I Tried Both: BBL vs Butt Injections — Here’s What Happened

If you’ve been scrolling through social media wondering how influencers get those perfect curves, you’ve likely come across the debate: butt injections vs BBL. As someone who has actually tried both, I’m here to spill the truth, share the experience, and help you decide what’s best for your body goals.

Why I Decided to Try Butt Enhancements

Let’s be real — having a sculpted, round butt has become more than just a trend. It’s practically a beauty standard in today’s world of selfies and summer bikinis. For years, I relied on squats and padded shapewear. But eventually, I got curious about more permanent options. That’s when I dove deep into the butt injections vs BBL dilemma. I wanted volume, lift, and natural-looking results.

Understanding the Basics: What Are BBL and Butt Injections?

Before we get into my personal journey, let’s quickly define the two procedures.

What Is a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)?

BBL stands for Brazilian Butt Lift, a surgical procedure where fat is liposuctioned from areas like your abdomen, thighs, or back, purified, and then injected into your buttocks. It’s a two-in-one treatment: you slim down where you don’t want fat and add volume where you do.

Pros:

• Uses your own fat (natural material)

• Results can last for years

• Body contouring bonus

Cons:

• Invasive surgery with downtime

• Risk of complications like fat embolism

• Requires a decent amount of body fat

What Are Butt Injections?

Butt injections typically refer to the use of dermal fillers (like Sculptra) to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. These are non-surgical and involve a series of injections done in a medical office.

Pros:

• Non-invasive, no surgery required

• Minimal recovery time

• Can be done gradually

Cons:

• Temporary results

• More expensive over time

• Not as dramatic as BBL

My Experience With Butt Injections

I started with butt injections because I wasn’t quite ready to commit to surgery. I went to a board-certified cosmetic specialist who used Sculptra, a biostimulant that helps your body produce collagen over time.

The treatment was surprisingly quick. I was in and out in about an hour. There was mild swelling and bruising, but nothing that stopped me from going back to work the next day.

The Results

After a few sessions (three total), I saw a noticeable lift and roundness. It looked natural — like I had just been hitting the gym more often. The effect lasted about 18 months, and I did need a touch-up after a year.

My Experience With a BBL

A year later, I opted for a Brazilian Butt Lift. I had gained a bit of weight intentionally to qualify — surgeons typically want at least 20% body fat. The surgery involved liposuction from my flanks and lower back, followed by fat grafting into my buttocks.

Recovery and Pain Level

Recovery was the hardest part. I couldn’t sit or lie directly on my back for two weeks, and I had to wear a compression garment for a month. Pain was manageable with medication, but it was definitely more intense than the injections.

The Results

After three months, my body settled, and the results were stunning. My waist looked snatched, and my butt had that lifted, peachy shape I always wanted. And the best part? It looked and felt 100% natural — because it was.

Butt Injections vs BBL: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s break it down. If you’re struggling with the butt injections vs BBL decision, here’s what I learned:

Feature	Butt Injections	BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
Invasiveness	Non-surgical	Surgical
Recovery Time	1-2 days	2-4 weeks
Longevity of Results	Up to 2 years	Several years (up to 10)
Cost (Initial)	Lower ($3,000 - $6,000)	Higher ($8,000 - $15,000)
Ideal For	Lean bodies needing slight lift	Fuller results + body contouring
Risk Level	Low	Moderate to High

Common Questions I Get Asked

1. Did the BBL feel more permanent?

Yes. With the BBL, once the fat settled, it stayed. I did lose about 30% of the transferred fat in the first few weeks (which is normal), but the rest remained. It feels like part of my body — not something added on.

2. Was one safer than the other?

Butt injections are generally safer due to their non-invasive nature. However, they must be done by a trained medical professional. Illegal silicone injections are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

3. Which one looked more natural?

This surprised me — both looked natural in their own way. Injections gave a subtle boost, while the BBL offered dramatic yet natural curves, especially with body contouring.

Post-Treatment Care Tips

Whether you choose injections or a BBL, aftercare is crucial.

For Butt Injections:

• Avoid heavy workouts for a few days

• Massage the area as directed

• Stay hydrated to help collagen production

For BBL:

• No sitting for 2 weeks

• Wear your compression garment

• Sleep on your stomach or side

• Eat healthy to maintain fat retention

Final Verdict: Which Is Better?

After trying both, here’s my honest conclusion on butt injections vs BBL:

• Choose butt injections if you're looking for a quick fix, minimal downtime, and subtle volume.

• Choose BBL if you're ready for a long-term, dramatic transformation and can handle surgery and downtime.

Personally, the BBL gave me the shape I had always dreamed of, but I appreciated the ease and safety of injections when I was just starting out.

Conclusion

Choosing between butt injections vs BBL is a personal decision that depends on your goals, budget, and body type. I’m glad I tried both, and now I know what works for me. If you’re on the fence, consult a licensed cosmetic surgeon to explore your options safely. Confidence starts with doing what’s right for your body — no filter required.