According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, an average of 40,000 Brazilian butt lifts were performed in the United States in 2020 alone.
A Brazilian butt lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that transfers fat from other areas of the body to the buttocks to provide a lifted, fuller, and more sculpted look. If you are considering a butt lift, knowing what side effects to expect can help you prepare for the procedure.
Swelling After a Brazilian Butt Lift
During Brazilian butt lift procedures, your surgeon at Denton Plastic Surgery will make two incisions. One will be at the liposuction site, and the other will be at the transfer site — in this case, the buttocks. A substantial level of swelling in these areas is normal after the procedure. We will give you a compression garment to wear to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Most major swelling will resolve after 2 to 4 weeks. Minimal swelling can continue for up to 16 weeks. If there is excessive swelling at the surgery sites that does not resolve, it could be a sign of infection. If this occurs, you should reach out to your surgeon immediately.
Abnormal swelling from an infection might present along with the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Oozing from the wounds
- Tingling
- Skin that is hot to the touch
You should wear your compression garment and take walks to help reduce swelling. A knowledgeable surgeon will recommend sleeping on your stomach, using butt lift pillows, and sitting in modified positions.
Normal Bruising Levels
Bruising will be significant during the first 2 weeks after surgery. The severity of bruising will vary from patient to patient, and there are steps you can take before and after surgery to reduce bruising.
Before surgery, avoid blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. You should also stop drinking alcohol for at least a week before surgery since alcohol can worsen bruising. After surgery, walking can promote blood circulation, allowing your body to heal faster.
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Pain and discomfort are both normal after a surgical procedure like a butt lift, though some people experience numbness. Our doctors will prescribe prescription pain medication for the first days after surgery. After that, you can use over-the-counter options for pain management.
If you experience an increase in pain, along with oozing wounds, excessive swelling, and redness at the surgery sites, this could point to an infection. It is important to reach out to a qualified surgeon should this infection occur.
Abnormal Side Effects of a Brazilian Butt Lift
As with any surgery, there are risks that all patients need to know about. You must watch out for certain side effects after a Brazilian butt lift that can point to serious conditions.
Irregular or uneven clumping can point to issues with the fat transfer process, while a persistent loss of sensation can point to nerve damage. Hematomas and seromas, where blood or fluid accumulates under the skin, are another concern. These will require drainage.
If you notice that the skin around the surgery areas begins to change color, reach out to a board-certified surgeon immediately. Skin discoloration after surgery can be a sign of infection or even skin necrosis.
There is also a risk of embolisms with these procedures. An embolism occurs when fat enters the bloodstream. Fat entering small blood vessels is not generally a problem. However, if fat reaches the major vessels that lead to the lungs and heart, there can be life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of a fat embolism after a Brazilian butt lift include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Rash
- Ruptured blood vessels in the eyes
- Rapid breathing
- Signs of low oxygen, like blue lips
Although fat embolisms are rare, you should watch closely for these signs, especially within the first 48 hours after surgery.
Schedule Your Brazilian Butt Lift Consultation
If you want to improve your butt’s fullness and shape, a Brazilian butt lift can be the solution. When you visit our practice, we will assess whether you are a good candidate for this procedure and answer any questions you may have. At Denton Plastic Surgery, your safety is important. We perform all of our surgeries in an AAAASF-accredited surgical facility and have many years of experience performing butt lift procedures. Request a consultation today to learn more.