What It Is

Pocket revision BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift revision) is a corrective surgery performed when a previous BBL procedure has left issues such as asymmetry, irregular fat distribution, contour deformities, or poor pocket formation. The “pocket” refers to the space in which transferred fat was placed. If fat is injected unevenly, into the wrong plane, or migrates, the result may look unnatural or unsatisfactory.

In Korea, pocket revision BBL is performed by experienced body contouring surgeons using fat redistribution, liposuction, fat grafting, or corrective pocket adjustment techniques to refine the buttock shape and achieve smoother, more natural curves.

Why It’s Done

Patients choose pocket revision BBL because:

• Their first BBL resulted in asymmetry or uneven projection.
• The fat migrated, causing lumps, dips, or irregularities.
• The buttock shape looks unnatural, flat, or exaggerated.
• They want a safer and more refined result after unsatisfactory surgery elsewhere.

Good candidates include:

• Patients with complications or dissatisfaction after a BBL.
• Individuals with enough donor fat for redistribution or augmentation.
• Healthy patients with realistic expectations about revision surgery.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical fillers (Sculptra, HA fillers): Temporary improvement for minor asymmetry.
• Fat grafting alone: For small touch-ups without pocket reconstruction.
• No treatment: If the irregularity is mild and acceptable to the patient.

Preparation

Before pocket revision BBL in Korea, patients will:

• Have a detailed consultation, physical exam, and 3D imaging to evaluate fat distribution and buttock shape.
• Provide full history of their first BBL, including surgical technique and amount of fat transferred.
• Stop smoking and alcohol 2–4 weeks before surgery.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.
• Plan for downtime, as revision surgery often involves more recovery than the primary procedure.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is typically used.
• Techniques may include:
  • Pocket adjustment: Correcting the plane or depth where fat was placed.
  • Liposuction: Removing excess or misplaced fat around the buttocks, hips, or thighs.
  • Fat grafting: Harvesting and purifying fat, then reinjecting it into precise areas for contour correction.
  • Scar tissue release: If fibrosis formed after the first surgery.
• Duration: 2–4 hours, depending on complexity.

Recovery

• First week: swelling, bruising, and soreness at both donor and buttock sites.
• Sitting is restricted for 2–3 weeks; patients use a special cushion when sitting.
• Return to light activities in 1–2 weeks; full activity after 4–6 weeks.
• Final results visible after 3–6 months as swelling subsides and fat stabilizes.

Possible Complications

• Asymmetry if healing is uneven.
• Partial fat resorption requiring touch-ups.
• Infection or wound healing issues.
• Fibrosis or scar tissue formation.
• Rare risks: fat embolism (minimized with advanced Korean safety protocols).

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

• 3D body scanning and photography to analyze contour deformities.
• Review of prior surgery records to plan a safe revision.

Medical Treatments

• Non-surgical fillers or collagen stimulators for small corrections.
• Physical therapy or massage for fibrosis management in mild cases.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Pocket reconstruction with precise fat redistribution.
• Liposuction and fat grafting for shaping and symmetry.
• Combination with hip dip fat grafting or lower back liposuction for enhanced curves.
• Scar tissue release to smooth out irregularities.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Specialized compression garments for shaping during recovery.
• Sitting and sleeping position guidance to protect fat graft survival.
• Scar care and skin treatments to minimize marks.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s refined revision body contouring expertise, high safety standards, and tailored aftercare programs.