Are Butt Injections the New Brazilian Butt Lifts?
Are Butt Injections the New BBLs?
Image Source: Getty/Borevina
As conversations about beauty treatments, or "tweakments," continue to become less taboo —— with celebrities sharing which procedures they've had done — it only makes sense that the interest in plastic surgery has increased.
The Brazilian butt lift, for example, has exploded in popularity over the last few years for its ability to significantly alter the size and shape of the recipient's backside. But one major drawback of the surgery is that it is notoriously dangerous. "BBLs are typically noted to have the highest risks and complications in the field of plastic surgery," Smita Ramanadham, MD, FCAS, previously told POPSUGAR. The procedure's death rate is about one in every 3000 procedures, making it one of the most deadly plastic surgery procedures on the market.
Because of this, another procedure has become a popular alternative: butt injections. "Butt injections help to change the shape of the buttocks without surgery, enhancing the volume and curve. They are good for anyone wishing to add volume and shape to this area of their body or to improve the waist-to-hip ratio," Dr Martin Kinsella, Aesthetic doctor at Re-Enhance, tells POPSUGAR. "'A Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is surgery which involves the transfer of fat from the abdomen, hips, lower back, or thighs. In contrast to this, butt injections are an innovative, nonsurgical, and safer alternative to the fat transfer technique." If you're curious about the procedure, Dr Ramanadham and Dr Kinsella break down everything you should know about the different types of butt injections, the cost, and downtime from the procedure ahead.
Different Butt Injections Options
There are two types of butt injections: fat grafting and filler injections. "For fat grafting injections, this procedure is performed in conjunction with liposuction from the abdomen, back, or other parts that are of concern to the patient," Dr Ramanadham says. "During this treatment, the fat is processed in a sterile manner and reinjected into the subcutaneous space of the buttock."
The other options available are filler injections, which are the more popular nonsurgical option used for the enhancement. "'In a similar way as when dermal fillers are injected into the face, butt fillers work to add volume to the buttocks. Some type of butt injections such as Lanluma also thicken the tissue, stimulate collagen production, and create a lifted, more voluminous appearance," says Dr Kinsella. It's best to discuss your options with your doctor during your consultation.
How Invasive Are Butt Injections?
The invasiveness of each procedure also depends on the type of injection received. "Fat grafting is an invasive surgical procedure that is typically combined with other surgical procedures. Filler injections are noninvasive since it is a filler that is injected into the buttock region," Dr Ramanadham says. And there are options when it comes to these, too. "I recommend Lanluma butt injections. Lanluma involves injectable poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulant being injected into the butt area," says Dr Kinsella. "Lanluma works very differently than other kinds of dermal fillers. Instead of simply adding volume in the way that hyaluronic acid ingredients would, Lanluma's ingredients kick-start your body's natural collagen production mechanism. Since collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure and shape, Lanluma injections create a curved shape that looks natural and, importantly, fits with your body type."
How Much Do Butt Injections Cost?
Since these procedures are cosmetic in nature, they are typically not covered by the NHS. The cost for butt injections can start at £2000. "The number of sessions varies between patients," says Dr Kinsella. "However, patients can receive one to three sessions of Lanluma, depending on their needs, with four to six weeks between each session."
Recovery Time After Butt Injections
The time it takes to recover from butt injections varies — it can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the procedure in each patient's case. For filler injections, downtime is minimal. "There's usually a bit of bruising for three to five days, but it's very minor. You can sit on your bum straight afterwards, which you can't do after having a BBL," says Dr Kinsella.
How Long Do Butt Injections Last?
Usually, more than one session is needed to get the desired results. "Patients will notice an instant result on the day of treatment, but, of course, the building of collagen takes several weeks to months. Most people will likely need several injections to see improvement in volume and shape," says Dr Kinsella. "The number of vials used should be based on the patient's response to the product during the first session and the intended outcome of treatment." Results are expected to last for around three years.
Risks With Butt Injections
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks associated with butt injections. Commonly used materials in butt injections — including hydrogel and silicone — can travel to other parts of the body, leading to granuloma lumps, which can form as the body's response to infection. Other complications can also include disfigurement and scarring.
It also cannot be stressed enough to see a qualified provider for your procedure. Untrained providers can accidentally inject the materials into your blood vessels, which can be deadly. To minimise any risk complication due to an ill-equipped doctor, make sure to do your research on qualified physicians.
How to Choose a Doctor For Butt Injections
When choosing a provider, note that a fat transfer should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. "These procedures offer significant risks if performed by surgeons or doctors that are not experts," Dr Ramanadham says. "Filler injections should also be performed by plastic surgeons or certified injectors that have received the appropriate training to use these products safely." Do your research. "Perspective patients should look at details of the procedures as well as the results to see if this meets their goals." And don't be misled by too-good-to-be-true adverts. "Don't be tempted by cheap deals or by social media recommendations, as low-price treatment can be an indication of a poor quality product being used or a lack of experience," Dr Kinsella adds. Bottom line: if you are considering any sort of butt augmentation, it is important to know exactly what you are looking to get out of the procedure before choosing. Should you be looking into alternatives to a Brazilian Butt Lift, it's worth adding butt injections to your list of procedures to research.
