What Are The Risks Of A Non-Surgical Bum Lift (BBL) With PLLA?

Dr. Laura Geige’s expertise in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) treatments.

Understanding PLLA

Poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, is a synthetic, biodegradable polymer that has gained popularity as a dermal filler for various cosmetic procedures. It’s primarily used to enhance facial features like cheeks, lips, and jawline, but it’s also increasingly employed in non-surgical buttock augmentation, often referred to as a “Brazilian butt lift” or BBL.

Unlike traditional fillers that instantly add volume, PLLA works gradually. It stimulates the body’s natural collagen production over time, resulting in a more gradual and sustained lifting effect. This means multiple treatments are typically required for optimal results.

PLLA is injected into specific areas of the buttocks to lift and sculpt them, providing a fuller and rounder appearance. Its biocompatible nature allows it to be gradually absorbed by the body over months or years, leaving behind a more defined contour.

What Are the Risks of a Non-Surgical Bum Lift (BBL) with PLLA?

Poly-L-lactic acid, commonly known as PLLA, is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic polymer that has gained popularity in aesthetic procedures like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs). Unlike fat grafting, which involves injecting fat into the buttocks, PLLA injections stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein naturally found in the skin, responsible for its structure, elasticity, and firmness.

During a BBL using PLLA, small injections of the substance are placed beneath the skin’s surface in the target area, typically the buttocks. PLLA acts as a scaffold that prompts the body’s own fibroblasts – cells responsible for collagen production – to create new collagen fibers around the injected areas.

Over several weeks and months following the injections, these newly formed collagen fibers gradually fill out the treated area, leading to a more defined and lifted appearance. The PLLA itself is gradually absorbed by the body over time, leaving behind the increased volume achieved through collagen stimulation.

The duration of the results from a PLLA BBL varies depending on individual factors like skin thickness, lifestyle, and aging. However, it’s generally expected to last for several years before touch-up injections are needed.

Potential Risks of Non-Surgical BBL with PLLA

Non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injections offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with this procedure, both short-term and long-term.

Short-term risks of non-surgical BBL with PLLA can include:

Pain and Discomfort: Expect some pain and tenderness at the injection sites after the procedure. This usually subsides within a few days but may last longer for some individuals.

Swelling and Bruising: Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, resulting in swelling and bruising around the injected areas. These side effects typically peak within 2-3 days and gradually diminish over a week or two.

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Redness and Skin Irritation: Injection sites may appear red and irritated for a few days to a week after the treatment. This can be managed with cold compresses and gentle skincare.

Uneven Results:** PLLA injections require precise placement for optimal results. Uneven distribution of the filler can lead to an asymmetrical or lumpy appearance, especially if inexperienced hands perform the procedure.

Infection: Any invasive procedure carries a risk of infection. Proper hygiene practices and sterile injection techniques are essential to minimize this risk. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or pus at the injection site.

Allergic Reaction:** Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to PLLA. Symptoms can range from mild itching and redness to more severe reactions like hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. It’s crucial to inform your practitioner about any known allergies before undergoing the procedure.

Remember, these are potential risks, and not everyone who undergoes non-surgical BBL with PLLA will experience them. Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner, following their pre- and post-procedure instructions carefully, and understanding the limitations of this treatment can help minimize the chances of complications.

Non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are becoming increasingly popular as a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures. While this method offers attractive advantages, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved, both in the short and long term.

Here’s a detailed look at some of the potential risks associated with non-surgical BBLs using PLLA:

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Potential Short-Term Risks:

  • Pain, Swelling, and Bruising: These are common side effects that typically subside within a few days to weeks.

  • Redness and Inflammation: The injection sites may appear red and inflamed for a period of time.

  • Lumps and Nodules: In some cases, PLLA can form lumps or nodules under the skin. These are often temporary and may dissolve over time, but sometimes require additional treatments to resolve.

  • Infection: Any invasive procedure carries a risk of infection, though this is relatively rare with proper hygiene and aftercare.

Potential Long-Term Risks:

  • Asymmetry: It can be challenging to achieve perfectly symmetrical results with non-surgical BBLs. Differences in the distribution of PLLA can lead to an uneven appearance.

  • Granuloma Formation: In some individuals, PLLA may trigger a foreign body reaction, leading to the formation of granulomas (small nodules).

  • Capsule Contracture: A hard, fibrous capsule can form around the injected PLLA, resulting in a hardened and altered contour.

  • Migration: **PLLA particles may migrate from the injection site, potentially causing unexpected or undesirable changes in the shape of the buttocks.


It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and not everyone who undergoes a non-surgical BBL with PLLA will experience these risks.

However, being aware of these potential complications is crucial for making an informed decision about this procedure.

Always consult with a qualified and experienced injector to discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns you may have before undergoing a non-surgical BBL with PLLA.

Minimizing the Risks

Minimizing risks associated with any cosmetic procedure, especially one involving injectables like PLLA for a non-surgical bum lift, starts with meticulous research and careful selection.

Redefine your curves with a Brazilian Bum Lift.

Choosing a qualified practitioner is paramount. Look beyond mere aesthetics; experience in body contouring procedures using dermal fillers is crucial.

Verify credentials: ensure the practitioner holds appropriate medical licenses and board certifications specific to their field. Don’t hesitate to ask about their training, experience with PLLA, and the number of similar procedures they perform annually.

Seek recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, or your primary care physician. Online reviews can offer insights, but use them critically and cross-reference information.

Prioritize consultations: meet with several practitioners to discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns. A thorough consultation allows you to assess their communication style, understanding of your needs, and proposed treatment plan.

During the consultation, inquire about their approach to patient safety, including sterilization protocols, pain management options, and post-treatment care instructions. A reputable practitioner will prioritize transparency and address all your questions openly and honestly.

Don’t be swayed solely by price; value expertise and experience over bargain rates. Remember, complications can arise, and having a skilled practitioner on your side is crucial for managing any potential issues.

Finally, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a practitioner, it’s perfectly acceptable to seek a second opinion. Choosing the right practitioner significantly influences the safety and success of your non-surgical bum lift with PLLA.

Minimizing the risks associated with any medical procedure, including a non-surgical bum lift with PLLA, starts with thorough research and selection of a qualified, experienced practitioner. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists with extensive experience in body contouring procedures using this specific filler.

Realistic expectations are crucial for a positive outcome. Understand that PLLA injections don’t offer dramatic volume increases like surgical BBLs. They primarily aim to subtly enhance shape and lift by stimulating collagen production, resulting in gradual improvement over time.

Aftercare instructions from your practitioner are essential for optimal healing and minimizing complications. These typically include avoiding strenuous activity, extreme heat or cold exposure, excessive sun exposure, and massaging the treated area.

Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress, address any concerns, and ensure the filler is distributed as intended. Adhering to these post-procedure guidelines can significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse effects like infection, bruising, swelling, or asymmetry.

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