5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a BBL in Turkey

Planning a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Turkey can be exciting and a little overwhelming. With thousands of women choosing Turkey each year for this life-changing procedure, it’s easy to see why it’s become a global hotspot. Affordable packages, experienced surgeons, and modern clinics are all part of the appeal. But what’s it really like from a patient’s point of view?

Here are five things I wish I had known before booking my BBL in Turkey, things you won’t always find on clinic websites.

1. Fat Retention Isn’t Guaranteed — and That’s Normal

Many people assume that once the fat is transferred during a BBL, it stays exactly as it is — but that’s not how the body works. After a Brazilian Butt Lift, your body goes through a reabsorption process where a portion of the injected fat cells will not survive. On average, about 60–80% of the transferred fat remains, while the rest is naturally absorbed by the body over the first few months.

Surgeons typically overfill the buttocks slightly during the procedure to account for this expected loss. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations: the shape and size you see immediately after surgery is not your final result. Swelling, fluid retention, and healing can all affect how you look in the early stages.

What affects fat survival?

• Post-op care is critical. Sitting or lying on your back too soon can reduce fat survival.
• Blood supply plays a huge role — only fat that establishes a new blood supply will remain long-term.
• Lifestyle choices like smoking, extreme dieting, or skipping meals can negatively impact your results.
• Your body type and metabolism will influence how much fat is retained, and whether you may need a second session in future.

Some clinics in Turkey offer revision procedures or top-up treatments as part of their long-term care plans if the patient is seeking more volume or symmetry. This is particularly common in slimmer patients who may not have had enough fat to transfer in the first round.

Understanding that fat grafting has its limits — and that a certain amount of loss is completely normal — can help you feel more confident and calm during your healing process. The key is to follow your surgeon’s instructions precisely and give your body time to adjust.

2. You Need to Prepare for Recovery Before You Travel

One mistake many people make is focusing so much on the surgery and travel plans that they forget about recovery. Trust me — you don’t want to be figuring things out when you get home and can’t sit down properly.

Before your trip, you should:

• Buy a BBL pillow or donut cushion for sitting
• Set up a comfortable sleeping space that lets you lie on your stomach or side
• Arrange for someone to help you for the first few days, especially with meals and mobility
• Prepare loose-fitting clothes that won’t rub against surgical areas
• Stock up on easy-to-eat meals, water, and entertainment for rest periods

Even if you stay in Turkey for a week post-surgery (which is recommended), recovery continues long after you return home. Being prepared will make the process less stressful and more comfortable.

3. Not All Clinics Include Everything, Ask for the Details

Many people are drawn in by BBL Turkey packages, which often include the procedure, accommodation, transfers, and aftercare. But not all packages are created equally. Some clinics don’t include post-op garments, medication, or even consultations in their pricing. Others may use budget hotels or shared rooms.

Before booking, ask:

• Does the price include pre-op tests, garments, and medication?
• What kind of accommodation is provided?
• Will I have a private patient coordinator or translator?
• How many follow-up appointments are included?
• What kind of post-op support do you offer once I return home?

Getting a written breakdown of what’s included helps avoid surprises and ensures you’re getting value for your money — not just a low price.

4. The Results Take Time — Be Patient

If you think you’ll walk out of the clinic with your dream body, think again. After a BBL, your body needs time to settle and heal. You’ll experience swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first few weeks. The final shape of your buttocks won’t be visible for at least three to six months.

During this time:

• Avoid sitting directly on your buttocks
• Wear your compression garment as instructed
• Stay hydrated and eat well to support fat survival
• Take gentle walks to improve circulation

It’s easy to panic when swelling changes your shape or your body looks uneven — but that’s part of the process. Trust your surgeon, follow your aftercare routine, and take regular photos to track your progress. It’s a journey, not an overnight transformation.

5. The Right Surgeon Is More Important Than the Price

With so many clinics advertising cheap BBL in Turkey, it’s tempting to go for the most affordable deal. But when it comes to surgery, price should never be your main deciding factor.

The most important thing is your surgeon’s:

• Qualifications and board certifications
• Experience with BBL procedures specifically
• Patient before-and-after results
• Transparency during consultations
• Willingness to answer questions and manage expectations

Choosing a well-reviewed clinic with a proven safety record and an experienced surgical team may cost more upfront, but it protects you from complications, revisions, and disappointment down the line. Your health and satisfaction are worth investing in.