Traditional BBL vs. South Beach Butt Lift: Which Is Right for You?

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures worldwide, with demand nearly doubling between 2015 and 2019. Many patients dream of enhancing their silhouette with a fuller, more defined derrière, but not all BBLs are created equal. At PURE Plastic Surgery in Miami, our signature South Beach Butt Lift (SoBeBL) offers a specialized approach that may be more suitable for some patients.

If you're considering a butt lift — either of the Brazilian or South Beach variety — understanding the differences between these procedures can help you make the best choice for your body. Let's compare these two techniques to determine which might be right for you.

What Is a BBL?

A traditional BBL is a surgical procedure that involves harvesting fat from areas where you have some to spare — typically the waist, thighs or abdomen — and transferring into the buttocks through a process called fat grafting. The procedure creates a more rounded, prominent backside while also contouring the areas where excess fat was harvested.

During a standard BBL, surgeons make several incisions around the body to access fat deposits. After the fat is removed through liposuction, it's processed and then carefully injected into different areas of the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and projection.

BBLs can deliver beautiful results, but they also come with considerations about safety, proportion and incision placement that might make some patients hesitate. While all BBLs at PURE Plastic Surgery are done using ultrasound guidance to reduce complications, the SoBeBL creates natural results with fewer incisions, and is suitable for lower-BMI patients. 

The SoBeBL Difference

The South Beach Butt Lift, sometimes called a "Skinny BBL,” is our signature, trademark spin on the traditional BBL. Unlike other fat transfer procedures, it is appropriate for patients with a lower BMI (and less fat to harvest) and uses fewer incisions for almost imperceptible scarring. 

Suitable for Lower-BMI Patients

Thin or athletic patients with a lower BMI (21 to 25) might be concerned that they don’t have enough fat for a traditional BBL. The SoBeBL or “Skinny BBL” makes it possible to get a great result using a smaller amount of fat and very targeted, precise grafting, focusing on key areas like the hip dips and buttocks to add projection, create smooth transitions and achieve a nice hourglass figure that beautifully highlights and accentuates your natural curves. 

No Visible Scarring

A standout feature of the SoBeBL is the minimal number of incisions it uses, which are strategically placed to be concealed by even the smallest swimwear. In fact, it involves only two tiny incisions — one in the upper back, and another hidden below the bikini line. Unlike a traditional BBL, this version leaves almost no trace, meaning you can rock your favorite bikini on South Beach without having to worry about visible scars. 

Ultrasound Guidance

Safety concerns have been associated with BBLs, but the SoBeBL addresses these with advanced technology. Every traditional BBL and SoBeBL at PURE Plastic Surgery is performed with real-time ultrasound guidance, allowing our surgeons to visualize exactly where the fat is being placed. This crucial difference dramatically reduces risks by ensuring fat is injected precisely where intended, away from blood vessels and major muscles.

Natural Results That Keep People Guessing

The SoBeBL isn't about creating a standardized look. Instead, it respects your body's natural structure and foundation. Our surgeons tailor the procedure to work with your existing proportions and add volume in a way that complements your unique frame. The result is smooth transitions and soft, refined curves that look authentic yet enhanced.

Who Makes an Ideal Candidate for the SoBeBL?

The SoBeBL is suitable for patients who want subtly enhanced curves that complement their natural figure. This procedure isn’t about adding volume for the sake of adding volume — it’s all about proportion, balance and finesse, crafting results that look like you, only more confident.  At PURE, our signature approach to the “Skinny BBL” is sought by patients who:

• Are naturally slender with less fat to harvest
• Want subtle curves that aren’t overly exaggerated 
• Prefer fewer incisions and minimal visible scarring
• Have concerns about safety and appreciate the ultrasound-guided approach
• Want curves that work with their natural body shape

Meanwhile, traditional BBLs are better suited to patients with more available fat to transfer who are after dramatic volume and projection. Not sure which technique might be right for you? Schedule a consultation with our double-board-certified plastic surgeons, where we can evaluate your anatomy and goals to help you make the best decision for your body. 

Experience the PURE Difference 

At PURE Plastic Surgery, we understand that every patient has unique needs and goals. We’ve never been big fans of the big, overexaggerated BBLs that were popular in the 2010s, which were often performed regardless of a patient’s anatomy or body type. Instead, we’ve always erred on the side of more balanced outcomes that complement your individual proportions. As the naturally enhanced look we’ve championed for years has become the new aesthetic, we see more and more patients asking for a BBL reversal to tone down their previous results, or requesting the kind of “Did she or didn’t she?” curves that keep people guessing. 

The South Beach Butt Lift was developed to meet this growing demand for subtle enhancement that stands the test of time. Our team of double-board-certified plastic surgeons has performed thousands of ultrasound-guided BBLs, establishing PURE Plastic Surgery as a leader in this specialized technique. Our commitment to safety, natural-looking results and personalized care has made us a premier destination for patients seeking enhancement without exaggeration.

Book Your Consultation Today!

Ready to learn more about your options for a more contoured silhouette? Call PURE Plastic Surgery today at 305-230-4326 or book online to schedule your consultation and discover how our South Beach Butt Lift can help you achieve the natural, beautiful results you desire.