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With A Warm, Caring Staff and Stunningly Natural Results,
Our Approach to Surgery is Anything but Plastic

The Brazilian butt lift (also called a “BBL,” “butt enhancement,” “gluteal augmentation,” or “buttock augmentation”) is a plastic surgery procedure that augments the gluteal region of the body. The BBL involves the removal and transfer of fat from one or more areas of the body into the buttock or the hip area. The fat is collected through liposuction, then purified by centrifuge and re-injected into the buttocks. The Brazilian butt lift surgery is considered a “same day” surgical procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day their surgery is performed. Many patients report that BBL produces a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette and greater volume to the backside. The BBL has a 91% “worth it” rating on Real Self.

Benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) offers patients a natural and long-lasting way to enhance their curves using their own fat. Unlike butt implants, which rely on silicone materials, the Brazilian butt lift procedure uses fat transfer techniques to reshape the buttocks and surrounding areas. Key benefits of a Brazilian Butt Lift include:

  • Natural look and feel
  • Comprehensive body contouring
  • Long-lasting results
  • Improved proportions
  • Correction of flat or sagging buttocks
  • Less invasive than buttock implants
  • Fully customizable results tailored to your goals

Optimal candidates for the BBL procedure have:

  • A butt or gluteal area that is proportionally small compared to the overall frame
  • Saggy buttocks due to weight loss or aging
  • Buttocks that differ in size and/or shape
  • A naturally flat buttock profile
  • Loss of volume or flatness following weight-loss surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric balloon, etc.)
  • A BMI (body mass index) between 22 and 29

Brazilian butt lifts may help lift the gluteal area, add volume to the buttocks, and, in some cases, create a “shelf” to the backside. Many of Dr. Brian Coan’s patients at CARE Plastic Surgery have reported that their BBL has helped feminize their overall body shape, and it may give a more youthful appearance by reducing the waistline while simultaneously adding the desired volume to the behind. Dr. Coan’s primary method for patients looking to augment or enhance their butt is via fat transfer to the buttocks. Dr. Coan’s preferred method for buttock enhancement is fat transfer rather than silicone gluteal implants, allowing for a more natural look and feel. It’s important to note that transferred fat behaves like fat elsewhere in the body and may change with weight gain or weight loss.

Preparation Expectations

To achieve the best long-lasting BBL results, Dr. Coan advises his patients to maintain their weight after their Brazilian Butt Lift procedure rather than drastically lose a considerable amount of weight. Because Dr. Coan teaches and trains other plastic surgeons in the art and science of the BBL, he is widely regarded as an expert in cosmetic body contouring. He has been nationally recognized as a RealSelf Top Doctor every year since 2015 and has been featured on the Emmy award-winning show The Doctors.

Call (919) 883-9491 to schedule a consultation today.

What to Expect During Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

During a Brazilian Butt Lift, Dr. Brian Coan begins by using liposuction to remove unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, back, thighs or arms. The harvested fat is then carefully processed and strategically injected into specific regions of the buttocks to achieve enhanced shape, projection, and symmetry.

Ideal candidates for a BBL have adequate pockets of fat available for transfer. Patients who do not have sufficient fat may be instructed to gain weight – typically 10 to 20 pounds – prior to surgery to ensure optimal results.

Dr. Coan is known for his highly customized approach and spends considerable time with each patient to understand their goals and craft a personalized surgical plan. Many patients seek an “hourglass shape,” which can be achieved by contouring the waistline with liposuction while adding volume and curves to the buttocks through fat transfer.

Because fat provides a softer, more natural look and feel, Dr. Coan prefers using a patient’s own fat rather than gluteal implants. Every body is unique, and each BBL result reflects a tailored approach. During the consultation process, Dr. Coan thoroughly reviews all risks, benefits and expected outcomes to ensure patients feel informed and confident in their decision.

How much is a Brazilian Butt Lift? At CARE we DON’T Water Down Your BBL Result:

It’s common to see BBLs advertised for $4,000–$5,000, often accompanied by large discounts. Many of these prices are influenced by state-level restrictions—such as the Florida fat-transfer law—which limits how much fat a surgeon is allowed to inject. In North Carolina, these restrictions do not apply. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we follow the nationally recognized safety guidelines for liposuction and fat transfer established by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Our approach ensures you receive the maximum amount of fat removal and transfer that is safely recommended. We also never augment the buttocks with a mixture of fat and water. While adding water may make the buttocks appear fuller immediately after surgery, the water rapidly dissipates, creating a misleading and temporary result. At CARE, we use only purified fat to ensure consistency, safety, and long-term aesthetic success.

BBL pricing at CARE varies based on the number of areas where liposuction, fat harvesting, and fat transfer are performed. Full pricing can be found on our website’s pricing page.

BBL costs are determined by several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise and the time required to perform the surgery. Our comprehensive fee includes:

• Operating room fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Surgeon’s fee
• Nursing care
• All pre-operative and post-operative appointments
• Custom surgical garments
• Consultation

To schedule a consultation or speak with one of our patient care coordinators, call (919) 883-9491 or email PCCs@careplasticsurgery.com.

Safety and Risks of Brazilian Butt Lift Procedures

While Brazilian butt lift surgery is a safe and effective outpatient procedure in experienced hands, it remains a complex procedure that requires careful technique and expertise. The key to safety lies in proper fat grafting methods. A board-certified plastic surgeon trained in advanced fat transfer techniques understands how to precisely remove and inject fat to create a smooth, symmetrical contour while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

As with any cosmetic surgery, risks may include post-surgical pain, scar tissue, changes in skin sensation or fluid buildup. Dr. Coan advises all patients to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for at least two weeks after the procedure to protect the newly injected fat cells and allow them to establish a blood supply. When performed properly, Brazilian butt lift procedures have a very high satisfaction rate and complications are rare.

Combining Brazilian Butt Lift with Other Body Contouring Procedures

For patients seeking a more comprehensive transformation, a Brazilian Butt Lift can be safely combined with additional body contouring or cosmetic procedures. Because excess fat for a BBL is often harvested from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, adding procedures like a tummy tuck, arm lift, or targeted liposuction can further refine those areas and enhance overall shape.

For individuals with significant weight loss or sagging skin, pairing a BBL with a body lift or thigh lift can tighten loose skin while simultaneously adding volume to the buttocks. Addressing multiple concerns in a single surgical plan often results in a more balanced, harmonious outcome — with the added benefit of a consolidated recovery period.

Why Choose Our Cary / Raleigh Plastic Surgery Practice?

Dr. Coan was one of the first board-certified plastic surgeons in the Triangle area of North Carolina to routinely perform the BBL procedure here and has gone on to teach and train other plastic surgeons on the art and science of his revolutionary body contouring surgical procedures. Dr. Coan has performed hundreds of BBLs and has a detailed, specific and unique treatment plan for each patient’s surgery and recovery which has resulted in many happy patients. Because any plastic surgeon can perform the Brazilian Butt Lift, you may consider choosing a plastic surgeon who routinely performs the BBL. When considering augmentation to the gluteal area we recommend considering the following:

Is your plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

This ensures that they are qualified to perform your surgery.

Is your plastic surgeon a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?

The ASPS is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world

Is your plastic surgeon a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?

Membership in this society requires a plastic surgeon to have board certification and also perform numerous aesthetic surgical procedures each year

Does your plastic surgeon teach and train other plastic surgeons how to perform Brazilian butt lift surgery?

Only a plastic surgeon with considerable experience will be called upon to educate and train other plastic surgeons on how to achieve optimal BBL results

Are there any previous BBL patients you may speak with?

Feel free to ask to speak with past patients and also to view photos.

Does your plastic surgeon perform the BBL in an accredited facility? What is accreditation?

Surgical suite accreditation is important as it ensures the highest level of patient safety.

Is there a “limit” to how much fat can be transferred?

Some states, especially where extremely discounted pricing is offered, may not disclose a “fat transfer law” that limits the amount of fat that can be transferred.

Schedule Your Brazilian Butt Lift Consultation in Cary or Raleigh

Interested in the Brazilian Butt Lift? Call (919) 335-9298 to schedule an appointment at our state-of-the-art surgical facility in Cary, located just around the corner from RDU Airport, with convenient access for out-of-town patients.

Patients across North Carolina choose CARE for beautifully balanced BBL results. Our BBL patients love how their results boost confidence and enhance their curves. By removing excess fat from the hips, flanks, thighs, and waistline, a Brazilian Butt Lift creates a slimmer waist and a fuller, lifted buttock contour—enhancing their appearance both in and out of clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fat transfer be removed?

Removal of fat transfer would entail liposuction of the treated areas, such as the buttocks, breasts, or face. This is typically not performed.

Can you transfer fat to your breasts?

Yes, many patients undergo fat transfer to the breasts for augmentation. This is a great way to subtly add volume to the breasts.

Does fat grafting leave scars?

The incisions with fat grafting are small, typically only a few centimeters. They tend to heal very well, also.

Does fat transfer last?

Fat transfer procedures are essentially considered permanent with certain considerations. If a patient maintains their routine lifestyle and weight, they can expect to see lasting fat transfer results. However, it is important to understand that we all continue to age, and our bodies change over time.

How common are buttock implants?

At CARE, Dr. Coan utilizes a patient’s own fat rather than silicone buttock implants. He finds this is a safer option that provides an overall better aesthetic outcome.

How dangerous is liposuction?

Performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, liposuction can be deemed relatively safe, given the patient is an appropriate candidate.

How do you give a shot in the glute?

The purified fat is re-injected into the buttock utilizing small incisions that typically heal well without issue. Dr. Coan works to place these incisions in inconspicuous areas.

Is Brazilian buttock lift permanent?

A buttock augmentation using a patient’s own fat can provide permanent results if there are no major lifestyle changes, such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and hormonal shifts.

What will my results look like?

Upon a thorough conversation and evaluation by our double board-certified plastic surgeon, you will have the opportunity to express what your desired aesthetic outcomes are. Patient goals can vary with the individual. Some patients seek additional volume to accentuate their buttock region, while others opt for achieving a more hourglass body shape. During your consultation, Dr. Coan will both describe and demonstrate what can be achieved to meet your goals. Due to the nature of liposuction and fat transfer, it will take up to 3 months to see the final result. We emphasize the importance of patience to see your ultimate outcome, but we are excited to be with you throughout your entire journey.

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and how does it work?

A Brazilian Butt Lift is a procedure designed to reshape and enhance and/or enlarge the volume and projection of the buttocks. There are two commonly used techniques to achieve this goal:
• Brazilian Butt Lift (Fat Transfer)
• Gluteal Implant Surgery

How long is the recovery time for a BBL procedure?

Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, though individuals with physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer or return to work on light duty. Patients must refrain from any activity that will increase heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, for six weeks following the procedure. Patients will also be wearing a compression garment for six weeks after surgery. Dr. Coan and team will provide more details about typical results and recovery at your consultation.

What are the risks and potential complications of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Each year, thousands of individuals undergo successful buttock augmentation surgery and are happy with the results. Significant complications from buttock augmentation are rare, but possible. It is important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure patient safety is prioritized. Like any major surgery, risks such as bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and poor wound healing, can occur. Other complications may include bruising, swelling, and irregularities or asymmetries. You can help minimize certain risks by following your surgeons instructions before and after your procedure.

How long do the results of a BBL last?

Just as the procedure itself is highly individualized, so are the results of butt augmentation surgery. Individuals may notice a significant change immediately following surgery but results gradually become visible as the body heals. It is important to note that results are subject to change and improve once immediate post-operative swelling subsides. Due to the nature of liposuction and fat transfer, it can take up to 3 months to see the final result. To achieve the best long-lasting results, Dr. Coan advises maintaining a stable weight after the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. A buttock augmentation using a patients own fat can provide permanent results, barring major lifestyle changes such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and hormonal shifts.

What should I expect during a BBL consultation and procedure?

Upon a thorough consultation and evaluation with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Coan, you will have the opportunity to express your desired aesthetic outcomes. Dr. Coan will describe and demonstrate what can be achieved to meet your goals. Renowned for taking considerable time with patients, Dr. Coan will ensure you understand the surgery process, including potential risks, complications, and follow-up care.

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Real Testimonials

Dear Dr. Coan, Heartfelt thanks for your TLC and excellent skills ~ especially your knowledge and appreciation of micro-surgical techniques! Your feedback gave me a lot of confidence and assurance regarding my healing process. I am slowly re-introducing activity, and feeling great. Mary Ann

- Verified Care Plastic Surgery Patient

Everyone here at Care plastic surgery are completely amazing people. They all made me feel very comfortable and safe in their hands. Dr. Coan is an amazing surgeon and does his absolute best to make sure you leave here looking and feeling amazing. -Mary John

- Verified Care Plastic Surgery Patient

Dr. Coan did an AMAZING job on my BBL!

- Verified Care Plastic Surgery Patient

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Dr. Brian S. Coan is an award-winning, nationally renowned, double board-certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of the distinguished Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). With over a decade of experience, his commitment to excellence has transformed countless lives.

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