Dr. Moises Salama is an award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami, FL. In this blog series, “Your BBL Resource,” he will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about Brazilian butt lift surgery, as well as provide advice on how to get the best result should you choose to have the procedure.

In our last blog post, I explained what a Brazilian butt lift is. In this article, I’d like to talk about one of the most important steps for a patient considering BBL, or any plastic surgery procedure: selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. While narrowing down the list can seem like an overwhelming process, asking the right questions can eliminate much of the stress. Here are a few necessary ones (and why they matter) to get you started:

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Any surgeon can perform plastic surgery, but the ones with the most experience in cosmetic procedures will, naturally, be the ones who trained in plastic surgery. Your safest bet is always to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can confirm certification on the ABPS website.

Am I a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift?

Not everyone should have a BBL. Your unique anatomic indicators, overall health, and desired results will help determine if this procedure is right for you. Any potential surgeon should explain why you are or are not a good candidate.

Do I have reasonable expectations for the outcome?

Managing your expectations is essential to stay positive through the entire recovery and to be satisfied with the result. Your plastic surgeon should discuss your goals thoroughly and help you understand what to anticipate at every stage of treatment.

Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at?

Every plastic surgeon has his or her aesthetic “style.” Be sure to review some before-and-after photos to check the “style” of the surgeon you are consulting with. Every patient should be mindful that not every surgeon’s aesthetic “style” will necessarily be for them.

What kind of recovery can I expect?

To achieve the best possible outcome requires following your plastic surgeon’s guidelines during the healing process. Prepare for what’s to come by asking for detailed information about each stage of recovery. That way you can plan to take the necessary time off and to be mindful about any restrictions.

How much will my treatment plan cost?

Not all plastic surgery quotes include the same information. Ask whether the estimate includes all expected fees. The total cost typically includes the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, and the hospital facility fee. Many places only provide the surgeon’s fee.

In addition to asking lots of questions, ask yourself how the plastic surgeon makes you feel. Are you comfortable? Do you feel confident in their approach? If something seems off, trust your gut and keep looking.

Now that we’ve touched on recovery, let’s look into this topic further. In my next post, I’ll discuss the recovery process and what to expect after a Brazilian butt liftt.