Though Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries were once upon a time sweeping a generation of young women looking to feel sexier in their bodies, the number of procedures has gone down a significant amount over the last six months. While “thinness” being glorified again isn’t necessarily a means for celebration— a win is a win. BBL surgeries are a high-stakes risk, with many women not making it out of the operating room.
However, amidst falling numbers, there are certainly still women opting for the surgery, and even a shiny new alternative emerging: skinny BBLs. In case you’ve heard the term and are confused about exactly what it means, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Skinny BBL?
While original BBL surgeries require enough fat deposits to liposuction from another area of the patient’s body and transfer it to the buttocks, commonly from the waist and back, there are some patients who simply don’t have enough fat to pull from. Considered to be too “thin” or “skinny,” they couldn’t qualify for a traditional BBL procedure without enough fat to be grafted.
Instead, they’re offered to opt for the skinny BBL alternative, also known as a mini BBL. This is when fat is liposuctioned from more areas of the body than a traditional BBL, gathering from multiple fat sources. It’s a more specific form of fat transfer that is focused on sculpting and enhancing minor details than actually augmenting the entire volume of the buttocks.
In some cases, patients may be advised to gain some weight before the procedure so that their fat deposits can be used for the most optimal results. While the amount of fat added in a BBL depends on a patient’s height, weight, body fat percentage, and aesthetic goals, skinny BBLs are more defined. Fat volume exceeding one liter/buttock is considered a high-volume BBL, while fat volume for a Skinny BBL would range from 500 to 800cc’s, though sometimes it’s less.
If you’re interested in a skinny BBL, your doctor will assess your anatomy, discuss your medical history with you, and let you know whether you qualify. In order to be eligible for a skinny BBL, one must have a BMI of less than 25 and be in good physical health.
Is a Skinny BBL Risky?
Ultimately, a skinny BBL is just as risky as a traditional BBL, and it won’t make that much of a price difference either. It’s simply a tweaked BBL option for those who don’t have as much body fat to offer, following the same basic procedure plan while lending to slightly different results. A skinny BBL will not make your buttocks significantly larger, but it will improve the overall appearance and shape of your butt. Though the fat survival rate ranges from 60%-80%, it remains a suitable option for anyone with a relatively fit physique but can’t seem to grow or tone their buttocks at the gym.
As an autonomous woman, the choice to feel better in your body is one that belongs to you and you only, with no one else’s right to shame. However, whether you’re considering a traditional or skinny BBL, a choice that could potentially put your life at risk and lead to very permanent changes in your body is certainly a decision worth thinking through.