Can You Reverse a BBL?

Posted October 14, 2024 in Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has increasingly risen in popularity over the last decade as voluptuous curves and full, shapely backsides have become something of a beauty standard. However, an increasing number of patients are seeking to reverse their BBL results. This blog will explore the phenomenon of the BBL reversal in detail, including why people do it, how it’s done, risks, benefits, and costs.

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Why Reverse a BBL?

A Brazilian Butt Lift is a procedure in two parts, involving fat grafting from one area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the buttocks. This butt enhancement procedure yields natural-looking results, and while it might not be as easily conceivable as removing implants, it can be reversible.

There are many reasons patients choose to reverse their BBLs:

• Appearance: Some patients are dissatisfied with the outcome of their BBL, citing shape, size, or symmetry issues.
• Aesthetics & Trends: Trends evolve, and so do patients’ aesthetic preferences. Some individuals who once desired a voluptuous silhouette may now prefer a slender or natural shape, no longer identifying with the body aesthetic, or associated fashions they once did.
• Weight Gain: Enlarged fat cells can cause a once-shapely derriere to become disproportionately big. A BBL reversal can bring balance back to the figure.
• Functional Issues: Some patients find that an enlarged backside interferes with physical activities like exercise, causing discomfort or reducing their range of motion.

Often, patients don’t wish to return all the way to their starting point. They still want an enhanced figure, just less dramatic.

Risks to Consider Before Reversing a BBL

One major risk factor to consider with a BBL reversal is skin laxity. The increased volume in the buttocks region after a BBL often leads to stretched skin and other tissues. If a patient does not have good skin elasticity, they may experience skin sagging after having a large volume of fat removed with a BBL reversal.

Scarring from liposuction incisions, although typically minimal, is another risk to bear in mind. As are asymmetry or irregular contours, especially in the hands of an unskilled or inexperienced surgeon.

How to Reverse a BBL

Because a BBL involves injecting fat into the buttocks, reversing a BBL is primarily achieved with liposuction. However, this process is not always straightforward and can result in loose skin on the buttocks or uneven contours. Sometimes, a BBL is combined with skin-tightening treatments to retain the smooth, shapely aspect of the original BBL results while simultaneously reducing the size.

Unfortunately, if the fat was injected into the muscle during the initial BBL surgery, it cannot be safely removed without damaging nerves and blood vessels. In this case, a traditional butt lift surgery might be the best approach. Excess tissue and skin can be removed from the buttocks to reduce, tighten, and reshape the area.

It’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure. Dr. Brian Boyd has decades of experience creating stunning, natural-looking results for his patients.

The Reversal Process: What to Expect

Your BBL reversal will be tailored to you, your body, and your aesthetic preferences. As such, each patient will have a slightly different experience. Nevertheless, basic procedural steps for a BBL reversal could look like this:

1. Liposuction. Different plastic surgeons have different preferences regarding the liposuction technique they prefer. Methods like tumescent liposuction, VASER lipo, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction offer various advantages for sculpting, accuracy, and selective fat removal.
2. Skin Tightening. After a BBL reversal, you and Dr. Boyd may decide that further treatments may best produce your desired results. Skin tightening treatments like microneedling can correct mild buttock sagging for a refining polish. Alternatively, body contouring surgery may be best for removing excess skin and tissue and creating a pleasing shape and tone after a BBL reversal.

Is a BBL Reversal Right For You?

It’s important to have realistic expectations. Depending on your body type and the amount of fat transferred, it may not be possible to fully return to your pre-BBL appearance. Still, there are many benefits to pursuing a BBL reversal for patients who choose to do so:

• Restore Natural Body Proportions: For patients who are no longer interested in the exaggerated size, shape, or proportion of their buttocks after a BBL, a reversal can help them better align with their new aesthetic goals and improve their body image.
• Correct Irregularities: It’s not uncommon for a primary BBL to result in irregular contours, dimpling, or asymmetry. A BBL reversal can remove or redistribute fat to correct these issues and sculpt a smoother shape.
• Relieve Health Concerns: Some patients experience back pain or general physical discomfort associated with their BBL. A reversal reduces the size and weight of the buttocks, providing comfort and improved mobility.

How Much Does it Cost to Reverse a BBL?

Because techniques vary, the best method for each patient must be determined on a case-by-case basis. The best way to learn how much your BBL reversal will cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd, where you’ll receive a price quote for your customized procedure.

Want to Learn More About a BBL in the South Bay?

No matter the reason, it’s best to see a highly qualified professional if you’re looking to learn more about a BBL reversal. Dr. Boyd is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience helping patients attain their aesthetic aspirations. To learn more about your BBL reversal options, schedule a consultation by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 597-4734.