BBL Candidacy: How Much Fat Do You Need?

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a popular way to enhance shape and volume using your own fat. BBL uses liposuction to remove fat from the tummy, flanks, lower back, or thighs, then carefully transfers that fat to the buttocks for a fuller, more contoured look. So, if you’ve recently lost weight or are naturally lean, you may be wondering: how much fat do I need to be a good candidate?

At Saltz Plastic Surgery, Dr. Renato Saltz is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is known for aesthetic face and body surgery. The practice also includes Dr. Justin Webb, a fellowship-trained, board-eligible plastic surgeon specializing in liposuction and body contouring, who is recognized for refined, natural-looking results.

You Need Enough Fat to Harvest and Transfer

For a successful fat transfer, your provider needs two things:

• Donor fat (fat that can be safely removed with liposuction)
• Transferable fat (fat that remains viable after it’s purified and prepared)

Not all harvested fat can be used. Some is lost during processing, and some won’t survive after transfer. That’s why surgeons often plan to collect more than the final amount they intend to place.

How Much Fat Is Typically Needed?

While everybody is different, a common range is several hundred to over a thousand milliliters (mL) of fat per side, depending on your anatomy, your goals, and how much fat is available to harvest. Patients seeking a subtle enhancement may need less donor fat, while those seeking a more dramatic transformation typically require more.

It’s also important to know that a portion of transferred fat naturally reabsorbs during healing. Many surgeons account for this by transferring a little extra, while still prioritizing safety and natural-looking proportions.

What If You’re Lean?

You can still be a candidate if you’re on the leaner side, but results may be more modest. Some patients benefit from a “skinny BBL,” where small amounts of fat are harvested from multiple areas. Others may benefit from alternative options, such as implants or filler.

Get Curves in All the Right Places with a BBL in Salt Lake City, UT

If you’re considering a Brazilian Butt Lift and want to know whether you have enough donor fat for safe, beautiful results, the best next step is a personalized consultation. Call Saltz Plastic Surgery at 801-274-9500 to schedule your consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your body, goals, and overall health.