; fat injected there can be dangerous. That is why Dr. Saalabian works with a technique that keeps the position of the cannula under control, and speaks internationally at congresses about safe buttock shaping. SAFE stands for “separation, aspiration, fat equalisation” — loosening, removing and evenly distributing the fat.
Surgery takes place in the Kuzbari Centre’s own operating theatres, with an anaesthetist and without time pressure. After larger procedures you stay one night with us.
Shapes and proportions
There is no single ideal pair of buttocks. At the Kuzbari Centre we distinguish three shapes to guide the conversation: Sports Illustrated (athletic and subtle), Beyoncé (distinctly round) and Kim Kardashian (clearly voluminous). Which shape suits your body depends on your pelvis, waist and available fat.
Our benchmark is a natural look: the buttocks should suit your figure and not look out of place.
The buttocks are the new breasts
Which buttock shapes exist, what do ideal proportions look like and what must be considered with a BBL? Dr. Ali Saalabian on how buttock shaping has developed.
| Feature | SAFE BBL | Liposuction alone |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | More volume and roundness in the buttocks | Less fat on buttocks, saddlebags, hips |
| Own fat | Is transferred | Is removed |
| Duration | Longer, because the fat is also prepared and transferred | Depending on the extent |
| Sitting afterwards | Restricted for some weeks | Hardly restricted |
| Price | €7,900 – 14,200 | €3,800 – 6,100 (saddlebags) |
Brazilian Butt Lift at a glance
- Duration of surgeryDepending on the extent
- AnaesthesiaTwilight sedation or general
- StayOutpatient or one night
- Socially presentableAfter 1 to 2 weeks
- Desk workAfter 3 to 7 days
- Compression2 to 6 weeks
- ExerciseFrom 2 weeks, depending on the area
- Final resultAfter 3 to 6 months
- Price€7,900 – 14,200
Guide values for a Brazilian Butt Lift at the Kuzbari Centre. Because the buttocks must be protected for the first few weeks, recovery takes longer than after liposuction alone.
The procedure in three steps
First: liposuction in the areas that bother you — often the abdomen, flanks and back. Second: the harvested fat is prepared and placed into the parts of the buttocks that need it for the desired roundness. Third: fine-tuning with body contouring so that the transitions between waist, hips and buttocks are right.
The tissue is first prepared with a tumescent solution, a kind of local anaesthetic. You do not feel the procedure itself.
We discuss this calmly — with before and after photos of comparable cases.
Buttock shaping with your own fat following the SAFE approach.
- Procedure
- SAFE BBL
- Area
- Buttocks, SAFE BBL
- Surgeon
- Dr. Ali Saalabian
Drag the slider to compare before and after. Photos published with consent; every result is individual and cannot be transferred.
Buttock shaping with your own fat: before and after
Every case is a patient of Dr. Ali Saalabian. The photos show what was possible in a particular starting situation, not what is possible for you.
- Case 40319
before 
after 
Despite training the patient wanted more volume in her buttocks. Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks with VASER and Renuvion, fat transfer into the buttocks (SAFE BBL).
- Case 9545
before 
after 
Since her second pregnancy the patient had been bothered by fat on her flanks and abdomen and by her buttocks losing tone. Liposuction with fat transfer into the buttocks (SAFE BBL).
- Case 5619
before 
after 
The wish for a clearer contour on the abdomen and flanks and more balanced buttocks. Liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and thighs with fat transfer into the buttocks.
- Case 9320
before 
after 
Fat on the inner and outer thighs, where the patient always gained weight first. Liposuction with fat grafting.
Photos of patients who consented to publication. Every body heals differently; a result shown cannot be transferred to anyone else.
Because I had always been unhappy with the shape of my figure, I decided on a SAFE BBL with Dr. Saalabian. From day one he was very competent and warm. He explained the possible risks and side effects to me and gave me excellent advice!
Who operates
At the Kuzbari Centre the Brazilian Butt Lift is performed by Dr. Ali Saalabian, a specialist in plastic surgery who works exclusively in body contouring. He lectures internationally on safe buttock shaping. The surgeon who advises you also operates on you.
At the Kuzbari Centre since 2015, focusing exclusively on body contouring: liposuction, VASER, Renuvion, SAFE BBL and lifts. More than 2,000 liposuction procedures; he trains surgeons in his own academy. DocFinder 5.0 from 873 reviews.
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Liposuction may not get you to your ideal weight, but it can get you your ideal figure — and that is what really matters.
The BBL process
Consultation, preparation, surgery and aftercare all take place in the same building. If you wish, surgery can usually take place just a few weeks after the consultation.
- First consultation
Analysis of the problem areas, assessment of skin and connective tissue, treatment plan and written quote.
- Pre-op talk and safety check
Surgical plan, instructions, anaesthesia consultation and blood test. The results form the basis for clearance for surgery.
- Marking and surgery
Around ten minutes of marking while standing, then surgery in our own theatre suite – for as long as it takes to get the result right.
- Going home and recovering
Usually home the same day, one night with us after larger procedures. Showering from day one, desk work after two to four days.
- Compression, check-ups, result
Compression garment for two to six weeks, exercise from two weeks, depending on the area. The final result shows after three to six months.
After the Brazilian Butt Lift
After the procedure you recover in the recovery room; then you go home or, after larger procedures and on request, stay one night on the ward. Pain, bruising and swelling are normal and subside over the following weeks.
- For two weeks sleep on your front or side as far as possible, so the transferred fat can take.
- Avoid sitting for long periods in the first few weeks.
- Compression garments day and night for two to six weeks.
- Shower from the first day, no bath for three weeks.
- Exercise from two weeks, depending on the area, building up gradually.
How much does a Brazilian Butt Lift cost?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (SAFE BBL) at the Kuzbari Centre costs €7,900 – 14,200.
Where your price falls within the range depends on how many areas fat is harvested from and how much is transferred. An additional night costs €600. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
- Surgery, anaesthesia, theatre teamincluded
- VASER and Renuvion where usefulincluded
- Two compression garmentsincluded
- All follow-up appointmentsincluded
Read on
- Liposuction of the buttocks
- HD body contouring
- Liposuction of the flanks
- Before and after photos
- All about liposuction
Frequently asked questions about the Brazilian Butt Lift
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A combination of liposuction and fat transfer: fat is usually removed from the abdomen, hips or back, prepared and placed into the buttocks. Waist and buttocks are shaped in one procedure.
What does SAFE BBL mean?
SAFE stands for “separation, aspiration, fat equalisation”. What matters for safety is that the fat goes only beneath the skin and above the gluteal muscle, never into the muscle.
How long does the result last?
The fat that takes remains permanently. The body breaks down part of the transferred fat in the first months; the final result shows after three to six months.
How long does the operation take?
That depends on the number of donor areas and the target size. We do not work to a fixed time: we operate until the result is right.
Do I have to stay at the centre after the BBL?
After a smaller BBL you can go home once you have recovered in the recovery room. After larger procedures or on request you stay one night at the Kuzbari Centre.
When can I sit again?
In the first few weeks you should avoid sitting for long periods and for two weeks sleep on your front or side as far as possible. Desk work is usually possible after three to seven days.
Am I too slim for a BBL?
That depends on how much suitable fat is available. Very slim people sometimes have too little fat for a clear change; we discuss this honestly at the first consultation.
Who performs the Brazilian Butt Lift?
Dr. Ali Saalabian, a specialist in plastic surgery who works exclusively in body contouring.
How much does a Brazilian Butt Lift cost?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (SAFE BBL) costs €7,900 to €14,200. You receive the fixed price after the first consultation; payment in instalments over up to 60 months is possible.
Your Brazilian Butt Lift consultation
An analysis of your problem areas, a treatment plan and a written quote. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
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