Dr. Hakki Izmirli · Plastic Surgeon in Istanbul
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Buttock augmentation with your own fat — adding size and shape to the buttocks while contouring the abdomen, hips, thighs or lower back at the same time.
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The procedure
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
The term “Brazilian Butt Lift” refers to a buttock augmentation surgery that enhances size and shape while improving overall lower-body contours. Unlike traditional butt implants, a BBL uses your own fat (autologous fat transfer), harvested from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs or lower back.
In some cases a silicone implant may be used, or both methods may be combined — your surgeon will recommend the best option after a full evaluation.
Natural look and feel
Because your own fat is used, the result looks and feels natural.
Two benefits in one
Fat is removed from the donor areas and added to the buttocks — contouring and augmentation in one operation.
Long-term results
Results can last for many years if you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Why choose our Istanbul clinic? Over 20 years of experience, state-of-the-art operating rooms and high standards in medical tourism. We offer tailored packages for international patients, including airport transfer, translation support, WhatsApp communication and post-operative follow-up.
Is it right for you?
Who is an ideal candidate for BBL?
Not every person is equally suitable for a Brazilian Butt Lift — but many patients achieve excellent results when selected correctly.
Good candidates typically
· Have relatively flat or sagging buttocks due to ageing or weight loss
· Have sufficient fat in donor areas (abdomen, thighs, hips) for transfer
· Are in good general health and have realistic expectations about results and recovery
· Are committed to habits that support a long-term result (healthy diet, exercise)
Your consultation
Dr. Izmirli will assess your body contour, skin quality and goals, and create a customised plan. If you are coming from abroad, we will walk you through the entire process, including your hospital stay, aftercare and follow-up.
On the day
The procedure & techniques
A BBL is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 2–3 hours. Here is a simplified overview of the steps:
1 · Liposuction
Fat is harvested with liposuction from the donor areas — abdomen, hips, thighs or lower back.
2 · Purification
The harvested fat is purified (by centrifuge or filtration) to isolate viable fat cells.
3 · Fat injection
The fat is injected into planned zones of the buttock — upper pole, lateral hip shelf and lower gluteal fold — to create projection, lift and contour.
After surgery you will usually stay one night in hospital. A special corset or compression garment is worn for about 8 weeks to maintain the shape. Avoid sitting directly on your buttocks in the first weeks, or use a specially designed cushion.
At our clinic in Istanbul we use modern safety protocols, state-of-the-art equipment and experienced anaesthesia teams to ensure your comfort and a high standard of care.
After surgery
Recovery & expected results
Recovery depends on the amount of liposuction and fat transfer performed. Most patients return to light desk work within 10–14 days.
Sitting
Use a BBL pillow when sitting for roughly 4–6 weeks.
Sleeping
Sleep on your stomach or side at first, to avoid pressure on the transferred fat.
Final result
Swelling subsides gradually; final results typically appear after 3–6 months.
Lifestyle matters: a stable weight, a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding large weight fluctuations will help your new shape last. Once the transferred fat has taken, the result can last for many years, or even permanently.
Week by week
BBL recovery timeline
First week
· Swelling and bruising are common
· Compression garments are required
· Avoid sitting directly on the buttocks
Weeks 2–3
· Most patients return to light activities
· Swelling begins to decrease
Weeks 4–6
· Gradual return to normal activities
· More comfortable sitting with a support cushion
After 3 months
· The final body contour becomes more visible
· Transferred fat cells stabilise
Following your surgeon’s recovery instructions carefully is essential for the best possible outcome.
Results
BBL before and after
One of the most appealing aspects of a Brazilian Butt Lift is the noticeable transformation. By transferring your own fat to the buttocks, a fuller, more lifted appearance is created while other areas of the body are contoured at the same time.
Before surgery
· Flat or small buttocks
· Lack of projection
· Excess fat on the abdomen or flanks
· Disproportion between waist and hips
After surgery
· Fuller, rounder buttocks
· Improved waist-to-hip ratio
· Enhanced body contours
· A more balanced silhouette
Final results typically become visible within 3–6 months, once swelling subsides and the transferred fat stabilises. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your result for many years.
Safety
BBL risks and safety
Although a Brazilian Butt Lift is a popular cosmetic procedure, it is still a surgical operation and carries certain risks. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and a well-equipped medical facility is essential to reduce complications.
Possible risks
· Infection
· Bleeding or haematoma
· Fat resorption
· Asymmetry of the buttocks
· Fat embolism (rare but serious)
Reducing the risks
Modern BBL techniques focus on safe fat-injection methods and careful patient selection. Performed by a qualified surgeon following current safety guidelines, BBL can be a safe and effective body-contouring procedure. Following all post-operative instructions also reduces complications and supports proper healing.
International patients
Costs, international patients & why Turkey
Turkey is a leading destination for cosmetic surgery thanks to high-quality care, experienced surgeons, cost-effectiveness and a convenient location for European patients. We offer tailored packages for international patients from the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Romania — including airport pick-up, accommodation, translation, WhatsApp follow-up and seamless scheduling.
The cost depends on the technique (fat transfer or implant), the extent of the work, the hospital stay and any procedures combined with it — such as liposuction, a thigh lift or a tummy tuck. During your consultation you will receive a transparent quote and a fully detailed travel plan.
Choosing a plastic surgeon with extensive BBL experience is crucial for safety and results. Ask about before-and-after photos, the number of procedures performed and recovery protocols — and about accreditation, hospital standards and experience with international patients.
Have questions about BBL surgery?
If you are ready to enhance your curves with a safe, well-planned Brazilian Butt Lift, Dr. Hakki Izmirli’s Istanbul clinic offers a personalised service for international patients, backed by over 20 years of experience in body aesthetics. Contact us on WhatsApp to schedule your virtual consultation and receive your tailored package.
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