If you’ve asked yourself “what is a BBL?”, you’re not alone. The Brazilian Butt Lift, often referred to simply as BBL surgery, is one of the most talked-about body contouring procedures today. Despite its name, this treatment isn’t a “lift” in the traditional sense and doesn’t involve implants. Instead, it uses your own body fat to enhance and sculpt your buttocks, creating a fuller, more balanced silhouette.
At Ethos Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu approaches the BBL as both a science and an art. She believes that the most beautiful results are those that harmonize with your natural proportions, whether your goal is to restore curves you’ve lost over time, create an hourglass figure, or simply refine your shape in a way that feels authentically you.
What Does BBL Stand For?
BBL stands for Brazilian Butt Lift. It’s a fat transfer procedure in which Dr. Xu removes excess fat from areas like the abdomen, waist, thighs, or lower back through liposuction. This fat is then purified and carefully injected into the buttocks to enhance volume, improve projection, and smooth contour irregularities.
Is BBL Surgery Safe?
The Brazilian Butt Lift can deliver stunning results, but it’s a complex procedure that requires an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Xu prioritizes your safety by using advanced techniques, meticulous fat placement, and a thorough understanding of anatomy. Every treatment is performed in an accredited surgical facility to ensure the highest standards of care.
Is a BBL Right for You?
Whether you’re looking to enhance your curves, improve body balance, or simply feel more confident in your own skin, a Brazilian Butt Lift offers a customized solution using your own natural tissue. Dr. Xu will take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and create a plan that reflects your unique vision, so your results look like the best version of you, not someone else.
BBL Surgery Recovery and Results
After surgery, you’ll need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for a period of time to protect the newly transferred fat. Dr. Xu will give you detailed aftercare instructions and may recommend special cushions to keep pressure off the area. Most swelling improves within a few weeks, but your final results will continue to refine over several months as your body adapts.
With stable weight and healthy habits, BBL results can last for years, allowing you to enjoy your new curves long-term.
Male BBL
While the Brazilian Butt Lift is often associated with women, male BBL procedures are becoming increasingly popular. For men, the goal may be a more athletic contour, improved proportion between the upper and lower body, or filling out trousers in a more balanced way. Dr. Xu customizes male BBL surgery to maintain masculine proportions while enhancing shape and volume in a subtle, natural way.
Why Choose Dr. Ginger Xu for BBL Surgery?
Every Brazilian Butt Lift Dr. Ginger Xu performs is built around three priorities: safety, natural artistry, and results that last. Patients choose Dr. Xu not just for her skill, but for her ability to create beautiful, proportionate curves that look like they could have always been there.
- Safety Comes First
BBL surgery has gained attention in recent years for safety concernsnoften tied to procedures performed by underqualified providers. Dr. Xu follows the most current, evidence-based safety guidelines, including avoiding intramuscular injections and high-risk bolus techniques. She uses advanced tools such as vibration-assisted fat transfer to gently open tissues during injection, reducing trauma and enhancing fat survival. Her high-volume experience and meticulous technique mean patients can feel confident that every step is taken with their safety in mind. - Natural-Looking, Never Overdone Results
Many patients come to Dr. Xu seeking subtle, believable enhancement, not an exaggerated look. By focusing on the entire torso, not just the buttocks, she creates smooth, balanced contours that flow naturally from waist to hip to thigh. This includes shaping the lower back and hips to highlight the new curves and ensure your results are in harmony with your body’s natural proportions. - Long-Lasting Enhancement with Your Own Fat
Dr. Xu’s Brazilian Butt Lift uses only your own purified fat (no implants) making the results feel and look natural. With stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, these results can last for many years, allowing you to enjoy your new shape well into the future. - Awake Surgery Expertise
For the right candidates, Dr. Xu offers the option to perform BBL surgery awake, under local anesthesia. This minimizes risks associated with general anesthesia, allows for real-time communication during the procedure, and often makes recovery smoother. Patients who prefer IV sedation or general anesthesia have those options as well, and Dr. Xu tailors the plan to each individual’s comfort and safety needs. - Minimal Scarring
Because BBL is minimally invasive, the incisions required for liposuction and fat transfer are very small. Over time, these typically fade and blend into the surrounding skin, often becoming barely noticeable. - Confidence That Radiates
A BBL can be transformative both physically and emotionally. Many of Dr. Xu’s patients describe a renewed confidence in their clothing, swimwear, and day-to-day life, with an improved body image that enhances their overall quality of life. - Hourglass Contouring & Hip Reshaping
A hallmark of Dr. Xu’s approach is her emphasis on the transition zones between the waist, hips, and buttocks. By narrowing the waistline and gently adding volume to the hips, she creates a soft, elegant hourglass shape that flatters the entire figure. This includes her signature hip-flip technique, which addresses hip dips (natural indentations at the side of the upper buttocks) by filling them with your own fat for a smoother, more rounded contour. - The Best of Both Worlds
One of the most appealing aspects of a BBL is its dual benefit: removing fat from areas you don’t want it (such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) and placing it where you do want it. The result is a harmonious, proportionate silhouette.
Ready to Learn More About BBL Surgery? Contact Us Today!
At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we believe in delivering individualized care and attention to each patient. If you are considering buttock augmentation surgery, contact us online or call (415) 506-4300 to schedule a friendly and informative consultation with Dr. Xu. We look forward to hearing from you!