If you want fuller, more shapely curves but do not want surgery, or you simply do not have enough body fat for a Brazilian butt lift, alloClae may be the option you have been looking for. This new structural adipose filler is changing how patients think about body contouring. At RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa in Vernon Hills, IL, it is performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Lu. Here is what alloClae can do for you, how a non-surgical BBL works, and why the provider you choose matters.
What Is alloClae?
alloClae is a structural adipose filler, which means it is made from real fat tissue rather than hyaluronic acid or a synthetic gel. The donor fat is processed so that the extracellular matrix and collagen are preserved, while the cellular components that could trigger an immune reaction are removed. The FDA regulates it as a human cell and tissue product, and it comes in pre-filled syringes.
Because alloClae is built like natural fat tissue, it integrates with the surrounding tissue and tends to feel more natural than traditional fillers, especially when larger volumes are needed. Best of all, it requires no liposuction and no fat harvesting.
What Does Non-Surgical BBL Mean?
A traditional Brazilian butt lift is a surgery. Fat is removed from areas like the abdomen, back, flanks, and hips with liposuction, then injected into the buttocks to create a lifted, rounded shape. A non-surgical BBL achieves a similar goal, enhancing the size and shape of the buttocks, without incisions or fat harvesting. Instead of using your own fat, your surgeon injects alloClae directly into the areas you want to enhance.
As with any cosmetic surgery, it is worth it to set realistic expectations. A non-surgical BBL is designed for patients who want subtle to moderate enhancement, such as added fullness, a rounder shape, or softer hip dips. Patients who want a dramatic change in size may be better served by a surgical BBL or gluteal implants. An honest consultation will help you decide which approach fits your goals, and Dr. Lu will tell you plainly if a different option would serve you better.
How Does Non-Surgical BBL with alloClae Work?
The treatment is performed in the office and takes under an hour. Dr. Lu begins by evaluating your proportions and discussing the shape you want. The treatment area is then numbed, and alloClae is injected with a blunt cannula beneath the skin or within the muscle layers, depending on your anatomy and goals. The tissue is then massaged to create smooth, natural-looking contours.
The number of syringes depends on your goals. Minor refinements may need only a few, while more extensive contouring of the buttocks and hips can require ten or more. Most patients drive themselves home afterward. Because every body is different, your exact treatment plan, syringe count, and pricing are mapped out during your consultation, so there are no surprises on the day of treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Non-Surgical BBL?
alloClae is especially valuable for patients who do not have enough fat for a surgical BBL. A BBL depends on harvesting enough fat from the abdomen, back, flanks, or hips, and patients without adequate fat stores are often advised to gain 10 to 15 pounds before surgery. A non-surgical BBL removes that obstacle. Because alloClae does not rely on your own fat, naturally slender or athletic patients can still pursue the curves they want.
Good candidates are healthy adults at a stable weight who have realistic expectations about results and longevity. alloClae can also smooth irregularities after procedures like liposuction and is a good option for patients recovering from surgery after significant weight loss.
How Does alloClae Compare to Fat Grafting and Traditional Fillers?
Autologous fat grafting uses your own fat, which means liposuction, a harvest site, and a longer recovery. It can give lasting results, but it is not an option when a patient lacks enough fat to transfer. Hyaluronic acid fillers are convenient, but they typically resorb over 6 to 12 months and are less suited to restoring larger volumes. alloClae sits between the two. It provides the structure and natural feel of fat tissue without surgery, which makes it a practical choice for patients who want more than a traditional filler can offer but are not ready for, or are not candidates for, a surgical procedure.
Some patients combine treatments, using alloClae to refine results after a BBL or a procedure like liposuction. Dr. Lu can recommend the right combination for your body and goals.
What Else Can alloClae Treat?
The buttocks and hips are just the beginning. alloClae can also be used to enhance the breasts or correct breast asymmetry, add volume to the thighs and calves, and soften indented scars and cellulite dimples. It may also be used off-label for the cheeks and jawline. Patients considering breast augmentation or facial fat transfer may want to ask whether alloClae could complement their treatment plan.
What Is Recovery Like, and How Long Do Results Last?
There is no downtime. Mild swelling or bruising may last for 24 to 48 hours, most patients return to work the next day, and exercise can typically resume in 2 to 3 weeks. Many patients see their results last 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on the treatment area and individual metabolism. Because longevity varies, some patients return for touch-up treatments to maintain their shape. alloClae is not covered by insurance.
Why Does Your Provider Matter for alloClae?
Not every surgeon is qualified to perform alloClae. It is a newly introduced product, and getting a natural result takes more than simply injecting it. The right placement depth, layering, volume, and an understanding of gluteal anatomy all affect how smooth and balanced your contours look. Injected in the wrong plane or in the wrong amount, any filler can leave irregular contours or asymmetry. The manufacturer also provides training for physicians, and not every practice has completed it or has experience with the product.
Dr. Leonard Lu is qualified. He is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his integrated plastic surgery residency at Northwestern University and specializes in body contouring. He performs Brazilian butt lifts and understands the anatomy and proportions that make a result look natural. When you are comparing providers, consider asking:
- Are you board-certified, and have you been trained to use alloClae?
- How many alloClae treatments have you performed?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
Why Choose RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa?
At RL Center, you receive surgical expertise in a comfortable, patient-centered setting, along with a team that takes the time to listen to your goals, and honest guidance on whether a non-surgical BBL, a surgical BBL, or another procedure is right for you. Take the first step toward the shape you want with a surgeon who has the training and experience to deliver it. To explore what alloClae can do for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lu at our Vernon Hills plastic surgery office, or contact us at (847) 367-8815.
