What is buttock augmentation with lipofilling?
Buttock augmentation with lipofilling involves harvesting fat from donor areas (waist, abdomen, flanks, back) by liposuction, processing it and re-injecting it into the buttocks to increase volume and improve projection. It is a technique that delivers a double benefit: redefining the waist/hip silhouette and augmenting the buttocks.
At CLA Surgery we follow international safety recommendations: strictly subcutaneous injection, avoiding the muscle, with dedicated cannulas and a technique that minimises the risk of fat embolism.
Are you a candidate?
- You have enough donor fat in the waist, abdomen, back or thighs
- You want to improve volume and projection without implants
- Your weight is stable
- You are looking for a natural, not exaggerated, result
- Your general health allows surgery under general anaesthesia
No deep BBL. Subcutaneous only.
The so-called "BBL" (Brazilian Butt Lift) has historically had serious complications when fat is injected intramuscularly. Today's safe practice, recommended by international societies, is strictly subcutaneous injection with dedicated cannulas and ultrasound guidance when applicable. That is what we do at CLA Surgery.
Decisions we make in consultation
Recovery
No sitting for 2 weeks
Sleep face down or on your side. Compression garment on donor areas.
Work
Return to work with a special cushion to avoid pressure on the grafted fat.
Physical activity
Light cardio at week 6. Strength training from week 8.
Final result
Stable volume. Typically 60–70% of the grafted fat remains.
Buttock augmentation with your own fat in Barcelona: what matters for your safety
Buttock surgery with lipofilling (also called fat transfer to the buttocks or Brazilian butt lift, BBL) combines two procedures: liposuction of the abdomen, flanks or back that defines the waist, and reinjection of that purified fat into the buttocks. That is why the change in silhouette is greater than the volume added.
It is a safe technique when a rule that international plastic surgery task forces have made mandatory is respected: the fat is injected only into the subcutaneous layer, never into the muscle, with suitable cannulas and control of the direction. This is the measure that most reduces the risk of fat embolism, the serious complication of this operation. Always ask which layer the fat is injected into.
- Good candidate: has enough fat to harvest and wants more projection and a defined waist-to-hip transition.
- Little fat available: the achievable volume is limited; this is explained at the consultation before surgery.
- Hyaluronic acid in the buttocks: we do not recommend it for adding volume; the amounts needed are large and the result is temporary.
For the following two weeks you cannot sit directly on your buttocks, and part of the fat is reabsorbed in the first few months. Compare techniques in buttock augmentation: lipofilling or implants. The assessment is free, at Av. Diagonal 399 (Eixample, Barcelona) or by video call.
Risks and complications of buttock augmentation
Every operation carries risks. Most complications are uncommon and can be treated, but you have the right to know them before deciding: they are part of the informed consent you will sign with Dr. Liuzza. For buttock augmentation, the most relevant are:
- Fat embolism (fat grafting): the most serious complication, although very rare. It is avoided by injecting fat exclusively in the subcutaneous plane, never into the muscle, following international safety recommendations.
- Fat resorption: 30–50 % of the injected volume is reabsorbed; a second session is sometimes needed.
- Seroma or haematoma: frequent after liposuction of the donor areas; monitored at check-ups.
- Infection: uncommon; with implants it may require their removal.
- Implant displacement or rotation: and opening of the intergluteal wound, specific to buttock implants.
- Asymmetry or irregularities: may need a touch-up.
- Discomfort when sitting: in the first weeks you cannot rest your weight directly on the treated area.
How we reduce these risks
A complete pre-operative work-up (blood tests and anaesthetic assessment), surgery in an authorised healthcare centre with an accredited operating theatre, meticulous surgical technique, antibiotic and anti-thrombotic prophylaxis when indicated, clear written instructions and direct follow-up by the surgeon herself at every check-up. If after surgery you notice fever, increasing pain, bleeding or sudden swelling, contact the clinic without waiting for your next appointment.