Both Sculptra Butt Lifts and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) are injectable buttocks enhancements. The BBL was first used as a butt enhancement in the 1980s by harvesting fat from one part of the body, commonly the abdomen, arms, and thighs, and then injecting it into the buttocks for a fuller, plumper backside. The BBL is a surgical procedure and involves 2-4 weeks of post-op downtime. Results are instant however bruising, redness, and swelling are to be expected until fully healed. Risks and side effects include pain, redness, bruising, swelling, deep infection, and fat embolism (fat lodges in a blood vessel, blocking blood flow – fatality rate is 1 in 3000 patients). Sculptra is a non invasive procedure involving the injection of Poly-l-lactic acid, a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic polymer naturally found in the body. Results take 1.5 - 2.5 months to show as the product works by stimulating collagen production. This collagen then wraps around particles in the body that would normally break down, inducing growth in the injected area. Possible risks and side effects include bruising, swelling, discomfort, granuloma formation, hematoma, and inflammation, though these side effects are typically rare.

The average cost for a BBL ranges $4,000-$7,000 in NYC and the average Sculptra cost NYC ranges $350-750 per vial.

Overall both procedures have been shown to leave desired results, one of them being surgical and instant, and the other being non-surgical and gradual.