How Much Of The Fat Survives After A Brazilian Butt Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have been debating about getting a Brazilian Butt Lift for the past two years and I’m finally ready to do it. I have waited so long out of fear that I will pay all this money and then the fat will just resorb. Is there any further encouragement that you can give me?

A: All surgery has risks and there is no doubt that the biggest one in the Brazilian Butt Lift is the unpredictability of how much of the fat will survive later. Fat survival rates vary widely but my observation is that up to 50% of the injected fat is retained after six weeks. There is a lot of variables that go into a successful fat injection transfer from the harvest method, to fat preparation and to the injection technique. You, of course, have no control over how the surgery is performed so make sure you choose your surgeon wisely and one that has a proven history of successful patient outcomes with fat grafting. The one benefit that you will absolutely be assured, however, is the contouring that will come from the fat harvest. Most commonly, fat is taken by liposuction from the stomach and flanks as these areas offer the greatest amount of available donor material. Other sites can be used as well but usually only contribute small amounts of fat. Regardless of the harvest sites, you can be assured of the contouring benefits of the procedure. That is the one guarantee result that comes with every Brazilian Butt Lift.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana