Awake fat transfer. A plan shaped around you.
Considering a Brazilian butt lift in Chicago? A BBL combines liposuction with transfer of your own fat to the buttocks. At BodyLuxe, the conversation starts with your overall shape: the definition you want at the waist, the contour of your hips, and the fullness you would like to add.
Daniel J Farrugia, MD PhD FACS performs awake BBL surgery under tumescent local anesthesia. Your plan is individualized to your anatomy, available donor fat, health, and preferences. You do not need to arrive knowing which procedure or amount of fat to request.
Your first in-person consultation is complimentary. Start with your Health Profile, then choose your consultation appointment. Video consultations are $75, applied toward your procedure under the consultation terms.
On this page
- One patient’s combined liposuction and BBL result
- Choosing your surgeon for a Brazilian butt lift in Chicago
- What would you like to change?
- Do you have enough fat for a BBL?
- What does an awake BBL involve?
- What can you expect from the result?
- Plan recovery around your real life
- Benefits, risks, and your individual plan
- What will a BBL cost?
- Let’s talk about the shape you have in mind
- A few more questions patients ask
One patient’s combined liposuction and BBL result
This photograph shows one BodyLuxe patient before and after combined liposuction and BBL. The photograph shows the overall change from both parts of treatment. Individual results vary.
Use the photographs to show us what you like. At your consultation, we can connect those preferences with your own starting shape and treatment options.
Choosing your surgeon for a Brazilian butt lift in Chicago
Daniel J Farrugia, MD PhD FACS is a cosmetic surgeon, board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
BodyLuxe is a surgeon-owned Chicago practice focused on awake body contouring. Your consultation is directly with Dr. Farrugia, who also performs your surgery. That gives you an opportunity to discuss the proposed plan with the person who will carry it out.
Meet Dr. Farrugia. For questions to bring to your appointment, read our guide to choosing a BBL surgeon in Chicago.
What would you like to change?
Some patients want more projection. Others are interested in a smoother waist-to-hip transition or a fuller contour without a large increase in size. Bring examples of what you like, and explain what you would prefer to avoid.
The important distinction is between adding volume and changing proportions. Liposuction shapes selected donor areas; fat transfer adds volume to the receiving areas. Planning them together helps you understand what each part of the operation is intended to accomplish.
A BBL focuses on contour and volume. If your main goal is fat removal, liposuction alone may fit better. Substantial loose skin calls for a separate discussion about skin removal; a BBL does not replace that operation or a weight-loss plan. [1]
Do you have enough fat for a BBL?
The answer depends on the change you want and where suitable fat can be harvested. Being lean does not automatically rule out a limited transfer, but it may limit the size of the change.
Dr. Farrugia assesses donor areas and the receiving tissues rather than choosing a plan from an online volume target. Prior liposuction, skin quality, existing asymmetry, and planned weight changes belong in that discussion. Removing more fat is not always better for the donor area.
What does an awake BBL involve?
Tumescent local anesthesia numbs the treatment areas while you remain awake and able to communicate. The operation includes donor-area liposuction, preparation of the collected fat, and placement into the buttock tissues. At BodyLuxe, fat is placed in the subcutaneous tissue above the gluteal muscle.
Being awake does not mean having surgery without anesthesia. Tell us about anxiety, previous anesthesia experiences, and concerns about discomfort before scheduling surgery. Together, we will discuss what you may feel and how your comfort and medication needs will be managed.
What can you expect from the result?
The goal is a change that fits your body and preferences. Discuss projection, hip contour, asymmetry, and the areas you want to preserve as well as the areas you want to change.
Early fullness includes swelling. Some transferred fat may not remain, and the appearance evolves during healing. Weight change and aging can also affect the contour. The amount transferred is one part of planning; your tissues and healing also influence the final shape and symmetry. [2]
Plan recovery around your real life
Recovery involves both the liposuction areas and the areas receiving fat. Expect to plan for soreness, swelling, garments, movement, and temporary changes to how you sit and rest. Your written instructions will explain how to protect the treated areas and when to increase activity. [3]
Before choosing a surgical date, discuss your commute, desk time, lifting at work, childcare, exercise, and travel. If you work from home, tell us how much sitting your day involves. We will help you plan around your positioning instructions and discuss when you can drive again.
Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and help after surgery, following the support arrangements in your discharge plan. [4]
Benefits, risks, and your individual plan
A BBL is surgery. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, fluid collections, fat necrosis, contour irregularity, changes in sensation, scarring, and the need for further treatment. Serious risks include blood clots, anesthesia complications, and fat embolism, which can be fatal. [5] [6]
Dr. Farrugia will discuss these risks alongside the expected benefit, your health, and your recovery arrangements. These considerations apply to awake surgery as well. Read our BBL risk guide for more detail.
What will a BBL cost?
Your total depends on the donor areas and the complete operation being proposed. A listed fat-transfer price should not be mistaken for the total cost of liposuction plus transfer.
Review the current pricing information, then confirm your individualized written quote. Ask which services and supplies are included, what could be additional, and what the payment, cancellation, and revision terms mean. Financing information is available separately and is subject to the applicable lender’s approval and terms.
Let’s talk about the shape you have in mind
Complete your Health Profile so we can understand your goals and health history. You will then be directed to choose a consultation. An in-person visit allows an examination; a video consultation uses the requested photographs and discussion, with an in-person assessment still necessary before surgery.
Bring your questions, your goals, and anything that feels uncertain. Your consultation gives you a chance to understand the options, recovery, and costs, then take the time you need to decide.
First in-person consultation: complimentary. Video consultation: $75, applied toward your procedure under the consultation terms. Photos are not required to book an in-person consultation. Video consultations require photographs through the private upload process.
BodyLuxe | 875 N Michigan Ave Suite 3620, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 999-5505
A few more questions patients ask
Can I ask for a subtle BBL?
Yes. Explain what a subtle change means to you, including what you do not want to look different. Whether that goal is achievable depends on your examination, available fat, and tissue characteristics.
Is a BBL the same as fat transfer?
A BBL is a type of fat transfer to the buttocks. Fat transfer to the breasts or other areas has different goals and planning requirements. [1]
Can I have liposuction without a BBL?
Yes. Liposuction and fat transfer are separate parts of the plan. When adding buttock volume is not your goal, discuss whether fat removal alone addresses your concern.
Can I start with a video consultation from outside Chicago?
Yes. BodyLuxe offers video consultations for patients considering travel. Discuss in-person assessment, the expected stay, your support person, and follow-up before purchasing travel. Your travel and surgical arrangements will be reviewed as the plan develops.
Sources
[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Buttock enhancement overview.
[2] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Results.
[3] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Recovery.
[4] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Preparation.
[5] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Risks and safety.
[6] Multisociety statement on gluteal fat-grafting safety.
This page provides general education and does not replace an individual medical evaluation or your written surgical instructions.
About the author
Daniel J. Farrugia, MD, PhD, FACS, is certified by the American Board of Surgery and founder of BodyLuxe® PLLC in Chicago. He specializes in awake body contouring, liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), and fat transfer procedures performed under local anesthesia in the John Hancock Center. With decades of surgical experience and training at leading institutions including Mayo Clinic, University of Florida and University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Farrugia focuses on natural, proportionate results, meticulous safety, and a patient‑first approach to every case.
Medical review
Reviewed by Daniel J. Farrugia, MD, PhD, FACS, cosmetic surgeon (ABS; FACS). BodyLuxe, Chicago.