If you’re considering enhancing the shape or volume of your buttocks, you’ve probably come across two popular options: the Lanluma bum lift and the surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Both treatments aim to improve your silhouette, increase projection and boost your confidence, but they work in very different ways and suit different types of people. Choosing between them can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand safety, recovery, longevity and the kind of results you can expect.
That’s why I want to walk you through everything in a clear, honest and practical way. Whether you’re leaning towards a non-surgical collagen-stimulating option like Lanluma or considering the more dramatic results of a surgical BBL, this guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each. By the end, you’ll know which treatment aligns best with your goals, lifestyle and expectations.
What Is Lanluma?
Lanluma is a non-surgical injectable treatment that enhances the shape and volume of the buttocks by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. Unlike dermal fillers, which add immediate volume, Lanluma works gradually. Over several weeks, your collagen builds up around the injected product, resulting in a fuller, smoother and more lifted appearance.
Key features of Lanluma:
– Non-surgical
– Minimal downtime
– Collagen-stimulating
– Gradual, natural-looking results
– Customisable shaping
– Suitable for subtle enhancements
Lanluma is ideal if you want a smoother, rounder or more lifted bum without surgery or major time off.
What Is a Surgical BBL?
A surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a fat-transfer procedure. It involves liposuction from areas like your abdomen, flanks or thighs, purifying the fat and then injecting it into your buttocks.
Key features of BBL surgery:
– Surgical procedure under general anaesthesia
– Fat transfer for immediate volume
– More dramatic shaping options
– Longer recovery period
– Higher risk than non-surgical treatments
The BBL became popular because it delivers significant, instant volume and reshaping, but it also carries well-known safety considerations.
Lanluma vs BBL: Quick Comparison Chart
Invasiveness:
Lanluma is a non-surgical treatment, while a BBL is a full surgical procedure involving liposuction and fat transfer.
Anaesthesia:
Lanluma usually requires no anaesthesia or only a small amount of local numbing. A surgical BBL typically needs general anaesthesia.
Recovery Time:
Recovery after Lanluma is minimal, often 1–2 days. A BBL requires a significantly longer recovery period of around 4–6 weeks.
Results:
Lanluma develops gradually as collagen builds over time. A BBL delivers immediate volume and shape changes.
Scarring:
Lanluma leaves no scars. A BBL can leave small scars from the liposuction entry points.
Safety:
Lanluma has a high safety profile because it is non-surgical. A BBL carries moderate risk due to the surgical fat transfer, anaesthesia, and healing process.
Longevity:
Lanluma results last around 2–3 years. BBL results can be long-term but depend heavily on weight, lifestyle and fat survival.
Ideal For:
Lanluma is best for subtle shaping and natural contouring. A BBL suits those looking for dramatic volume and more noticeable enhancement.
Cost:
Lanluma is moderately priced. A surgical BBL is generally more expensive because it involves theatre time, surgical care and extensive aftercare.
How Results Differ: Natural vs Dramatic Outcomes
Lanluma results:
– Smooth and subtle
– Natural-looking curves
– Gradual improvement
– Best for slight to moderate enhancements
– No drastic changes
Lanluma is perfect if you prefer a natural, understated lift that blends seamlessly with your body.
BBL results:
– Larger, more dramatic volume
– Enhanced projection
– Hourglass shaping
– Immediate transformation
If you’re looking for a major change in silhouette, a BBL will deliver a more dramatic outcome.
Safety Comparison: Why Lanluma Is Low-Risk
One of the biggest differences between Lanluma and a surgical BBL is safety.
Lanluma safety profile:
– No anaesthesia risk
– No surgical incisions
– Very low infection risk
– No fat embolism (associated with BBLs)
– Minimal downtime
Lanluma has one of the safest profiles in the aesthetic industry.
BBL safety profile:
Although modern techniques have improved, BBLs still have higher risks.
Potential risks include:
– Fat embolism
– Infection
– Anaesthesia complications
– Asymmetry
– Seroma
– Significant downtime
– Risk of lumps or hard areas
That doesn’t mean BBLs are unsafe when performed by skilled surgeons, but they do require careful consideration.
Downtime and Recovery: Lanluma Is Far Easier
Lanluma downtime:
– Back to light activity in 1–2 days
– No surgical restrictions
– Massage recommended
– Avoid direct sitting for 1–2 weeks
– Minimal discomfort
You can continue most of your daily routine quickly.
BBL downtime:
– 4–6 weeks of no sitting directly on your bum
– Sleeping on your stomach for several weeks
– Compression garments required
– Longer swelling period
– Higher discomfort
If you have a busy lifestyle or limited time off, Lanluma is significantly easier to manage.
Which One Lasts Longer?
Lanluma longevity:
– Results last 2–3 years
– Collagen continues to support structure
– Top-up sessions recommended every 18–24 months
BBL longevity:
– Results can last many years
– Some fat is reabsorbed
– Weight changes affect results
– Maintenance depends on lifestyle
A BBL can offer longer-term results, but Lanluma still provides impressive longevity given its non-surgical nature.
Cost Comparison: Which Is More Affordable?
Lanluma cost:
– Moderately priced
– Based on vials and desired volume
– Multiple sessions sometimes needed
– No additional surgical expenses
BBL cost:
– Higher overall
– Includes surgery, anaesthesia, aftercare garment and downtime
– More financial commitment upfront
If budget is important, Lanluma usually wins.
Ideal Candidates for Lanluma vs BBL
Your body goals determine which option suits you best.
Lanluma is ideal if you:
– Want a subtle, natural enhancement
– Prefer a non-surgical option
– Have limited downtime
– Want a safer alternative
– Are looking to correct hip dips or create roundness
– Don’t have enough body fat for a BBL
– Prefer gradual, refined changes
A BBL is ideal if you:
– Want a dramatic transformation
– Desire a strong hourglass silhouette
– Have enough body fat for liposuction
– Can commit to a long recovery
– Are comfortable with surgery
– Want a more permanent result
Your goals, lifestyle and risk tolerance will guide your decision.
Volume Differences: How Much Enhancement Can You Get?
Lanluma:
– Adds subtle to moderate volume
– Perfect for shaping, smoothing and lifting
– Can correct asymmetry
– Best for natural contours
BBL:
– Adds substantial volume
– Can create a highly defined shape
– Allows sculpting of waist and thighs using liposuction
– Ideal for major projection
If you’re hoping for a dramatic size increase, a BBL will provide more volume.
Lanluma Advantages That Appeal to Many Patients
1. Natural and gradual results
Perfect if you want enhancement without looking “done.”
2. No surgery or general anaesthesia
This eliminates major risks.
3. Quick recovery
Ideal for busy lifestyles.
4. Customisable shaping
You can target hip dips, upper bum or projection.
5. No scars
The skin remains smooth and untouched.
6. Suitable for slim patients
People without enough fat for a BBL often choose Lanluma.
BBL Advantages You Should Consider
1. Dramatic results
Ideal if you want a major change.
2. Body fat is used
This creates natural softness and feel.
3. Waist sculpting
Liposuction enhances overall hourglass shape.
4. Potential long-term result
A BBL can last for many years with stable weight.
Risks: What You Need to Know Before Choosing
Lanluma risks (very low):
– Temporary swelling
– Bruising
– Slight asymmetry (correctable with massage)
– Rare risk of infection
BBL risks (higher):
– Fat embolism
– Infection
– Asymmetry
– Nerve or tissue damage
– Seroma
– Anaesthesia complications
– Longer recovery challenges
It’s essential to weigh the risks with your desired outcome.
Aftercare: How Each Procedure Differs
Lanluma Aftercare:
– Avoid direct sitting initially
– Massage daily
– Wear loose clothing
– Stay hydrated
– Avoid heavy exercise for 2 weeks
BBL Aftercare:
– Use a BBL pillow for several weeks
– Wear compression garments
– Avoid direct pressure for 4–6 weeks
– Sleep on stomach
– Monitor for complications
BBL aftercare is much more demanding.
Which One Looks More Natural?
When it comes to achieving the most natural-looking enhancement, Lanluma often has the advantage because it relies on your body’s own collagen-building process. Since the volume develops gradually over several weeks, the final shape tends to blend seamlessly with your natural curves.
There are no sudden changes, no sharp transitions and no implanted fat, which means the result looks and feels like your own tissue rather than something added artificially. This slow, controlled improvement is ideal for anyone who wants a subtle lift, gentle contouring or a more refined silhouette without drawing attention to the fact that they’ve had a treatment.
On the other hand, a surgical BBL can also produce natural-looking results, but this depends heavily on the surgeon’s skill, the technique used and the amount of fat transferred. When done well, a BBL can enhance curves in a way that looks harmonious with your proportions.
However, because the fat is added all at once, the outcome can sometimes appear more dramatic especially if a significant increase in volume is requested. Some clients prefer this more noticeable transformation, but it may not suit those who want a softer, understated look.
Which One Is Better for Slim Patients?
Lanluma is often the more suitable choice for slim patients because it doesn’t rely on body fat. Since the treatment uses a collagen-stimulating injectable rather than transferred fat, it works well for people who naturally have a lean frame or low body fat percentage. Even very slim patients can achieve a noticeable lift, improved contour and a rounder shape because the results come from their own collagen production rather than fat harvesting.
A surgical BBL, however, requires enough donor fat to perform liposuction before it can be transferred to the buttocks. If you have limited fat on areas like the stomach, flanks, thighs or back, a BBL may not be possible or may produce only minimal results. Some surgeons even turn slim patients away because they simply don’t have the fat volume needed for a safe and effective transfer.
FAQs:
1. How long does it take to see results with Lanluma compared to a BBL?
With Lanluma, you’ll notice subtle changes gradually as your body produces new collagen. The lift and contouring develop over several weeks, so the transformation is slow and natural-looking. A BBL, on the other hand, gives you immediate volume because the fat is transferred directly to your buttocks during surgery. You’ll see a dramatic change as soon as the swelling starts to settle, usually within a couple of weeks, but keep in mind that the final result depends on how much fat survives the transfer.
2. Is one option safer than the other?
Lanluma is generally considered very safe because it’s non-surgical and doesn’t require anaesthesia. You don’t have to worry about surgical risks like fat embolism or serious complications, and infection risk is minimal. A BBL, while commonly performed by experienced surgeons, carries higher risks due to general anaesthesia, the fat transfer procedure, and a longer recovery period. Safety depends a lot on your surgeon’s skill and the techniques they use, but it’s important to understand that surgery inherently involves more potential complications.
3. How much downtime should I expect for each treatment?
After Lanluma, you can usually get back to most of your daily activities within a day or two. You’ll need to avoid sitting directly on your bum for a short time and follow some gentle massage instructions, but the recovery is manageable even if you have a busy schedule. A BBL requires a much longer recovery. You’ll need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks, sleep on your stomach, wear compression garments, and be cautious with movement, which can significantly affect your daily routine and work commitments.
4. Which treatment gives a more natural look?
Lanluma tends to provide a more natural appearance because the volume builds gradually with your own collagen. The curves develop slowly, so your bum looks like a natural enhancement rather than something added suddenly. With a BBL, results can be very natural if performed by a highly skilled surgeon, but because all the fat is transferred at once, it can sometimes look more dramatic, particularly if a large volume increase is desired. If you prefer a subtle, blended contour, Lanluma often suits that goal better.
5. Can slim patients benefit from both treatments?
If you’re slim and don’t have much body fat, Lanluma is usually the better choice. It doesn’t rely on fat harvesting, so even a lean frame can achieve noticeable lift and shape. A BBL requires enough donor fat to transfer, so if your body doesn’t have enough to safely harvest, the procedure might not be possible or may deliver only minimal results. Some surgeons may even advise slim patients against a BBL because achieving a safe and effective outcome is challenging.
6. How long do results last with Lanluma and BBL?
Lanluma results typically last around two to three years. Over time, your body’s collagen naturally decreases, so occasional top-up sessions every 18 to 24 months can help maintain the shape. A BBL can offer longer-lasting results, sometimes several years, depending on your lifestyle, weight fluctuations, and how well your body retains the transferred fat. While BBL can give a more permanent volume increase, results may still change over time.
7. Are the costs very different?
Lanluma is usually more affordable than a surgical BBL because it’s non-invasive, doesn’t require anaesthesia, theatre time, or extensive aftercare. You pay mainly for the product and the number of sessions you need. A BBL is more expensive because it involves surgery, anaesthesia, post-operative garments, and a longer recovery period. There’s also the added cost of follow-up care and potential touch-ups if any asymmetry or irregularities occur.
8. Can I customise the results with either treatment?
Lanluma allows you to target specific areas like hip dips, upper buttocks, or overall roundness, giving a refined, natural shape. You have some control over the subtlety and contouring because the results build gradually. A BBL also allows shaping, and because liposuction is involved, your surgeon can sculpt your waist, thighs, and hips to create a more dramatic hourglass figure. However, the final appearance with a BBL is less gradual, and adjustments after surgery are more difficult.
9. What are the main risks I should consider?
With Lanluma, the risks are very low. You may experience temporary swelling, slight bruising, or minor asymmetry, which can usually be corrected with massage. Infection is rare, and there are no serious complications associated with surgery or anaesthesia. A BBL comes with higher risks, including fat embolism, infection, asymmetry, nerve or tissue damage, seroma, and complications from general anaesthesia. Recovery challenges are also greater, so you need to weigh these risks against the benefits and the type of results you want.
10. How do I decide which treatment is right for me?
The best option depends on your goals, lifestyle, and comfort with risk. If you want a subtle, natural lift, minimal downtime, and a non-surgical approach, Lanluma is likely the better fit. If you’re seeking a more dramatic transformation, have enough body fat for transfer, and can commit to a longer recovery, a surgical BBL may be more suitable. Considering the differences in safety, results, and maintenance can help you make a confident choice that aligns with your personal preferences.
Final Thought: Choosing Between Lanluma and a Surgical BBL
Deciding between a Lanluma bum lift and a surgical BBL really depends on your goals, how much downtime you can manage, and how dramatic you want your results to be. If you’re looking for a subtle, natural enhancement with minimal recovery and lower risk, Lanluma is often the better choice. A surgical BBL can give you more immediate and pronounced volume, but it requires a longer recovery and involves higher risks.
It’s important to weigh the differences in safety, longevity, cost, and overall results so that your decision aligns with your lifestyle and expectations. You can reach out to us at the London Medical & Aesthetic Clinic to book your consultation for a Lanluma bum lift in London and explore your options with expert guidance. This way, you can achieve the lift and shape you want safely, comfortably, and tailored specifically to you.
References:
1. Hunsicker, L., Nassab, R. et al. (2023) “British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Review and Recommendations”, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 43(6), pp. 675–688. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/43/6/675/6887101
2. Kao, Y.-M., Chen, K.-T., Lee, K.-C., Hsu, C.-C. & Chien, Y.-C. (2023) ‘Pulmonary Fat Embolism Following Liposuction and Fat Grafting: A Review of Published Cases’, Healthcare, 11(10), article 1391. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/10/1391
3. Elsaftawy, A., Ostrowski, P., Bonczar, M., Stolarski, M., Gabryszuk, K. & Bonczar, T. (2024) ‘Enhancing Buttock Contours: A Safer Approach to Gluteal Augmentation with Ultrasonic Liposuction, Submuscular Implants, and Ultrasound‑Guided Fat Grafting’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(10), article 2856. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/10/2856
4. Chaghamirzayi, P., Abdi, H., Karimi Rozveh, J., Ahmadi Nejad, M. & Azizmanesh, M. (2024) ‘Fat Embolism Following Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases’, JPRAS Open, 43, pp. 18–55. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11625191/
5. Elsaftawy, A., Ostrowski, P., Bonczar, M., Stolarski, M., Gabryszuk, K. & Bonczar, T. (2024) ‘Enhancing Buttock Contours: A Safer Approach to Gluteal Augmentation with Ultrasonic Liposuction, Submuscular Implants, and Ultrasound‑Guided Fat Grafting’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(10), article 2856. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11122434/
