A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) uses three groups of cannulas: infiltration cannulas to deliver tumescent fluid, harvesting cannulas to collect fat from the donor areas, and injection cannulas to transfer the processed fat into the buttocks. This guide covers the sizes and tip types used at each step. To match sizes to products, use our liposuction cannula selector.
1. Infiltration Cannulas
Tumescent fluid is usually infiltrated into the abdomen, flanks, back and thighs with 2.5–4 mm multi-hole cannulas, 20–30 cm long. Options include the Coleman tumescent infiltration cannula and the bayonet infiltration cannula.
2. Fat Harvesting Cannulas
For BBL, fat is harvested in large volume, so surgeons typically use 3–4 mm blunt multi-port harvesters, 25–30 cm long, that collect small, viable fat parcels with low trauma. Common patterns:
- Tonnard pattern harvester: many small side ports for fine, uniform parcels.
- Becker basket cannula: basket-style tip that breaks up fibrous fat such as the back and flanks.
- Spiral three-port harvester and six-port spiral harvester: ports around the shaft for efficient collection.
- Miller speed harvester and candy cane harvester: fast harvesting from large donor sites.
3. Fat Injection Cannulas
Gluteal fat injection is the highest-risk step of a BBL. The multi-society Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force advises injecting only into the subcutaneous plane, never into or under the gluteal muscle, keeping the cannula tip where it can be felt, avoiding downward angulation, and using larger, stiffer injection cannulas (commonly cited as 4.1 mm or more) that are less likely to bend or enter deep vessels. A blunt single-hole cannula such as our one central hole cannula in 4–5 mm, 25–30 cm, fits this approach. Always follow current society guidance and your own protocols.
BBL Cannula Size Summary
| Step | Diameter | Length | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infiltration | 2.5–4 mm | 20–30 cm | Multi-hole, blunt |
| Harvesting | 3–4 mm | 25–30 cm | Blunt, multi-port |
| Injection | 4 mm and above | 25–30 cm | Blunt, single-hole, stiff |
Complete Your BBL Instrument Set
Pair your cannulas with matching handles, Luer lock adapters and syringe connectors from our liposuction and fat transfer instruments range. See also our liposuction cannula size chart, and our guides to breast fat grafting cannulas and facial fat grafting cannulas.
Buy BBL Cannulas from the Manufacturer
Gulmaher Surgico has manufactured surgical instruments since 2007 in an ISO 13485 and CE certified facility. We ship liposuction cannulas to clinics and distributors across the USA and worldwide, with custom sizes and private-label options. Request a quote.
This article is a purchasing reference for medical professionals, not clinical advice.
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