Fat Transfer to the Buttocks: Procedure and Pricing Explained

What Is Fat Transfer to the Buttocks (BBL)?

This procedure involves removing fat from specific areas of the body—such as the abdomen, waist, back, or thighs—through liposuction, purifying it, and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance volume and contour.

The process consists of both liposuction and fat injection, which means the patient benefits from dual contouring—slimming of problem areas and enhancement of the glutes.

Because it uses the patient’s own tissue, there is no risk of rejection or foreign body reaction, making it one of the safest and most natural body enhancement methods.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

This procedure is suitable for individuals who:

• Want to increase buttock volume naturally
• Prefer a softer, natural-looking result over implants
• Have enough body fat to harvest
• Desire a better waist-to-hip ratio
• Want to correct asymmetry or flatness in the glutes
• Wish to avoid silicone implants

However, very thin individuals with low body fat may not be suitable candidates for this procedure. In such cases, implants may be considered as an alternative.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Fat transfer to the buttocks is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes around 2–3 hours.

Procedure steps include:

1. Liposuction:
Fat is harvested from areas with excess fat using thin cannulas. Common donor areas include the abdomen, waist, back, and thighs.

2. Purification:
The extracted fat is processed using centrifugation or filtration to separate healthy fat cells from fluids and debris.

3. Injection:
Purified fat is injected into different layers of the buttocks in multiple small amounts to achieve a natural, symmetrical look.

What Is the Recovery Like?

Recovery is generally straightforward but requires attention to post-op care:

• Avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for the first 7–10 days
• Use a special cushion when sitting after the initial healing period
• Wear compression garments on liposuction areas for 3–4 weeks
• Resume light activity, such as walking, within a few days
• Avoid intense exercise or pressure on the glutes for 4–6 weeks
• Swelling and bruising subside within 2–3 weeks
• Final results become apparent after 3–6 months

Remember: approximately 30–40% of the injected fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body.

How Long Do Results Last?

Fat that successfully integrates into the surrounding tissue becomes permanent. On average, about 60–70% of the transferred fat remains long-term.

Factors that influence fat survival include:

• Patient’s metabolism and lifestyle
• Smoking (negatively affects fat retention)
• Nutrition and hydration
• Injection technique and surgeon’s experience
• Quality of post-operative care in the first 3 months

If desired, a second session may be performed after 6–12 months for added volume.

What Are the Average Prices?

As of 2024, the cost of BBL surgery in Turkey and globally varies depending on several factors:

• Surgeon’s experience and qualifications
• Type of facility (private clinic vs. hospital)
• Type of anesthesia used
• Number of liposuction areas
• Whether it’s a standalone BBL or combined with other procedures

Average price ranges in Turkey:

• Single-area liposuction + BBL: ₺60,000 – ₺90,000
• Multiple-area liposuction + BBL: ₺90,000 – ₺130,000
• BBL + additional procedures: ₺130,000 and up

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on individual evaluation.

What Are the Advantages?

• Natural, biocompatible results
• No risk of implant-related complications
• Simultaneous body contouring and buttock enhancement
• No large scars or foreign materials
• Softer feel and more natural appearance
• Long-lasting outcome with proper care