The Awake Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a procedure performed without general anesthesia, is gaining popularity. This article explores the experience of Courtney Banks, a 31-year-old who underwent the procedure, and provides insights from Dr. Daniel Suissa, founder of SQULPT clinic in Miami.
SQULPT, a Miami-based clinic, offers the Awake BBL as a safer alternative to the traditional BBL. The traditional BBL involves liposuction to remove fat from other body areas and inject it into the buttocks. Courtney Banks, an occupational therapist, discovered SQULPT through an Instagram ad while seeking less invasive beauty treatments. Drawn to the natural-looking results and the avoidance of general anesthesia, she opted for the Awake BBL.
The Awake BBL differs from the traditional BBL in that patients remain conscious during the procedure. Local anesthesia, laughing gas, and other medications help manage pain and discomfort. SQULPT uses “tiny precision instruments and smooth vibration technology” for the $15,000 procedure. Banks described the sensation primarily as vibration and pinching, comparing the experience to a dentist appointment. She was able to communicate with the medical team and even text her family throughout the three-hour outpatient procedure.
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Banks returned to work after a two-week recovery and remains pleased with the results a year and a half later. She noticed a gradual enhancement of her curves as the swelling subsided, especially after incorporating exercise into her routine.
Another patient, Marcie, 20, also had a positive experience with the Awake BBL at SQULPT. Although she slept through most of the procedure, the option of being awake intrigued her. She rated the discomfort level as a 2 out of 10.
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A major advantage of the Awake BBL is avoiding the side effects of general anesthesia. Dr. Suissa explains that the tense, active muscles of a conscious patient allow for easier navigation of the surgical needle, reducing the risk of perforation. The patient’s feedback also helps the surgeon avoid the fascia, further minimizing risks.
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However, the Awake BBL is not suitable for everyone. Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a plastic surgeon, notes that larger area injections may be better suited for procedures under general anesthesia due to patient comfort and safety. She also cautions that some clinics offering procedures under local anesthesia may not be accredited to administer general anesthesia.
Despite some limitations, the Awake BBL’s easier recovery and potentially lower costs contribute to its growing popularity. Dr. Suissa traces the origins of awake procedures back to the 1970s, highlighting significant advancements in the last decade. The positive experiences of patients like Banks and the ongoing advancements in the procedure suggest that the Awake BBL will continue to gain traction in the future. Banks notes that her friends and family, initially concerned, became interested in the procedure after witnessing her swift recovery.
