A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a popular body contouring procedure that enhances the buttocks using the patient’s own purified fat. This involves a fat transfer process where fat is removed from donor areas and strategically injected into the gluteal region. Unlike traditional lifts or augmentation using implants, the BBL is performed using thin, specialized instruments called cannulas. Consequently, the resulting marks are not long, linear surgical scars, but small, inconspicuous incision points.
Placement and Initial Appearance of BBL Incisions
The BBL procedure requires two sets of small incisions for the fat transfer process. The first set occurs at the donor sites (abdomen, flanks, or thighs) where fat is harvested via liposuction. The second set is located on the buttocks, typically comprising three to five points where the purified fat is injected.
These incisions are minimal, generally measuring only 2 to 5 millimeters in length, resembling small pinpricks. Surgeons place these entry points in areas naturally hidden by clothing, such as the belly button crease or the gluteal crease. Immediately following the procedure, sites are closed with a single suture or steri-strips. They initially appear red, slightly raised, and potentially bruised or dark.
The Healing Timeline: Scar Maturation
The initial healing phase for BBL incisions is rapid, with the small wounds typically closing superficially within the first one to two weeks after surgery. Following this, the scar maturation process begins. Over the next three to six months, the tiny scars enter the proliferative phase, appearing red or pink due to increased blood flow and collagen production.
Some patients may experience slight raising or firming of the scars during this period. Individuals with darker skin tones are more susceptible to temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing the marks to look darker than the surrounding skin. The scars will continue to soften, flatten, and fade over the next year to eighteen months. Full maturation is reached when the scars turn a pale, silvery, or white color, blending significantly into the surrounding skin.
Factors Affecting Long-Term Scar Visibility
The final appearance of BBL scars varies significantly among individuals due to several factors. Genetic predisposition plays a substantial role, as some individuals are inclined to produce excessive collagen during healing, leading to raised hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Skin tone is another determinant; people with darker pigmentation have a greater risk of developing hyperpigmentation, causing scars to appear darker for a longer period. The precision of the surgical technique, including meticulous incision closure, also influences the final cosmetic outcome. Furthermore, compliance with post-operative care, such as avoiding smoking and preventing infection, correlates with achieving less visible long-term results.
Strategies for Scar Minimization and Revision
Optimizing the appearance of BBL scars begins immediately after initial healing with consistent non-invasive management. The application of medical-grade silicone sheets or gels creates a hydrated environment that helps soften scar tissue and encourage flattening. Once cleared by a surgeon, gentle scar massage helps break down dense collagen fibers and improve circulation.
Strict sun protection is mandatory for the first year, as ultraviolet light can cause scars to darken and become permanently hyperpigmented. For mature or problematic scars, professional revision techniques can further improve the appearance. Raised scars often respond well to steroid injections, which reduce inflammation and flatten the tissue. Discolored or textured scars can be treated with laser therapies, such as fractional CO2 lasers or pulsed-dye lasers for persistent redness.