Buttock Augmentation (BBL)
A cosmetic operation that liposuctions fat from the abdomen, flanks or thighs and re-injects it into the buttocks to reshape and enlarge them.
Overview
Hospital & stay
Procedure details
How it's performed
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon infiltrates tumescent fluid into the donor sites and harvests fat with liposuction cannulas. The aspirate is decanted or centrifuged to separate viable adipocytes from fluid and debris. Using blunt cannulas placed through small access incisions on the buttocks, the surgeon injects small aliquots of fat exclusively into the subcutaneous plane in multiple passes and at multiple depths to maximize graft survival. Ultrasound guidance is increasingly used to keep cannulas above the gluteal muscle. Incisions are closed and a compression garment is applied.
Preparation
- 1Detailed consultation, photography and assessment of donor-site fat volume and skin elasticity.
- 2Pre-operative bloods, ECG and anesthetic review; screen for clotting disorders.
- 3Stop smoking 6-8 weeks before and avoid nicotine throughout recovery.
- 4Discontinue NSAIDs, herbal blood thinners and estrogen-containing contraception per protocol.
- 5Arrange compression garments, accommodation with a specialized BBL pillow, and follow-up lymphatic drainage sessions.
Recovery
- 1Day 0-1: Overnight stay with venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and pain control.
- 2Days 1-7: Compression garment worn 24/7; sleep prone or on the side; manual lymphatic drainage sessions begin.
- 3Weeks 1-2: No direct sitting on the buttocks; use a BBL pillow if seated; light walking encouraged.
- 4Weeks 2-3: Return to office work; continue compression garment during the day.
- 5Weeks 4-6: Gradual return to exercise; bruising and swelling subside.
- 6Months 3-6: Final volume and contour become apparent once graft resorption is complete.
Before & after results
See all Buttock Augmentation (BBL) results →
Before you travel: what the CDC recommends
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidance for Americans traveling abroad for medical care. These are its recommendations, not ours.
- Check the qualifications of the clinician who will perform the procedure and the credentials of the facility.
- Bring copies of your medical records, including lab and other test results related to your condition.
- Make sure you can get follow-up care in the United States. Care for complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance.
- Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
- Plan for the possibility of paying out of pocket for additional or emergency care.
- See your own healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss risks specific to your health.
- Delay air travel for 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery, to reduce risks from changes in cabin pressure.
Best countries for Buttock Augmentation (BBL): prices vs the U.S.
Price ranges published by clinics listed on xcuro in each country (USD), next to the typical U.S. price. Final quotes vary by clinic and case.Buttock Augmentation (BBL) cost in the U.S. by state and city →
| Country | Price at listed clinics | Clinics | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $2,214 - $6,000 | 3 | Full guide → |
| Mexico | $3,800 - $8,299 | 2 | Full guide → |
| Thailand | $5,050 - $10,190 | 2 | Full guide → |
| United States | $6,000 – $16,000 | Cherry, 2026 — typical range; anesthesia and aftercare can add to it | |
Buttock Augmentation (BBL) by country: full guides
Read before you decide
Clinics offering Buttock Augmentation (BBL)
Doctors performing Buttock Augmentation (BBL)
Buttock Augmentation (BBL) abroad: frequently asked questions
How much does buttock augmentation cost abroad?
At clinics listed on xcuro, prices for buttock augmentation are: Turkey $2,214 to $6,000 (3 clinics); Mexico $3,800 to $8,299 (2 clinics); Thailand $5,050 to $10,190 (2 clinics). Final prices depend on your case and are confirmed in writing after a free consultation.
What is the best country for buttock augmentation?
There is no single best country; it depends on the surgeon, the clinic and how far you are willing to travel. Among clinics listed on xcuro, prices start lowest in Turkey (from $2,214), which also has the most clinics (3). Compare surgeons' credentials and independent ratings before price.
How much does buttock augmentation cost in the U.S.?
Typically $6,000 to $16,000, according to Cherry, 2026.
How long do I need to stay abroad for buttock augmentation?
Plan on about 10 days, from arrival to the flight home. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to travel.
Will U.S. insurance pay for buttock augmentation abroad?
Most U.S. health plans do not pay for elective surgery abroad, and cosmetic procedures are not covered at all. The CDC also warns that care for complications after surgery abroad may not be covered, so check your plan before you book.
Related procedures
Related procedures
What the research says about buttock augmentation and Brazilian butt lift (BBL)
14 peer-reviewed sourcesGluteal augmentation by fat grafting, commonly called the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), has been the focus of intensive safety research because of the risk of fatal fat embolism when fat is injected too deeply into or beneath the gluteal muscle. Multi-society task forces and large case series, including reports from the high-volume South Florida region, have driven clear recommendations to keep grafting in the subcutaneous plane, avoid intramuscular injection, and increasingly use real-time ultrasound guidance. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses summarize complication rates for fat grafting and implant-based techniques, while practice advisories from groups such as ASERF and BAAPS define current safety standards. Evidence also addresses the added risks of cosmetic-surgery tourism and unaccredited facilities. The references below are provided for education and reflect a procedure where surgeon technique and accreditation strongly influence safety.
- Improvement in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safety With the Current Recommendations from ASERF
- The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Recommendations
- Practice Advisory on Gluteal Fat Grafting
- Gluteal Augmentation with Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Complications
- Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Grafting: What is the Evidence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Compiled from peer-reviewed medical literature indexed on PubMed. This overview is for general education and is not medical advice. · Last updated 2026-06-15