Skinny BBL vs BBL: 4 Key Differences
Mini BBL vs BBL: What’s the difference?
This a common question and, fortunately, one that is easily answered! In this article, we’ll go over the four main differences between skinny BBL surgery and BBL surgery. Let’s start by defining each procedure in turn.
What Is a BBL?
BBL stands for Brazilian butt lift. The main goal of this fat transfer procedure is to widen the hips and/or add volume and create projection in the buttocks. But the overall goal is to redistribute fat on the body to create an entirely more attractive silhouette.
This is achieved by reducing excess fat on the abdomen (and sometimes elsewhere depending on the patient’s anatomy) and increasing the size of the hips and buttocks. Fat is literally taken out of the abdomen via liposuction and reinjected into the butt and hips.
Sometimes with a Brazilian butt lift procedure, the hips and buttocks are simply reshaped with the fat injected. For example, the transferred fat may be used to fill in hip dips or correct asymmetries. In other cases, considerably more fat cells will be used to add noticeable volume to the buttocks. The buttocks can be reshaped to project outwardly more (creating a more athletic result) or to widen the hips (a curvier “hourglass” figure).
What Is a Mini or Skinny BBL?
A mini BBL or mini Brazilian butt lift (also called a skinny mini BBL, petite BBL, skinny Brazilian butt lift or skinny BBL) is a BBL as described above, but for patients who are thinner and have less overall body fat.
Essentially, a skinny Brazilian butt lift surgery reshapes a patient’s body with a smaller amount of fat. Skinny BBL patients don’t have a lot of excess fat to begin with, yet they are typically unhappy with the way that fat is distributed. So, a mini BBL can correct this problem.
More specifically, there are four main differences between a skinny BBL and a BBL:
BBL vs Skinny BBL: 4 Key Differences
#1 – Patients are naturally thinner.
Any BBL patient should be at a stable weight. But the difference with skinny BBL patients is that they are thinner to begin with, so they don’t have as much fat to work with.
Of course, patients must be within the proper weight range for any type of fat transfer surgeries. Goal weights and goal BMIs for this surgery vary depending on the specific anatomy of the patient and their goals, so you’ll want to book a consultation to know if you are a good candidate.
#2 – The goal is a change in fat distribution and more curves.
When compared with typical BBL results, mini BBL results tend to be less dramatic overall. But this isn’t usually a problem because the real goal with this surgery is not to “gain weight” around the buttocks and hips, but to reshape the way the patient’s entire midsection appears.
Often, even if a patient is thin with a lower BMI, they may have extra fat around their midsection and not as much fat as they would like on their hips and inner thighs. A mini BBL is a minimally invasive procedure that can shift this fat.
As with a standard Brazilian butt lift, we will remove fat from the waist and back area (and other areas if needed) and transfer that donor fat to the buttocks and hips. If you look at mini BBL before and after photos, you’ll see that the fat is simply “shifted”.
#3 – Patients must still have enough fat to “harvest”.
While thin patients (with low weight) can certainly undergo a BBL fat transfer procedure with a skinny BBL, they still must have adequate excess fat deposits on their body so that this purified fat can be removed with liposuction and shifted to the hip and buttocks area.
Sometimes, this knowledge can lead thin patients who desire a BBL to think that they must gain weight before they can undergo fat transfer procedures. But this isn’t the case for most patients. You do need some amount of extra fat, but most patients do have an adequate amount without needing to gain weight.
#4 – Fat is taken from several areas of the body, not just the abdomen.
To make up for the fact that many mini BBL patients don’t have a lot of excess fat around their abdomens — as is the case with many traditional BBL patients — your surgeon may use liposuction on other areas of the body to harvest fat. For example, fat harvesting can be performed on the arms, back, thighs, or elsewhere.
Risks and Considerations
Both procedures come with risks, and it’s important to be aware of them before making a decision:
BBL: Since it involves a more significant amount of fat transfer, there is a higher risk of complications such as fat embolism, where fat enters the bloodstream and can be life-threatening.
Mini or Skinny BBL: Although the risks are generally lower, any fat transfer procedure carries some level of risk. Risks of a skinny BBL procedure include infection, scarring, or complications related to anesthesia.
Consultation with a board-certified surgeon is crucial in determining which procedure is best for you. A skilled surgeon will evaluate your body type, health history, and aesthetic goals to help you make an informed decision.
FAQs: Mini BBL and BBL Surgeries
How long does it take to recover from a mini BBL procedure?
Two weeks is the average initial recovery time after a mini BBL. During your mini BBL recovery time, bruising, swelling, and some discomfort are to be expected. You will not be able to sit on your buttocks directly for two weeks, and you also must typically wait this long before you can return to light exercise.
How much is a BBL compared to a skinny BBL?
How much is a BBL compared to a skinny BBL?Generally speaking, because both procedures aim to achieve the same goals, mini BBL cost and traditional BBL cost will be comparable. This applies to most cases, but all plastic surgeries are different. To get an accurate BBL price quote, please book a consultation.
How much fat do I need for a skinny BBL?
Patients must be examined in person by a board-certified plastic surgeon to know for sure if they have sufficient body fat to undergo a mini Brazilian butt lift BBL. Please schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for this surgical procedure.
Can I get a Mini BBL if I have a slim body type?
Yes, but it depends on how much excess fat you have for transfer. Slim individuals may have limited fat for harvesting, making the Mini BBL a better option than a full BBL. Some patients may consider alternative procedures like butt implants if they lack sufficient fat.
How long do the results of a BBL or Mini BBL last?
With proper aftercare, results can last for many years. However, weight fluctuations and aging may affect the long-term outcome. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your skinny BBL results.
Is a Mini BBL safer than a full BBL?
Yes, a Mini BBL is generally considered safer because it involves a smaller fat transfer, reducing the risk of complications such as fat embolism. However, all surgeries carry some risks, so choosing a qualified surgeon is essential.
Who is a good candidate for a BBL or Mini BBL?
A good candidate is someone in overall good health with enough excess fat for transfer. BBL is ideal for those seeking a dramatic enhancement, while Mini BBL works better for individuals wanting subtle improvements.
How long do the results of a BBL or Mini BBL last?
With proper aftercare, results can last for many years. However, weight fluctuations and aging may affect the long-term outcome. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your results.
How soon can I sit after a BBL or Skinny BBL?
For both procedures, you must avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for at least two weeks. Special BBL pillows can help reduce pressure on the treated area during recovery process.
Will I need multiple sessions for a Mini BBL?
Since a Mini BBL transfers less grafted fat than a full BBL, some patients may require additional sessions to achieve their desired results. Your surgeon will assess your goals and recommend the best approach.
Request Your Consultation Today
Often, if you are unhappy with your body shape or own skin, you don’t need to gain or lose weight to look and feel your best! Mini Brazilian butt lift surgery is an excellent cosmetic surgery for patients who are at or near their goal weight but who want to change their body fat composition.
To learn more about fat grafting and mini BBL surgery, please schedule a consultation appointment with double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber today.
