Reverse BBL Cost and Procedure Guide

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which enhances the size and shape of your buttocks, has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures over the last decade.¹ However, aesthetic preferences can change over time, and some people may realize they no longer want the dramatic hourglass silhouette the procedure produces.

Some people may also find that larger buttocks make everyday activities, such as exercising or sitting comfortably, more challenging. If your beauty goals have changed or you’ve become dissatisfied with the results of your BBL procedure, a reverse BBL can help create a slimmer, more balanced backside.²

What Is a Reverse BBL?

A reverse BBL, also known as a BBL reversal or BBL revision, is a surgical procedure to reverse or reduce the results of a Brazilian butt lift. This is typically done by using liposuction to remove the excess fat that was injected during the initial BBL procedure.²

In some cases, patients may want to completely undo the results of their BBL; others may simply want to reduce or reshape their results while still keeping the enhanced volume.²

How Much Does a Reverse BBL Cost?

The national average cost for a reverse BBL can range from $8,000 to $15,000. The total price can vary widely based on your geographic area, the complexity of the procedure, your surgeon’s experience and any additional procedures performed at the same time.²

Does Insurance Cover a Reverse BBL?

Because a reverse BBL is generally considered an elective cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary treatment, it’s typically not covered by health insurance.³

How Can You Pay for a Reverse BBL?

There are several ways to pay for a reverse BBL, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you’d prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments with promotional financing options where available. Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether it accepts CareCredit before deciding.

Reasons to Consider a Reverse BBL

Why might you consider a reverse BBL? “Most of the time, it comes down to volume,” says Gevork Tatarian, M.D., of Elevé Cosmetic Surgery in Davie, Florida. “The results [from the original BBL] may be too big for your body. Some patients also come to me with physical complaints like lower back pain or difficulty doing everyday tasks.”

In addition to physical discomfort, people may seek a reverse BBL for emotional or psychological reasons, adds Tatarian: “You may just be unhappy with how you look and how you feel in your body.”

Here are some other reasons you might consider a reverse BBL:⁴

• Additional weight gain that has impacted the results⁵
• Asymmetrical results
• Celebrity inspiration/aesthetic trends⁵
• Discomfort with dressing, sitting or exercising⁶
• Dissatisfaction with the size or shape of the results
• Lumpy, uneven results
• Results disproportionate to your body
• Sagging over time⁶

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Reverse BBL?

Candidates for a reverse BBL should be nonsmokers in good overall health who would like to undo the results of a Brazilian butt lift.²

Individuals should also be at least 12 months removed from their initial BBL, says Tatarian. “Waiting a year tells me this is what someone truly wants, versus just having a reaction in the moment.”

Waiting also allows time for swelling from the initial BBL to completely dissipate and the final results to fully appear.

Can a BBL Always Be Reversed?

In most cases, a Brazilian butt lift can be reversed. However, there are cases where a reverse BBL isn’t possible.⁷

A correctly performed BBL includes injecting fat above the muscle layer, which can be removed through liposuction. But if the fat was injected into the gluteal muscle, it can’t be safely removed during a reverse BBL.⁷

If you aren’t eligible for a reverse BBL, you can still work to reduce the size and appearance of a BBL through diet and exercise.⁴

How Does a Reverse Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure Work?

If you’re considering a reverse BBL, here’s what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

Preparation

Preparation for a reverse BBL generally starts with a consultation with a surgeon. The surgeon will review your goals, timeline of your Brazilian butt lift, health history, body proportions and body composition.² Consider asking your surgeon for BBL reversal before-and-after photos so you can better understand the possible results.

Before your procedure, you may be asked to stop smoking and start or stop certain medications. You’ll want to arrange for time off from work for recovery and set up a comfortable recovery space. Talk with your surgeon to see what post-procedure supplies are recommended, such as compression garments or an inflatable donut for sitting. You’ll also need to arrange a ride home from the procedure and someone to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.²

Procedure

A reverse BBL is an outpatient procedure that is typically performed under general anesthesia. Once anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon will make small incisions to allow liposuction to remove unwanted fat cells from the buttocks.²

In some cases, liposuction will also be used on the hips or lower back to help create a smooth contour.² Skin treatments that use radiofrequency or ultrasound may be used to address laxity and tighten the surrounding skin.⁸ If needed, the surgeon will remove excess skin to help create a toned and lifted result.⁹

Once all fat removal and skin tightening treatments are complete, the incisions will be sutured and bandaged to help minimize scarring.⁸

Recovery

Immediately following reverse BBL surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort. Follow your surgeon’s directions on using compression garments to reduce swelling and prescribed medication to address pain. During the first week, you may be directed to limit movement and avoid direct pressure on the buttocks while you heal.⁸

Over the following two to four weeks, swelling should begin to subside, and you may begin to resume light activities. Final results may take up to three months to be revealed.⁸

Potential Side Effects and Complications of a Reverse BBL

As with all surgical procedures, you may experience side effects or complications from a reverse BBL. These may include:²

• Asymmetrical results
• Bleeding
• Changes in skin sensation
• Contour irregularities
• Infection
• Seroma (a pocket of fluid that forms under the skin)
• Skin laxity
• Swelling

Before your procedure, talk with your doctor about potential side effects and any steps you can take to help reduce them.

Reverse BBL Results

If you’re eligible for a reverse BBL, the procedure can decrease the volume of the buttocks with liposuction. However, the procedure can’t always duplicate your pre-BBL look. The amount of fat transferred, your skin elasticity and how your body has changed since the initial procedure will all have an impact on what your reverse BBL is able to accomplish. Talk with your surgeon about what results to expect from your reverse BBL.²

Is a Reverse BBL Right for You?

If you’re considering a reverse BBL, scheduling a consultation with a board-certified surgeon is the best place to start. They can evaluate your previous procedure, discuss whether you’re a good candidate and explain the results you can realistically expect based on your anatomy and goals. Taking the time to understand the procedure, recovery and costs can help you make an informed decision about whether a reverse BBL is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reverse BBLs

Still have questions about reverse BBLs? Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

Financing a Reverse BBL With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a reverse BBL and related expenses not covered by health insurance.^* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.