A guy can get a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), though the procedure is frequently referred to as Male Gluteal Sculpting or Gluteal Fat Grafting to reflect its distinct aesthetic goals. The underlying technique involves autologous fat transfer, where a patient’s own fat is harvested from one area and strategically injected into another for augmentation and contouring. While the BBL gained popularity for creating a feminine shape, the same principle is applied in male body contouring. The procedure is a two-part process: liposuction removes unwanted fat from areas like the abdomen or flanks, sculpting the torso. This harvested fat is then purified and precisely injected into the gluteal area to improve shape and definition, aiming for a natural, athletic look.
Understanding the Male Brazilian Butt Lift
The motivation for men seeking this procedure is to achieve a more proportional and defined physique, focusing on definition rather than maximum size or roundness. A primary goal is to eliminate a flat or sagging buttock contour, which can be resistant to diet and exercise alone. The procedure is also effective at addressing lateral indentations, often called hip dips, to create a smoother transition from the waist to the thigh. A key focus of male gluteal sculpting is the creation of the V-Taper, or inverted triangle, silhouette. This masculine aesthetic is achieved by aggressively removing fat from the lower back and flanks, which narrows the waistline. The fat is then strategically placed into the upper and outer quadrants of the glutes to achieve a firmer, more square, and muscular appearance. The goal is subtle projection and sharp angles, contrasting with the softer, rounder curves desired in a female BBL. Because of this focus on sculpting, the volume of fat transferred in a male BBL is often less than what is used in a traditional BBL.
Key Differences in Male BBL Technique
The technical approach involves precision in both the fat removal and the fat placement stages. Liposuction is performed on the donor sites—typically the abdomen, flanks, and lower back—to harvest the fat and sculpt the torso. After the fat is extracted, it is processed to separate viable fat cells from blood, oil, and anesthetic fluids. The most significant difference lies in the strategic placement of the purified fat during the grafting stage. To achieve the square, muscular look, surgeons focus the injections on the upper and outer aspects of the gluteal muscles. For enhanced firmness and projection, the fat is injected deep into the subcutaneous tissue and sometimes into the gluteus maximus muscles themselves. Modern safety guidelines emphasize placing the fat deep beneath the skin but avoiding injection into the deep muscle layers where larger blood vessels reside, which could increase the risk of fat embolism. The fat is injected in small, microdroplet amounts to maximize the contact area with surrounding tissue, which is necessary for the new fat cells to establish a blood supply and survive long-term.
Candidacy, Safety, and Expected Results
A patient must have sufficient donor fat available and generally be in good overall health and close to their ideal weight to minimize surgical risk and ensure optimal contouring. The range of fat needed for transfer can be between 450 and 1,100 cc per side, depending on the patient’s existing anatomy and desired outcome. A male BBL can be performed safely when modern techniques, such as ultrasound guidance and adherence to strict injection planes, are utilized by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Common post-operative experiences include swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are managed with prescribed medication. Risks include infection, contour irregularities, and fat necrosis, where some of the transferred fat does not survive. Post-operative care is important to ensure the survival of the transferred fat cells. Patients must avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for at least two weeks, and sometimes up to four, to prevent pressure from killing the delicate new fat grafts. Specialized cushions or the use of a “booty pillow” are often recommended for necessary sitting. Final results are considered stable after three to six months, once swelling has subsided and the body has naturally reabsorbed the fat cells that did not survive the transfer.