What happens at a BBL consultation & questions to ask your doctor
Your first BBL consultation before you go ahead with the surgery can be a little intimidating. Maybe you never had to go through surgery before, or you might be anxious that you’ll forget something. You might need a little prep beforehand, but might not know where to start. Don’t worry, we got your back!
In this article, we will go through all aspects of a BBL appointment; from what happens, what to bring, and which questions to ask, so you can be fully prepared. We’ll make sure that you’ll have the best, and most in-depth consultation and leave with no questions unanswered.
We also prepared a free printable for you so you can easily bring the questions with you to your consultation!
Now without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why is a BBL consultation so important?
Well, you have done your research, you found your ideal BBL shape, and came to the decision that the BBL procedure is worth it. You can think of the consultation as the final seal of your decision before going ahead with the surgery.
During the consultation, you’ll find out if you’re actually eligible for the BBL surgery. And if you are, it’s an invaluable opportunity to understand the procedure in its entirety and clear any doubts or concerns you might have. And it’s an opportunity for your surgeon to manage any expectations you might have about the surgery, come up with an individual procedure that will suit you, and establish trust.
After all, BBL is a invasive surgery and you must be on the same page with your surgeon to build trust, and to make the most of your surgery results.
We recommend you book your consultation 1-2 months before when you intend to get the surgery done, so you can have enough time on your hands to do your research properly, and make sure you can get a date on your surgeon’s calendar.
What to bring to your BBL consultation
Before we start with what happens at a BBL appointment, let’s briefly go over some things you should take to your consultation, and why!
- Medical records
Your medical records are incredibly valuable to your surgeon. If you don’t have your records at hand, make a list of all previous procedures you had and when, any previous diagnoses, chronic or hereditary conditions, and allergies.
- List of medications you’re on
Make a list of over-the-counter and prescription medications and recreational drugs you’re on, or use on a regular basis. These might include any blood pressure medication, aspirin, birth control, etc.
- Reference photos & wish pics
Gather your wish pics. Try and find before & after photos where the patient had a butt shape similar to yours, and got your ideal result after the surgery.
- Clothes that are easy to get on and comfortable
During the appointment, your surgeon will conduct a physical exam, so make sure you wear comfortable clothes that are easy to throw on.
- Insurance information
Most insurances don’t cover cosmetic procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. Still, it’s a good idea to have your insurance information with you.
- A list of questions to ask
Make sure you won’t leave the appointment feeling like your questions and concerns weren’t answered. Have a list of questions prepared beforehand. You can print out the list of questions we prepared for ease!
What happens at a BBL consultation?
No matter how well-prepared you are, pre-surgery consultations can be intimidating. We explained what will happen at each step, and also provided some questions you should ask your doctor to understand everything to its fullest extent!
The surgeon will start by reviewing your medical history
To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, your surgeon will start by reviewing your medical history. This includes previous procedures, any medical conditions or chronic illnesses you have, and the medications you are taking. They will also review your lifestyle factors; such as how often you exercise, and whether you smoke or drink. You must be honest at this stage to prevent any unwanted complications later on.
At this stage, you can ask;
- Are there any medical conditions or medications that could potentially interfere with the success or safety of a BBL for me?
It's your turn to talk about what you want to achieve
It’s time you can explain why you are here. Obviously, you want to achieve buttocks that will increase your confidence. You can talk about which parts of your buttocks you don’t find flattering, what you want to change about them, etc. If you have done your research, you can talk about how big you want your buttocks to be, and the desired shape you want, and show any wish pics if you have any.
At this stage, you can ask;
- Can I provide reference images for the results I want?
Physical evaluation
After hearing about what your goals are, it’s time for your surgeon to determine if it’s possible to achieve the results you want. They will look at your BMI, body shape, and weight, and determine if you have enough fat to perform the surgery. They will also examine the areas where fat will be extracted from and grafted into; your abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. They will also look at your skin’s condition to determine how much fat can be grafted.
If you meet all the criteria to reach your desired shape, perfect! But sometimes it might not be possible to get the exact results you want, because it can make your situation worse. If that’s the case, your surgeon will come up with alternative plans and procedures. It’s very important to trust your surgeon’s expertise at this stage and consider their judgment.
At this stage, you can ask;
- Am I a suitable candidate for a Brazilian butt lift? Are there any specific factors or conditions that could affect the success or safety of the procedure for me?
The surgeon will explain the procedure to you in detail
Now, don’t be a fool thinking you know all about the surgery because you’ve done your research well, and maybe you have read our comprehensive guide to BBL surgery. But don’t get sleepy now! Not only your surgeon will explain to you the procedure in detail, but they will also give you invaluable information on the exact treatment plan customized for you.
The surgeon will go into detail on how much fat will take from which area, the techniques they will use to graft it, which parts will get augmented, where the scars will be, etc. This way, you can start visualizing your results easily.
At this stage, you can ask;
- How do you determine the appropriate amount of fat to be harvested and transferred to achieve my desired results?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
- Can you explain the process of incision placement for the procedure? Will the incisions be noticeable after they heal?
Assessing potential risks & complications
BBL is not a risk-free surgery. And it’s incredibly important that surgeons and patients have a detailed conversation about the potential risks and complications of Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. Again, you might have some idea about what kind of risks this surgery has. But, it’s your surgeon who will determine if the surgery is too risky for you based on your medical history, physical evaluation, and your desired result.
If your surgeon deems the surgery “too risky”, you can discuss alternatives such as changing the fat donor area, changing the shapes or the technique, going bigger/smaller, weight gain/loss, or alternative butt enhancement operations.
At this stage, you can ask;
- What are the potential risks or complications associated with a Brazilian butt lift, and how do you minimize the chances?
- Are there any alternative procedures or treatment options that can achieve similar results to a BBL? What are their pros and cons?
- Are there any long-term considerations or potential complications that I should be aware of before proceeding?
- What measures do you take to minimize the risk of fat embolism during the fat transfer process? How do you ensure the safety of the procedure?
Talking about pre-op & post-op regimens
Your pre & post-op care can make or break the results of your operation. Your surgeon will explain in detail what you should do and avoid before and after the surgery. Follow their instructions to a T for the best results. It’s time to learn how much time you might need off work, for how long you’ll have to avoid sitting on your buttocks, what garments you will need, etc. Your doctor might also have specific instructions for their own patients you might not find online, so listen carefully!
At this stage, you can ask;
- How long will the results of a Brazilian butt lift typically last, and are there any factors that can impact the longevity of the results?
- Are there any specific lifestyle changes or preparations I should make before undergoing a Brazilian butt lift?
- How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, such as sitting and exercising?
- Are there any specific pre-operative instructions I should follow, such as dietary restrictions or medication adjustments?
Talking money
There’s nothing wrong with discussing money. Your doctor will tell you about how much they charge for the surgery but might refer you to another staff member to discuss additional costs. Make sure you will get an all-inclusive estimation of the doctor’s fee, and other fees such as facility fees, anesthesia, etc. Most insurances won’t provide coverage for cosmetic procedures, but it’s a good idea to have your insurance information just in case.
At this stage, you can ask;
- Can you provide an estimate of the total cost involved in the procedure, including any additional fees or expenses I should be aware of?
Having your additional questions answered
If you have any additional questions or concerns, now is the time to ask them! There are no small or big questions, and the doctor and the staff will be happy to answer them in detail. Here are some additional questions we came up with:
- What is your policy on revisions or corrections if I am not satisfied with the results?
- Will I need to have any follow-up appointments after the surgery, and what is the purpose of these visits?
Coming to a decision
Well, now it’s time to come to a decision. Your doctor will go over everything and decide if it’s a good idea to go through this procedure. And you’ll have to decide if you really want it. If you make a decision on the spot, perfect! You can book a surgery date and start preparing.
If you’re not so sure, you can always take time to think things over once more, or you can get a second opinion from another surgeon. In the end, it’s your body that’s on the line and you have all the right to do as you please.
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