Before agreeing to a Brazilian butt lift, you should ask your surgeon about their qualifications and specialist registration, how they place the fat and follow BAAPS safety guidance, where the operation will take place, who provides the anaesthetic, what aftercare is included and what happens if a revision is needed. A good surgeon will welcome these questions and answer them clearly, without pressure.
Questions about qualifications
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is a clear yes, with a GMC number you can check on the GMC website.
- What are your surgical qualifications?: look for FRCS (Plast), the specialist exit examination for plastic surgeons in the UK.
- Are you a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS?: membership of these professional associations indicates a commitment to standards and ongoing education.
- How often do you perform fat grafting to the buttocks?: a good answer describes regular experience with this specific procedure, not just liposuction.
Questions about safety and technique
- How do you ensure fat is placed safely?: a good answer refers to BAAPS guidance that fat is placed only in the subcutaneous layer, above the gluteal muscle, never into or beneath it.
- What limits the amount of fat you transfer?: a good answer explains that volume is limited by safety and by what your tissues can support, not by a target size.
- What are the most serious risks?: a good surgeon will explain fat embolism, blood clots, infection and bleeding honestly and calmly, without minimising them.
- How do you reduce the risk of blood clots?: expect answers covering early mobilisation, compression and, where appropriate, blood-thinning injections.
Questions about the hospital and anaesthetic
- Where will the operation take place?: a good answer names a hospital registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with overnight facilities and on-site support.
- Who gives the anaesthetic?: a consultant anaesthetist should provide the general anaesthetic.
- Is an overnight stay planned?: many patients do stay overnight; you should know the plan before the day.
Questions about aftercare
- Who should be contacted with worries after surgery?: a good answer gives a direct route to the surgical team, day and night.
- How many follow-up appointments are included?: routine follow-up should be part of the price.
- How long is a compression garment worn?: typically several weeks, with clear instructions.
- When is it safe to sit, drive and return to work?: expect a realistic, individual timeline rather than a promise of rapid recovery.
Questions about results and revision
- How much of the fat is likely to survive?: a good answer explains that some fat is always reabsorbed and survival varies between people.
- What result is realistic for my body?: the surgeon should relate the outcome to your frame and donor fat, using photographs and discussion rather than promises.
- What is your revision policy?: you should understand when further surgery might be offered, how it would be funded and how long you would need to wait.
How to prepare for your consultation
Write your questions down and bring them with you. Note your medical history, medications, previous surgery and any history of blood clots. Think about the look you hope to achieve and bring reference photos if helpful, bearing in mind that filtered images are not a realistic guide. Consider bringing someone with you to help remember information. You should never feel pressured to book on the day, and a cooling-off period before committing is good practice. Cosmetic surgery is only for adults aged 18 and over.
Red flags in the answers
Be cautious if a clinic cannot confirm specialist registration, refuses to name the hospital, offers large discounts for booking quickly, promises a particular size or outcome, dismisses the risks or has no clear aftercare arrangement. Mr Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register (GMC 4704243), holds FRCS (Plast) and is a BAAPS Council member. Buttock fat grafting (BBL) costs from £12,500 with the £150 consultation separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you check if a surgeon is on the specialist register?
Search the GMC online register using the surgeon’s name or GMC number, and look for a specialist entry in plastic surgery.
Is it normal to have two consultations before a BBL?
Yes. A second consultation is good practice and gives you time to ask further questions.
What should a BBL quote include?
The surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre fees, garments and routine follow-up. The consultation fee is usually separate.
Should the surgeon discuss fat embolism?
Yes. A responsible surgeon will explain this rare but serious risk and how their technique aims to reduce it.
Is it acceptable to ask about complication rates?
Yes. A responsible surgeon will discuss their approach to complications and how they would be managed, openly and without defensiveness.
