Dr. Traci Temmen is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Today, Dr. Temmen compares the results a woman can expect from a Brazilian butt lift and the gains that can be made from sculpting the posterior with squat exercises.
One of the most common questions I get asked by patients, and the most common comment I see on Instagram or Facebook, is “Can’t I get the same results as a Brazilian butt lift just by doing squats?” Because there is so much confusion over this topic, I’ve decided to clear the air once and for all!
Squat Goals
But first, a little anatomy lesson. The shape of the butt, and for that matter, the entire body, is determined by three different factors: 1) the bony structure, 2) the length/location and bulk of muscle, and most of all 3) the distribution and volume of fat.
A person’s bony structure cannot be changed and is determined by genetics alone. The length and location of muscles cannot be changed; however, muscle bulk can be increased with exercise and/or weight lifting. Fat cells can increase or decrease in size (i.e. volume) depending on a person’s weight, diet, and exercise, but the number and distribution (or rather density) of fat cells does not change after approximately two years of age and is determined by genetics and family history.
This explains why some people, for example, seem to carry all their extra weight in their abdomen or thighs — because of their genetics and family history they have a higher density of fat cells, and thus a higher volume of fat, in their abdomen or thighs. Thus, these areas are the first where they gain weight and the last areas from which they lose weight.
Unlike a gluteal implant, a BBL looks and feels natural.
Introducing the BBL
A Brazilian butt lift uses liposuction to transfer unwanted fat from your midsection to your behind, shaping it and providing extra volume. The BBL does not alter the bony structure of the buttocks, nor does it affect the length, location, or size of the muscles targeted by doing squats. However, during a Brazilian butt lift, fat is removed via liposuction from areas of high fat cell density/volume (usually the abdomen, flanks, iliac rolls, and back), and transferred to areas of lower fat cell density/volume (in this case, the lateral hips, buttocks, and sometimes upper thighs). Thus, a Brazilian butt lift is able to sculpt a beautiful, curvy shape for those patients where diet and exercise alone cannot.
Related: “When can I start doing squats after BBL?”
A Brazilian butt lift does not alter the bony structure of the buttocks, nor does it affect the length, location, or size of the muscles targeted by doing squats. However, during a Brazilian butt lift, fat is removed via liposuction from areas of high fat cell density/volume (usually the abdomen, flanks, iliac rolls, and back), and transferred to areas of lower fat cell density/volume (in this case, the lateral hips, buttocks, and sometimes upper thighs). Thus, a Brazilian butt lift is able to sculpt a beautiful, curvy shape for those patients where diet and exercise alone cannot.
It may be surprising to some, but those patients interested in a Brazilian butt lift often do more squats, lunges, and “glute” exercises than anyone else. However, because of genetics and family history, these patients’ bodies typically have shorter gluteus maximus muscles and an unfavorable distribution and density of fat, usually in the abdomen, lower back, and “love handles,” that obscures and distorts the true gluteal shape despite rigorous diet and exercise.
The next logical question, then, is why do some men and women who follow a strict diet and exercise regime, and do a lot of squats, have a perfect butt? That’s because through careful diet and exercise, they are able to capitalize on and augment their favorable anatomy. Because of their genetics and family history, these people often have well-placed gluteal muscles and a lower density of fat cells (which then determines volume of fat) in the abdomen, lower back, and flank areas. Thus, their gluteal shape can be seen and admired more readily!!
Advantage: BBL
So, the short answer is: for some unlucky women, due to their genetics and family history, doing squats, having a strict diet and exercise program will unfortunately NOT provide the same results as a Brazilian butt lift. For those patients with a more favorable anatomy and family history, it can! To see if you are a candidate for a Brazilian butt lift, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure you might be curious about, book a one-on-one consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD: 813-771-6393
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