A reverse BBL, also called upper body fat grafting or hip dip fat transfer, is a procedure that uses the same fat transfer technology as a Brazilian Butt Lift but directs the fat to the upper body areas such as the hips, flanks, upper buttocks, or even the breasts. It is called "reverse" because the fat is transferred upward rather than to the lower buttocks.
What Areas Can a Reverse BBL Treat?
A reverse BBL can transfer fat to several areas of the upper body to correct volume deficits or improve contour:
- Hip dips: The indentations along the outer hips between the hip bone and the greater trochanter, fat transfer here creates a smoother, more rounded hip contour
- Upper hip and waist: Adding volume to the upper hips enhances the hourglass silhouette
- Upper buttock shelf: Filling the area just above the traditional BBL injection zone for a higher, lifted appearance
- Breast augmentation: Fat transfer to the breasts for modest natural augmentation (typically 1 cup size increase)
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for a reverse BBL are patients who:
- Have prominent hip dips they want to fill or minimize
- Want a more rounded, smooth hip-to-waist transition
- Have had a standard BBL but want additional upper hip or hip dip correction
- Have sufficient donor fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or lower back
- Are at a stable weight and in good overall health
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from a reverse BBL is similar to a standard BBL. Patients experience swelling and bruising in the liposuction donor areas and some tenderness in the treated areas. There are no restrictions on sitting since fat is not transferred to the sitting surface of the buttocks. Most patients return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks and resume full activities at 4 to 6 weeks. Final results are visible at 3 to 6 months as swelling resolves and the surviving fat cells integrate fully.
Reverse BBL vs. Standard BBL: Which Is Right for You?
Many patients benefit from a combination of both procedures, a standard BBL for lower buttock fullness and projection combined with upper hip and hip dip fat transfer for a comprehensive, natural-looking enhancement. During your consultation at Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami, our surgeons will evaluate your anatomy and discuss which combination of fat placement will achieve your specific goals.