Gluteal fat grafting (BBL)

Gluteal fat grafting, or BBL, increases the volume and projection of the buttocks without implants, and at the same time refines the areas where fat is taken. Other options exist: no procedure, liposuction alone to change the proportions of the silhouette, implants alone, or a combination of the two techniques. In cases of significant sagging (ptosis), a buttock lift may be more suitable than enlargement alone.

Before gluteal fat grafting, Dr Manon Belhoste examines the silhouette, the buttocks and the areas where fat is taken, and takes medical photographs. No medicine containing aspirin should be taken in the 10 days before the procedure, unless medically advised otherwise, and anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs are never stopped without medical advice. Treatments, allergies, and medical and surgical history must all be reported. Stopping smoking and all nicotine is strongly recommended before and after the procedure, to limit healing and infection complications. The fasting instructions given by the anaesthesia team must be followed. Finally, arrangements must be made for getting home, the help needed and the positional restrictions of the first weeks.

After gluteal fat grafting or BBL, swelling, bruising, tightness and pain in the buttocks and the liposuctioned areas are usual at first. Walking is encouraged early to reduce the risk of blood clots. Dr Manon Belhoste gives individual instructions on direct pressure on the grafted areas. A pressure-relief device may be offered.

Fat entering the deep venous circulation of the buttock area is a rare but potentially fatal complication of buttock fat grafting. Dr Manon Belhoste injects into the subcutaneous layer, that is, under the skin and above the sheath around the muscle, and avoids deep injection into the muscle. Current recommendations rest on this point and on keeping the cannula in the subcutaneous tissue.

Part of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed in the months after the procedure. The final volume is lower than the volume immediately after the operation. An asymmetry or insufficient fat uptake may justify a secondary touch-up.

Transferred fat that survives then behaves like the body's own fatty tissue. Volume may vary with weight fluctuations.

The price of gluteal fat grafting or BBL includes Dr Manon Belhoste's fees, follow-up consultations after the operation, anaesthesia and clinic fees at Polyclinique La Phocéanne or Clinique Phénicia.