It is wonderful that the advancements in cosmetic surgery make it possible for us to enhance our natural beauty if we so desire. Breast augmentation continues to hold the lead as the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery, but another procedure has recently been gaining popularity. It is most probable that the BBl, or Brazilian Butt Lift, is a procedure that has been inspired by popular celebrities who are known for their shapely backsides.
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one part of the body, typically the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to the buttocks to enhance their size and shape. While the procedure has become increasingly popular in recent years, historically there have been concerns about its safety. In this article, we will address the question: how safe is a BBL?
What Are The Benefits Of A Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian buttock lift can enhance your figure and provide more curvaceous but natural-looking contours on your buttocks.
The procedure uses fat that is gathered from other areas of the body, such as the back, thighs, abdomen, etc. This provides fat that can be grafted into the buttocks that will not be rejected or cause any type of allergic reaction because it is natural to your body.
Additionally, it can slim down areas on your body where you may have pockets of excess fat that have been resistant to diet and exercise.
Once the grafted fat has taken hold and becomes viable, it is permanent and will act like any other fat cells that are on your body.
A BBL can be combined with other procedures, such as a plus-size tummy tuck, to provide dramatic body contouring results.
Is A Brazilian Butt Lift Safe?
The first thing you should understand is that any surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. However, when it comes to a Brazilian butt lift, the risks historically have been particularly significant. According to a 2017 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the mortality rate for BBL was estimated to be between 1 in 2,600 and 2 in 6,000, which was much higher than any other cosmetic surgery.
One of the reasons for the elevated risk associated with BBL is that the procedure involves using a technique for moving fat from one area of the body to another called autologous fat transfer (fat grafting). This involves injecting fat near the gluteal muscles, which are located near large blood vessels.
If the fat is injected too deeply or in an incorrect location, it can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. This is known as fat embolism syndrome (FES), and it is the most common cause of death associated with BBL.
In response to the very concerning BBL statistics that were published in the 2017 Aesthetic Surgery Journal report, a task force was formed to investigate these BBL risk factors. The force was made up of members from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and several of their international counterparts.
The efforts of the combined task force have achieved significant success, making the BBL much safer. Numerous surgeons have altered their technique in accordance with the directives of the task force, resulting in a risk profile that is now comparable to that of a tummy tuck.
In order to ensure the safety of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures, it is imperative for surgeons to administer injections of fat tissue above the gluteal muscle. This is due to the fact that the gluteal muscle layer serves as a crucial barrier that effectively separates the cannula (the medical device utilized for the extraction and injection of fat) from the blood vessels.
Choosing A Qualified Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Is Critical
To reduce the risks associated with the procedure, surgeons who perform BBLs must be highly skilled and experienced. They must carefully pre-qualify candidates, utilize proper techniques, and take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of complications.
Patients who are considering a Brazilian Butt Lift should also be aware of the importance of choosing a board-certified surgeon who has a proven track record of performing safe and successful BBL procedures. Patients should also be honest about their medical history and disclose any medications they are taking, as certain medications can increase the risk of complications.
Dangerous Doctors Still Exist
Unfortunately, there are still shady practitioners that are operating under the radar. For example, a doctor outside of Miami, Florida, had eight patients die after having procedures at clinics he operated. His business strategy involved hiring numerous doctors who were not board-certified in plastic surgery and compensating them on a commission basis.
Stories with the details were run in USA Today and a local Naples newspaper. These clinics changed names several times and ran ads on social media, quoting prices that were significantly lower than patients could find elsewhere. A Facebook post from just last year gave some of the names of these clinics, and if you check RealSelf.com, they published a message saying that Jolie Plastic Surgery has been suspended from their page.
Here is a snapshot of the Facebook post:
Cosmetic Surgery like A Brazilian Butt Lift Is Safe When You Choose A Qualified Surgeon
When you are considering any type of surgery, do your research and ensure that the doctor you choose is properly qualified. Find a surgeon like Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
She is a top-rated cosmetic surgeon with locations convenient to the Atlanta area. Make sure you can find credible information on the surgeon you are considering (media coverage, articles or peer papers they have written, patient reviews, etc.).
Take time at your initial consultation to ask questions and gauge your level of comfort with the surgeon and their team. Remember, you are trusting them with not only the results of your procedure but also your life.
At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, Dr. Angelina and her team of highly skilled professionals put patient safety first while delivering optimal results. A Brazilian butt lift is a safe procedure when performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has the knowledge, expertise, and proper experience.
Recovery From A Brazilian Butt Lift
While the Brazilian butt lift can provide patients with a more shapely and proportionate figure, it is not without risks. Patients who are considering this procedure should do their research, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and be aware of the potential complications.
In addition to the risk of fat embolism syndrome, patients who undergo BBL may experience other complications, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. However, these risks can be minimized by following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully and taking proper care of the surgical site. By taking these steps, patients can maximize the safety and success of their BBL procedure.
Finally, patients should be aware that the recovery period after a Brazilian Butt Lift is usually between six and eight weeks, and they may experience some bruising, discomfort, and swelling. They will need to avoid sitting or lying on their back for several weeks to ensure that the fat grafts settle properly.
The surgeon can provide strategies and suggestions for avoiding putting pressure on these areas. There are special pillows, mattresses, and furniture that have been designed exclusively to aid patients in their BBL recovery.
If you are considering a Brazilian Butt Lift as part of your aesthetic desires, you can trust the professionals at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics. When performed properly by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with experience and knowledge in performing the procedure, a Brazilian butt lift is safe and delivers pleasing results.
Contact us today to set up a consultation to find out if you would be a good candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift. We would love to talk with you about the surgical and non-surgical procedures we offer that can fulfill your aesthetic goals. Set up your appointment today, either online or by visiting one of our locations.
