You’ve done your homework, and it looks like a Brazilian Butt Lift is just what you need to restore your backside so it appears rounder and more youthful. Or to give your buttocks extra oomph in size or shape. You’ve narrowed your list of possible cosmetic surgeons, now it’s time to get some final, totally personalized answers before you make a final decision.

But what should you ask at your BBL consultation? There is no such thing as a “dumb” question! There is a lot of information out there on this procedure and some of it may be misleading. Our goal is to help educate you and arm you with knowledge so that you can be confident in your decision to undergo this procedure – or to skip it!

This consultation gives you a chance to verify what you’ve learned in your research, find out whether (and how well) a Brazilian Butt Lift may achieve your aesthetic goals, and decide if you’re comfortable with the procedure, the surgeon and their practice. It is imperative that you speak with the surgeon directly, not a nurse or other team member.

Am I a good candidate?

This question is probably a good starting point. The answer will guide you through the rest of the consultation. You know that you want the type of results a Brazilian Butt Lift can produce and you’re a non-smoker at a stable weight – all good. But your surgeon will want to discuss your medical history and goals to create a surgical plan together. He or she will also examine your buttocks to determine if you are, indeed, a good candidate.

What is the best choice for me, fat transfer or implants?

This question sort of piggy-backs on the first one: which type of procedure will get you closest to the results you’re after? If you don’t have enough excess fat elsewhere on your body to achieve your desired buttocks improvement, Dr. Harris may recommend a combination of truSculpt^® flex and a Sculptra^® butt lift instead. If so, he will discuss this with you in detail.

Are you a board-certified surgeon?

This is something you can check ahead of time, but if you didn’t, definitely ask this of your surgeon. Board certification indicates that he or she has proven their specialized knowledge via written and oral testing, that they adhere to the highest ethical standards, and that they are committed to more than minimal continued learning. Dr. Harris is triple board certified in general surgery, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery.

How much experience do you have performing BBL surgery?

This is a corollary to the board certification question. Demonstrable knowledge is good, but a surgeon who has repeated, recent experience — and also a successful dedication to body sculpting in general will ensure your results blend pleasingly with the rest of your contours.

Where will the surgery take place?

Will you go to a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center? Ask if the facility is accredited, because this ensures they are fully equipped in case of an emergency, their staff are highly trained, and they follow the strictest sanitation protocols. If you choose Image Surgical Arts, you won’t have to ask this question because your surgery will be performed in our own onsite state-of-the-art, accredited surgical center. This offers you unparalleled privacy, safety, and comfort.

What does the procedure involve?

Brazilian Butt Lift is all natural, in that the fat used to enlarge and/or reshape your contours will come from another area of your body. There are options, and Dr. Harris will discuss them with you. Ask if there is an additional cosmetic enhancement opportunity to reduce/re-contour the donor area at the same time (if that interests you).

Be sure to ask the surgeon to describe, in detail, how he or she will perform your procedure. Surgeons approach their work somewhat differently, and the details in their technique can affect your outcome.

Is Brazilian Butt Lift safe?

Every surgery comes with certain risks, but you may have read recently about negative outcomes associated with BBL. The fact is, this surgery is safe when performed by a highly qualified cosmetic or plastic surgeon, in the right environment, using the latest techniques, and on an appropriate patient. That’s why it’s so important to do your research and then ask questions until you feel comfortable.

How long will my recovery take – and what about results?

Even though you probably reviewed numerous before and after photographs of BBL patients while you were considering the surgery for yourself, during the consultation you should ask to see additional pictures of this surgeon’s work. This is one of your best indicators of what is realistically possible for you. Even better, double check with the surgeon if you have a specific set of images that resonate with you. Keep in mind that fat transfer is permanent as long as you remain healthy and maintain a stable weight.

Ask about details of the recovery process, too. How long will you need to be off work or restricted from other activities? Can you sit at first? What about pain management? Will you be able to exercise? This information will help you plan ahead to be comfortable and recover faster. Before you go home from your surgery, you will receive detailed written instructions for recovery.

Will I have scars?

Incisions always leave scars. However, because BBL involves fat grafting, incisions at the donor and transfer sites will be very small and placed where they are least likely to be seen. Ask to see drawings or close-up photos of past patients.

How much does it cost?

Every surgery is unique and several factors affect the total. We will give you an all-inclusive estimate before you leave your consultation. If you’re considering other cosmetic surgeons, be absolutely certain their estimates are also all-inclusive so you aren’t misled by apparent cost differences. Things to consider are surgeon’s fees, prescription medications, and post-surgery compression garments.

Ready to schedule your consultation?

By the time you leave your meeting with Dr. Harris, you should have answers to every question you brought with you – and probably more. You may want to take more time to digest everything you’ve learned, but you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision that makes you feel happy and confident about moving forward – or not!