Liposuction removes fat and makes an area slimmer. A BBL also uses liposuction, but the purified fat is moved to the buttocks for more volume and roundness. If you only want a slimmer waist, liposuction is enough; if you want curves, a BBL is the operation.
Side by side
| Liposuction | BBL | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Slimmer waist, abdomen or back | Fuller, rounder buttocks and a slimmer waist |
| What happens to the fat | It is removed | It is purified and injected into the buttocks |
| Stay in Istanbul | 5-7 days | 7-8 days |
| Recovery | 4-6 weeks compression garment; final result after 3-6 months. | 2-3 weeks no direct sitting, 6 weeks garment. |
| Price from, all-inclusive | €2,300 | €3,050 |
Choose liposuction if
- You are happy with the size and shape of your buttocks.
- Your goal is a flatter abdomen or a slimmer waist and back.
- You are close to your target weight with firm skin.
Choose a BBL if
- You want more volume and projection in the buttocks.
- You have enough fat on the waist, back or abdomen to transfer.
- You can avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for 2 to 3 weeks.
Why a BBL already includes liposuction
The fat for a BBL comes from liposuction of the waist, back or abdomen, so the waist becomes slimmer at the same time. That contrast between a narrower waist and fuller buttocks is what creates the hourglass shape. This is why many patients who first ask about liposuction end up choosing a BBL.
Safety: where the fat goes
In a BBL, fat is placed only under the skin, above the muscle, as international plastic surgery societies recommend. Ask your surgeon how this is done. Read more in our article BBL facts.
When neither is the right answer
If the skin on your abdomen hangs after pregnancy or weight loss, liposuction cannot tighten it; a tummy tuck is then the better choice. Very slim people may not have enough fat for a BBL. Send your photos and your surgeon will tell you which option fits your body.
This article is general information and does not replace your surgeon's personal advice.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Buttock augmentation
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Liposuction
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Updated: · Information on this website is general and does not replace a medical consultation.