Less is more: The emergence of the skinny BBL

The Brazilian butt lift, also known as a BBL, is one of the most popular procedures defining the last decade of aesthetics. It has been pursued by celebrities, influencers and average patients, offering a life-changing look with just one procedure.

Last decade's BBL trend focused on maximizing volume, but there has been a recent shift away from this aesthetic. Instead, we're seeing an upward tick in the "less is more" idea with the buttocks, with the growing popularity of a procedure that has now been dubbed the "skinny BBL."

So, what is a skinny BBL, and how does it differ from a typical BBL? Who are the patients driving its popularity? What are the results that can be expected from a skinny BBL? To answer these questions and more, we reached out to ASPS Member Surgeon Johnny Franco, MD.

The skinny on the skinny BBL

Plastic surgeons have been focused on creating the maximum possible volume in the buttock region using fat grafting with traditional BBL procedures. However, with the skinny BBL, this procedure isn't focused on volume – rather, it focuses on shape and proportion.

"The skinny BBL is often focused on sculpting and shaping with targeted fat grafts to achieve a priceless, great result for the patient," said Dr. Franco. "These patients typically don't have as much fat or adipose tissue to harvest as other BBL patients and have been brushed aside in the past."

Previously, there have been guardrails around the types of patients who are candidates for BBLs due to the necessity of harvesting fat from elsewhere in the body with liposuction. However, with the skinny BBL, these numbers have shifted.

"When I was first doing BBLs, if patients had a BMI under 22 or 23, they were not a candidate," said Dr. Franco. "But now, we can change our focus and emphasize shape."

Often, patients seeking a skinny BBL are already in excellent shape and are looking for a solution to replace volume in the buttocks region.

"There's been a big change," said Dr. Franco. "People want to look super active and fit. They're already in a great spot and are looking to restore the volume they've lost due to weight loss. They may just be wanting to fill in a few spots where they've lost volume and don't look quite balanced."

In fact, many patients who pursue skinny BBLs are fitness-focused, including trainers, athletic models and gym-goers.

"You have so many patients in the fitness area who have worked really hard and lost a lot of weight along the way," said Dr. Franco. "In these cases, they will pursue this type of procedure to restore the volume they have lost and emphasize their new shape."

New innovations are driving skinny BBL popularity

Innovation in BBLs is also driving the increased popularity of the skinny BBL. A recent advancement in fat grafting, known as alloClae, a type of injectable fat, has made waves, giving patients the opportunity to qualify for this procedure and others, even if they have a low BMI or minimal fat.

"We have seen a lot more patients thanks to alloClae," said Dr. Franco. "This addition makes a really significant change. You can use this off the shelf. It is a processed fat that comes in more meaningful volumes than surgeons have previously had access to. It behaves just like regular fat and can be used to perform a variety of shaping procedures."

Increasing availability of weight loss medications is also driving the popularity of skinny BBLs. As more patients have access to these medications and are losing weight, they're seeing noticeable changes in their bodies, including a loss of volume in the buttocks.

"The skinny BBL has grown in recent years," said Dr. Franco. "In the past, it was just our really fit patients, but now the GLP-1 patients have really expanded it. They're skinny, they're fit, they've lost a lot of weight, but don't want the traditional BBL. They're just looking to restore the volume that they've lost. It's driven a whole new population of patients into the world of aesthetics!"

With the emergence of the skinny BBL, there are more options for patients to pursue buttock enhancement that aligns with their aesthetic goals. This procedure focuses on shape and proportion over volume, aiming to restore the aesthetic appearance rather than create curves.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.