What Is A BBL Reversal?

In recent years, many high-profile celebrities have chosen to reverse their Brazilian Butt Lift to create a more slender figure with less dramatic curves. In this article, we will explore how and when a BBL procedure can be reversed, as well as the results you can expect. 

At the CREO Clinic, we work with BBL expert and body contouring surgeon, Dr. Omar Tillo. Thanks to his extensive skill set and experience, Dr. Tillo is able to perform BBL reversals while treating lax skin for a defined and toned lower body. 

Contact the CREO Clinic today to book a consultation with Dr. Tillo and find out how you can achieve a more slender and balanced figure.

How Can You Get A BBL Reversal?

The way in which a Brazilian butt lift is reversed will depend on the method used to add volume to the buttocks in the first place. For example, if a standard BBL was performed with fat injected above the gluteal muscle, liposuction can be used to remove the fat deposits and reduce the volume of the buttocks. 

If the buttock was augmented using implants as well as fat transfer for a more dramatic enhancement, the implants can be removed alongside liposuction treatment. 

In addition, patients with mild to moderate skin laxity may wish to combine their BBL reversal with skin tightening treatments like BodyTite. Alternatively, patients with more severe laxity may opt to permanently remove the loose skin with a buttock lift. 

Why Would You Want Your BBL Reversed?

One of the major reasons that patients want a BBL revision is to tone down dramatic and exaggerated curves created by adding volume to the buttocks. This is typically for patients experiencing issues with buttock implants and not from the more modest enhancements achieved with fat transfer. 

When volume is removed from the buttocks, patients can enjoy a slimmer, more contoured figure that has once again become trendy. 

What Does A BBL Reversal Treat?

A BBL reversal is a revision surgery performed to reduce the volume of the buttocks by removing transferred fat. It can be performed to correct unsatisfactory results from their original BBL procedure or for those simply wanting to reduce the volume of the butt for aesthetic purposes.

How Long After Getting A BBL Can You Have It Reversed?

In the weeks following a BBL, the buttocks may appear significantly larger in appearance than originally expected as a result of post-surgical swelling and the injected fat grafts. The surgeon will also insert excess fat to account for the body naturally absorbing 30-50% of the injected fat in the first 3-6 months after the surgical procedure.

Therefore, it is essential that you wait for the fat grafts to fully settle in place to understand the final result of your initial cosmetic surgery. After 6-12 months, when the body is fully healed, it is then possible to be considered for a BBL revision. 

Are BBL Reversals Successful?

The ability to reverse a BBL is dependent on the surgical techniques used in the initial procedure. If the fat is placed above the gluteal muscle, as is safest to do, it can simply be removed with liposuction to reduce the volume.

However, if fat was injected into or below the gluteal muscle, it is considered too dangerous to remove as there is a risk of damaging the muscles. For this reason, it is essential to undergo a BBL with a surgeon who has the specialist knowledge required, such as Dr. Tillo, who wrote the safe practice guidelines for BBL surgeons across the UK. 

In addition, it’s also important to consider the laxity of your skin and the symmetry of the buttocks post-surgery. To adequately address these concerns, additional procedures may be necessary for an aesthetically pleasing final result.  

Can You Lose Weight To Reverse A BBL?

Weight loss causes the fat cells across the body to shrink in size, including the newly transferred fat grafts in the buttocks after a Brazilian butt lift. However, weight loss will not permanently remove the fat cells. 

What Should You Consider Before Getting A BBL Reversal?

If you are thinking about reversing your BBL procedure, you should consider the following:

• Allow sufficient time for the fat grafts to settle in place to see the final results of your initial surgery. This process can take up to 6 months.  
• Understand the surgical techniques used to augment the buttocks. For example, if implants were used in addition to fat transfer, you may be able to achieve your aesthetic goals by reducing the size of the implant. 
• Know whether a reversal is safe to perform. For example, it is extremely difficult to remove fat that has been injected into or below the muscle. Exceptions are only made if there are lumps of fat necrosis (dead fat) that require removal via open surgical excision. 

 What If My BBL Was Done With Implants Or Filler?

Reversing A BBL With Implants

Some patients choose to have a revision Brazilian butt lift where implants are used alongside fat transfer to augment the buttocks. In these instances, large implants can be replaced with a smaller size to reduce the size of the buttocks. 

Reversing A BBL With Filler

The results of a BBL using dermal filler are usually not that dramatic, with most patients who are unhappy seeking to achieve a larger size as opposed to a reduction in volume. 

Hylaraunic acid-based fillers can be broken down by injecting an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that dissolves the filler. However, non-hyaluronic acid fillers can’t be dissolved, and patients will have to wait until the body breaks them down, which can take between 2-5 years.

How Much Does A BBL Reversal Cost?

The price of a BBL reversal will depend on the surgical techniques required. To remove fat grafts transferred in a traditional BBL, prices start from £4,500, whereas implant removal prices begin at £5,500.  

At the CREO Clinic, we offer a range of financing options, including interest-free financing for up to one year. 

What To Expect Before A BBL Reversal

Prior to your BBL reversal, you will need to take several steps to prepare:

• BMI – To reduce the risk of complications, ensure your BMI remains under 35 for liposuction, and 30 for implant removal. Use our BMI calculator to find out if you are a suitable candidate for surgery. 
• Stop oestrogen contraceptive/HRT – You will need to stop oral contraceptive pills/HRT four weeks before your surgery to reduce the risk of thrombosis.
• Reduce alcohol intake – Reduce your consumption of alcohol in the run-up to surgery as alcohol can delay incision healing.
• Smoking – You must refrain from nicotine consumption in any form four weeks preceding surgery, as nicotine can increase the possibility of complications.
• Prepare your home for recovery – Make sure any responsibilities that require physical exertion (e.g. caring for pets/children) can be undertaken by someone else while you heal. 

BBL Reversal Procedure

A BBL reversal is usually performed under general anesthetic or sedation and takes between 1-2 hours to complete. 

To remove fat, small incisions are made around the buttocks to accommodate a suction cannula before the fat is broken up and removed. In contrast, for implant removal, slightly larger incisions are required. Finally, the incisions made are closed with dissolvable sutures. 

Recovery Process For BBL Reversal

Patients undergoing a BBL reversal using liposuction may experience side effects such as swelling, bruising, and numbness in the buttocks that should gradually dissipate. To manage swelling, you will be required to wear a compression garment for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

Most patients feel able to return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery and can begin to exercise after 2-3 weeks.  

BBL Reversal FAQs