"Liquid BBL" refers to shaping the buttocks and hips with a filler instead of with surgery. The name is modelled on the "Brazilian Butt Lift", in which the body's own fat is surgically transferred to the buttocks. The treatment has only one goal in common with that operation: a more harmonious silhouette.
The term became known through social media. Expectations easily arise there that not every anatomy can meet. This article explains factually what is possible, how the treatment works and where the limits lie.
What is done in a Liquid BBL
A hyaluronic acid developed specifically for the body is introduced into the subcutaneous tissue. It is firmer than the fillers for lips or wrinkles and can support larger areas. Typical goals are:
- Balancing hip dips: the natural hollows at the side between hip and thigh
- Harmonising transitions: a softer line from the waist over the hip to the buttocks
- Emphasising the upper buttocks: a little more roundness in the upper area, which visually lifts the buttocks
More on the hip dips themselves is in the article Filling hip dips in Bonn.
What is realistic – and what is not
A Liquid BBL shapes and balances. It does not, however, enlarge the buttocks by several clothing sizes. A marked build-up of volume would need very large amounts, which would be neither sensible nor affordable. What is realistic is a visibly smoother, rounder contour that suits your own figure.
How much can be achieved depends on pelvic shape, muscles, skin tension and fat distribution. That is why every treatment begins with an examination while standing, in which the physician says openly what is feasible for you.
Important: only approved fillers, never silicone
Abroad and in non-medical settings, liquid silicone or a material of unknown origin is sometimes injected for buttock treatments. This can lead to severe inflammation, hardening and blocked blood vessels and can hardly be removed again. Use only approved, dissolvable hyaluronic acid, and have the treatment carried out only by a physician.
The procedure
- Consultation: The physician assesses contour and proportions, discusses your wishes, pre-existing conditions and medication and estimates the amount needed.
- Marking while standing: The treatment zones are marked so that both sides are as even as possible.
- Anaesthesia: The injection sites are locally anaesthetised; the filler itself usually also contains an anaesthetic.
- Treatment: Via a few injection sites the hyaluronic acid is distributed with a blunt cannula and then gently shaped.
An appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on scope. General anaesthesia is not needed.
How much filler is needed
In the face it is calculated in millilitres, on the body often in larger amounts. For hip dips several millilitres per side are often needed, for buttocks and hips together correspondingly more. Sometimes it makes sense to build up in two sessions: the tissue gets used to the volume, and the result can be tuned better.
After the treatment
Swelling, a feeling of tension and tenderness are usual in the first days, as are bruises. Sitting and lying on your side can be uncomfortable for a few days. In the first week you should avoid intensive sport, sauna and massages in the treated area. The final result can be assessed after about two to four weeks.
Risks and side effects
In addition to swelling and bruises, palpable nodules or unevenness can occur, which often improve with massage. Inflammation occurs rarely. Very rarely, filler can block a blood vessel; severe, increasing pain or a blotchy discolouration of the skin must be assessed by a physician immediately. As hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase, unwanted results can be corrected. More on this under Hylase.
When treatment is not carried out
Treatment is not carried out during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in cases of infection or inflammation in the treatment area and in the case of an allergy to components of the filler. In autoimmune diseases and with blood-thinning medication the physician decides in each individual case.
Liquid BBL or surgery?
| Liquid BBL (hyaluronic acid) | BBL with own fat (surgery) | |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | local anaesthesia | usually general anaesthesia |
| Downtime | limited for a few days | several weeks |
| Volume | shaping, limited | larger build-up possible |
| Correction | dissolvable | surgical only |
| Durability | often 12–18 months, individual | long-term, depends on weight |
The operation is a major procedure with its own risks and belongs in surgical hands. Anyone who mainly wants to balance contours is often well advised with a filler.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tell that something has been done? The aim is a contour that suits the figure. A natural result depends above all on the right amount and the distribution.
Does the treatment hurt? Thanks to the local anaesthesia it is usually quite bearable. In the days afterwards a feeling of pressure is normal.
Can I sit normally afterwards? Yes, but in the first days it can be uncomfortable. You should avoid sitting for long on hard surfaces at first.
How long does the result last? On the body often 12 to 18 months, sometimes longer. After that a smaller refresher is usually enough.
Cost
The treatment starts at Alpha Skin from €899. The final price follows the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ) and above all depends on the amount of filler. You receive a binding estimate after the examination. You will find procedure, prices and appointments on the page Hip Dips & Butt Lift. The practice is located at Theaterplatz 1b in Bonn-Bad Godesberg.
Important medical note
The information described is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice, examination or consultation. Whether a treatment is suitable depends on skin type, initial findings, pre-existing conditions, medication and individual goals.
Effect, durability, tolerability and possible side effects can vary from person to person. Specific results or a particular time course cannot be guaranteed.