Brazilian Butt Lift in Turkey

Q: How long does the fat last after a BBL?

The fat that survives the initial three to six months is permanent. During the first few weeks, your body will naturally reabsorb about 30% to 40% of the transferred fat. This is a normal part of the process, and surgeons often overfill slightly to compensate for this loss. Once the remaining fat cells establish a blood supply, they live in your buttocks just like your natural fat. They will expand and contract with weight fluctuations, but the actual number of fat cells remains constant, providing a lifelong improvement to your body contour.

Q: When can I return to work and normal activities?

Most patients feel ready to return to a light desk job within 10 to 14 days. However, if your job requires sitting, you must use your BBL pillow consistently. For more physically demanding jobs, taking at least three weeks off is recommended. Strenuous exercise, especially heavy lifting and squats, should be avoided for at least 8 weeks to give the fat cells the best chance of survival. Walking is encouraged almost immediately after surgery to promote circulation and help prevent blood clots, but it should remain gentle and you should avoid breaking a sweat.

Q: Is the BBL procedure painful?

Pain is subjective, but most patients describe the feeling as intense muscle soreness, similar to the day after a very heavy workout. The liposuction donor areas are usually more sensitive and tender than the buttocks themselves. Sanamentum provides a comprehensive pain management protocol, including prescribed medications and guidance on positioning. Most acute discomfort typically subsides within the first week. By the second week, many patients find pain is manageable with standard over-the-counter options and they can move around much more comfortably.

Q: Will I have visible scars after the surgery?

A BBL is considered a minimally scarring augmentation compared to implants. The incisions used for liposuction and fat injection are very small, usually only a few millimeters in length. Surgeons place these incisions in discreet areas, such as within the belly button, along the bikini line, or in natural skin creases. Initially, they may appear as small red dots, but they fade significantly over time and can become very difficult to notice.

Q: How much weight do I need to have to get a BBL?

There is no specific weight required, but there must be enough harvestable fat for transfer. Many surgeons prefer a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 22 and 32. If BMI is under 20, a skinny BBL approach may be needed, which requires a more specialized technique. If BMI is over 35, risks related to anesthesia and healing increase. During a consultation, fat distribution is assessed to determine whether sufficient volume can be harvested from areas such as the abdomen, back, and thighs to meet the desired outcome.

Q: Do I have to sleep on my stomach?

Sleeping on your stomach or side is generally recommended for the first 6 to 8 weeks because lying on your back can place direct pressure on the fat grafts and negatively affect results. Many patients find that extra pillows or body pillows help them stay comfortable and avoid rolling onto their backs during sleep.

Q: What is fat necrosis and should I worry?

Fat necrosis can occur when some transferred fat does not receive enough blood supply and forms small, firm lumps or oil cysts. In the context of BBL, it is often a minor issue and these lumps may soften or resolve over several months as the body processes them. If a lump persists, it may sometimes be improved with massage or, in rare cases, drainage. Advanced injection techniques are used to reduce this risk by distributing fat evenly.

Q: Can I travel alone for my BBL?

Many patients travel alone, although having a companion can be helpful for emotional support. If traveling solo, patients are still supported medically. Sanamentum provides a personal host to assist with needs, and hospital staff provide care during the stay. After returning to the hotel, the team remains reachable for guidance, and most solo travelers manage well by focusing on rest, nutrition, and gentle movement.

Q: Why do I need to wear a compression garment?

A compression garment helps reduce swelling, supports tissues, and compresses areas where fat was removed, which can help reduce fluid buildup and encourage the skin to adapt to new contours. It can also make movement feel more secure during early recovery. It is commonly recommended to wear it continuously for the first 4 to 6 weeks, removing it only for showering, and then transitioning to fewer hours per day as swelling decreases.

Q: What happens if I gain weight after my BBL?

If you gain weight after a BBL, fat may accumulate more noticeably in the buttocks because there are now more fat cells in that area. Significant weight gain can also soften overall definition and reduce the visual impact of liposuction results. To maintain proportions, it is generally recommended to stay close to your post-surgery weight and keep weight changes moderate and consistent.

Reviewed and Approved by Dr. Cagri

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Fast Facts

Procedure Duration: The surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume of fat being harvested and transferred.
Recommended Stay: Most patients should plan to stay in Turkey for approximately 7 days to ensure proper initial monitoring and follow-up care.
General Cost: Choosing Turkey for this procedure can save you significantly, often costing 50% to 70% less than equivalent private care in the United Kingdom.
Technique Used: Surgeons utilize advanced fat grafting methods, often combined with Vaser liposuction, to sculpt the body and enhance buttock volume naturally.
Recovery Timeline: While light activities can be resumed within two weeks, full results usually settle and become permanent after about six months of healing.

Understanding the Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian Butt Lift, commonly referred to as a BBL, has rapidly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures globally. Unlike traditional buttock augmentation that relies on silicone implants, a BBL uses a patient’s own natural fat to enhance the size, shape, and contour of the rear. This dual-action procedure is essentially a “two-in-one” transformation: it involves liposuction to remove unwanted fat from donor areas—such as the abdomen, waist, or thighs—and the strategic reinjection of that purified fat into the buttocks.

At its core, a BBL is an artistic endeavor as much as a surgical one. The goal is not just to make the buttocks larger but to create a harmonious silhouette that complements the patient’s unique anatomy. By slimming down the waist and flanks through liposuction, surgeons can create a dramatic “hourglass” transition that makes the newly enhanced buttocks pop. Because the procedure uses your own biological material, the results feel natural to the touch and move with your body, avoiding the potential complications associated with foreign objects like implants.

Why Turkey Has Become the Global Hub for BBL

In recent years, Turkey has solidified its reputation as the leading destination for medical tourism, particularly for body contouring procedures like the BBL. Thousands of patients from the UK, Europe, and the Middle East travel to Istanbul and other major Turkish cities every month, drawn by a unique combination of surgical expertise, high-tech facilities, and unparalleled value.

Surgical Expertise and Innovation

Turkish plastic surgeons are renowned for their extensive experience. Due to the high volume of international patients, many of these surgeons perform more BBL procedures in a single month than some Western surgeons might perform in a year. This high frequency leads to a level of refinement in technique that is hard to match. Many Turkish surgeons are board-certified and active members of international societies like ISAPS, staying at the forefront of safety protocols and aesthetic trends.

World-Class Medical Infrastructure

The hospitals in Turkey used for cosmetic surgery are often more modern than their counterparts in the UK. Many are JCI-accredited, meaning they adhere to the strictest international standards for patient safety and hygiene. From state-of-the-art operating theaters to luxury recovery suites, the infrastructure is designed specifically to cater to the needs of the international patient, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience from the moment they land.

The Sanamentum Advantage: Why Choose Us?

When planning a surgery abroad, the choice of provider is the most critical decision you will make. Sanamentum distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive, patient-centric journey that prioritizes safety, transparency, and long-term satisfaction. We understand that traveling for surgery involves more than just the operation; it involves trust, logistics, and emotional support.

Comprehensive All-Inclusive Care

One of the primary reasons patients choose Sanamentum is our commitment to a stress-free experience. Our all-inclusive packages are designed so that you don’t have to worry about the logistics of your trip. From VIP airport transfers and luxury hotel accommodations to post-operative garments and a dedicated personal host, every detail is handled. This allows you to focus entirely on your recovery and your new transformation without the burden of planning travel or navigating a foreign city.

Continued Support and Aftercare

A common concern for UK patients is what happens once they return home. Sanamentum bridges this gap by offering robust aftercare support. We remain in constant contact with our patients throughout their recovery journey. Our coordinators are available to answer questions, review healing progress through photos, and provide guidance on everything from garment wear to activity levels. This “home away from home” approach ensures that you never feel alone, even after you’ve left Turkey.

Advanced BBL Techniques and Options

Not all Brazilian Butt Lifts are performed the same way. At Sanamentum, we utilize various techniques tailored to the patient’s body type and aesthetic goals. Understanding these options is key to achieving the look you desire.

Vaser-Assisted Liposuction

Vaser (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is a specialized liposuction technique that uses ultrasound waves to selectively break down fat cells while leaving surrounding tissues like nerves and blood vessels intact. This is particularly beneficial for BBL because it allows for a smoother fat extraction process and can lead to a higher “take rate” of the transferred fat. By being gentler on the body, Vaser also tends to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling in the donor areas.

The Standard Fat Grafting Process

The standard BBL involves a three-step process: harvesting, purification, and injection. First, fat is removed via liposuction. Next, the fat is processed in a centrifuge or through specialized filtration to separate pure, healthy fat cells from blood and other fluids. Finally, the surgeon carefully injects this purified fat into the buttocks at multiple depths. This “multi-planar” injection technique is crucial for ensuring the fat cells receive a proper blood supply, which is necessary for them to survive in their new location.

Hybrid BBL and Muscle Sculpting

For patients who are very lean and may not have enough donor fat for a dramatic change, or for those seeking an extremely athletic look, we can discuss hybrid approaches. Additionally, our surgeons specialize in “360 Liposuction,” which contours the entire midsection to ensure the transition from the lower back to the buttocks is as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for BBL?

While the BBL offers incredible results, it is not the right choice for everyone. Determining candidacy is a vital part of the Sanamentum consultation process.

Sufficient Donor Fat

The most basic requirement for a BBL is having enough “liquid gold”—fat. Patients who are extremely slim or have very low body fat percentages may not be suitable candidates, as there simply isn’t enough material to harvest and transfer. However, many patients who think they are too thin are often surprised to find that fat can be harvested from multiple areas (arms, thighs, and chin) to achieve a subtle but beautiful result.

Realistic Expectations and Health Status

Ideal candidates are in good overall health and do not smoke. Smoking significantly impairs blood circulation, which is deadly to newly transferred fat cells. We also look for patients who have realistic goals. A BBL can enhance your natural curves and improve your proportions, but it is not a weight-loss surgery. It is a body-shaping procedure designed for those who are relatively close to their goal weight but want to address “stubborn” areas and add volume where it’s lacking.

Your Surgical Journey with Sanamentum

From the first “hello” to the final check-up, your experience is mapped out to ensure safety and comfort.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

Everything begins with a detailed consultation. During this phase, you will share your medical history and photos with our medical team. We will discuss your goals, explain what is achievable, and provide a personalized plan. This is the time to ask every question you have—from the surgeon’s experience to the specific recovery steps.

Step 2: Arriving in Turkey

When you land in Istanbul, our VIP transfer team will be waiting for you. You will be taken to your luxury hotel to rest before your pre-operative tests. On the day of the procedure, you will meet your surgeon face-to-face for a final physical examination and to mark the areas for liposuction and injection.

Step 3: The Day of Surgery

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a JCI-accredited hospital. After the procedure, you will typically spend one or two nights in the hospital under the care of specialized nurses. We ensure you are comfortable, your pain is managed, and you are beginning to move around safely before you are discharged to your hotel.

BBL	BBL Cost Turkey	BBL Cost UK	BBL Cost Europe	BBL Cost US
BBL Costs	£3,400 – £5,500	£5,000 – £6,800	€5,900 – €7,400	$8,000 – $10,000

Sanamentum Doctors

Dr. Cagri

Our Expert Plastic Surgery Team

Sanamentum’s Plastic Surgery team in Istanbul is composed of globally recognized and highly experienced surgeons, including Assoc. Prof. Candemir, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Celalettin, Dr. Hakan, Dr. Jacob, and Dr. Cagri. Our surgeons have validated their expertise through decades of practice, academic leadership (receiving the title of Associate Professor), and international accreditation, such as the European Board of Plastic Surgery (EBOPRAS) certification and the EURAPS Young Plastic Surgeon Award. Their extensive surgical background is bolstered by advanced international training at institutions like the Baylor College of Medicine (USA) and Showa University (Japan).

Our team specializes in a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, focusing on achieving natural, harmonious results across Rhinoplasty (including Revisional Surgery), Breast Surgeries (augmentation, reduction, lift, and post-cancer reconstruction), Body Contouring (Mommy Makeover, BBL, Vaser Liposuction), and Facial Aesthetics (Facelift, Eyelid Surgery). With strong English communication skills and a patient-centered approach, we provide personalized, safe, and high-quality surgical solutions for patients traveling from the UK, the USA, the Middle East, and worldwide.

Mastering the BBL Recovery

Recovery is the most important part of the BBL process. The way you care for yourself in the weeks following surgery will directly impact how much fat “survives” and stays in your buttocks permanently.

The Golden Rule: Don’t Sit on Your Gains

The most critical instruction after a BBL is to avoid sitting or lying directly on your buttocks for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Pressure on the newly injected fat cells can cut off their blood supply, causing them to die and be reabsorbed by the body. You will be provided with a BBL pillow, which supports your thighs so that your buttocks “float” when you must sit.

Compression Garments and Lymphatic Massage

Following surgery, you will wear a specialized compression garment (faja). This garment serves two purposes: it helps reduce swelling in the areas where liposuction was performed and helps “mold” your new shape. Additionally, Surgeons often recommend lymphatic drainage massages. these specialized massages help move excess fluid out of the body, preventing the formation of hard lumps (fibrosis) and speeding up the healing process.

Safety and Risk Management

At Sanamentum, we believe in being fully transparent about the risks of surgery. While the BBL is a safe procedure when performed by experts, it is historically known for being complex.

Our Safety Protocols

The primary risk associated with BBL is fat embolism, which occurs if fat is injected into the muscle or a large vein. Our surgeons strictly adhere to “subcutaneous-only” injection protocols. By injecting fat only into the layer of tissue just under the skin and using specialized, blunt-tipped cannulas, the risk of serious complications is virtually prevented. We prioritize your health above all else; if we feel a certain volume of fat is unsafe to transfer, we will always choose the safer, more conservative route.

How is BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) Surgery Performed?

1. Consultation:

Before every plastic surgery procedure, it is important to have a comprehensive consultation with a specialist doctor. At this stage, your expectations, health history, and questions about the procedure are discussed. The doctor’s examination determines your suitability for surgery and existing fat tissues. The area to be injected into the butt and the fat percentage of the area are also determined. For some patients, multiple surgeries can also be considered. For people with undesired fat density on the stomach, a tummy tuck and BBL operation can be together planned.

2. Liposuction:

General anaesthesia is applied for the BBL fat transfer procedure. This process usually begins with removing fat from specific areas of the body, like fat transfer from stomach to buttocks. In addition, liposuction is applied to the area where the amount of fat is dense, if applied to the waist and abdomen, it also regulates the waist-butt transition and creates an ideal curve.

3. Fat Processing and Cleaning:

The extracted fats are collected in a specially designed sterile container without contact with air. It is cleaned and filtered in the container. This process makes the fat suitable for injection. The cleaned fat is injected into the butt area to the appropriate level using thin cannulas, called butt liposuction. As a result of the BBL procedure, an aesthetic appearance of body lines is achieved.

Maintaining Your Results for Life

A common question is: “Is a BBL permanent?” The answer is yes, but with a caveat. The fat cells that survive the initial three-month “settling” period are yours to keep. They will behave just like any other fat cells in your body.

To maintain your results, it is vital to keep a stable weight. If you lose a significant amount of weight, the fat cells in your buttocks will shrink, just like fat cells elsewhere. Conversely, if you gain weight, the buttocks may grow even larger. A balanced lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular exercise (once cleared by your doctor) are the keys to keeping your new hourglass figure for decades.

Sarah’s Journey: A Patient Personal Story

Sarah, a 32-year-old marketing manager from Manchester, had always felt self-conscious about her “boxy” frame. Despite spending hours in the gym doing squats and lunges, she couldn’t achieve the curves she saw in her favorite dresses. After months of research, she chose Sanamentum for her BBL journey.

“The biggest thing for me was the fear of the unknown,” Sarah recalls. “But from the moment I was picked up at the airport, I felt like I was in a bubble of care. The hospital was more like a five-star hotel, and my surgeon was so patient with my endless questions. The first two weeks were definitely a challenge—learning how to use the BBL pillow and sleeping on my stomach—but seeing my waist look so tiny and finally having a bum made it all worth it. Now, six months later, I feel like a completely different person. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I actually look forward to going to the beach now.”

Our Patient Reviews and Gallery

We believe that our results speak for themselves. In our gallery, you can see hundreds of before-and-after transformations of real patients who have undergone BBL with Sanamentum. These photos show a wide range of body types and aesthetic outcomes, from subtle and natural enhancements to more dramatic “va-va-voom” curves.

Our review section is filled with testimonials from patients across the UK. We encourage you to read through their experiences regarding the surgical process, the quality of the hotel, and the level of care provided by our coordinators. Transparency is our policy, and seeing the journeys of others can provide the peace of mind you need to take the next step.

BBL Recovery and Results

Post-surgery recovery is a crucial part of achieving the best outcomes. Patients usually stay one night in the hospital. Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are normal during the first week and gradually subside.

Key recovery tips for BBL in Turkey include:

Avoid direct pressure on the buttocks for at least 2 weeks.
Use prescribed medications, creams, and special compression garments.
Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exercise during the first month.

Within 6 months, patients can see their permanent Brazilian butt lift results as the transferred fat stabilises.

BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) – An Overview

Length of Procedure:	Approximately 1 – 2 hours
Recovery Period:	7 – 10 days to go back to work
Complications:	Scars, Bleeding, Seroma, Infection, Extrusion, Swelling, bruising and pain, Asymmetry, Increased or reduced sensation, Damage to deeper structures, Unsatisfactory result, Change over time, Allergic reaction (chest infection, blood clots, heart attack or stroke and death)
Exercise:	After 2 – 3 weeks
Stay:	1 night in the hospital, 5 nights in a hotel
Fat Transfer:	Fat will be removed from the hip and tummy area
Comparison to Butt Implant:	The healing process is easier
Scars:	No
Pain:	No due to general anaesthesia
Potential Candidate:	Patients unhappy about the shape and size of their buttocks
Results:	Permanent (with 98% success rate)
Combination of Surgeries:	Mostly liposuction, breast surgeries, tummy tuck.

Our Patients' Comments on Trustpilot

Here you can read what our patients have to say about their experience. Their genuine feedback reflects the quality of care and results we strive to provide every day. We are proud to share their stories with you.

Really good and responsive service the team were amazing at responding to my queries and always reassured me on anything I was uncertain on 😊

From the beginning to the end, the care We received was exceptional. Ismail was always available to answer any questions and keep me informed throughout the entire process. The doctor was fantastic, and the friendly nurses made me and my husband feel at ease during our hospital stay. They took wonderful care of us and I couldn't be happier with the experience. I would definitely recommend Sanamentum to anyone in need of great care.

All-Inclusive Brazilian Butt Lift Package

Here are the details of our all-inclusive brazilian butt lift package:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the fat last after a BBL?

Anyone having a good physical and psychological health to be given general anaesthesia and willing to get their butts shaped can be a good candidate for BBL.

When can I return to work and normal activities?

Butt lift procedure includes 2 phases. The first phase is getting rid of unwanted fat from some parts of the body through liposuction. And the second phase is the injection of that unwanted fat back into the buttocks after it is processed and purified. This procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours but can take longer, depending on the procedure itself.

Is the BBL procedure painful?

Brazilian butt lift is the most preferred procedure for buttock augmentation. Since, BBL in Turkey is performed through liposuction; the results will appear both in volumed buttocks and slimmed body parts such as waist, stomach area, etc. That’s why BBL is more natural looking and beneficial. Implants, on the other hand, are placed only in specific areas so they result in only one part.

Will I have visible scars after the surgery?