Popularity surrounding the Brazilian butt lift surgery has soared in the past decade as the procedure can produce a more ample posterior and desirable curves.
Since 2015, the number of Brazilian butt lifts (BBL) performed globally has grown by 78%, according to a survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Brazilian butt lift surgery has a higher complication rate than other cosmetic procedures, leading to many questions surrounding the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
Although the rate of complications is higher, there are many happy patients whose bodies have been transformed for the better by BBL surgery.
When considering plastic surgery, it’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, since they have the education and experience necessary to safely perform plastic surgery.
Everyone’s body is different, and each BBL surgery should be treated as such. What is safe for one patient may not be safe for another, which is why it’s important to utilize a plastic surgeon who understands all aspects of the procedure.
What is a BBL?
Although Brazilian butt lift is called a butt lift, it does not actually involve lifting the butt. Instead, it involves injecting fat into the gluteal area to add volume, shape, and contour.
To do this, fat is harvested from different areas of the body — mainly from the abdomen, back, and waist. Fat can also be taken from the thighs and arms.
This fat is then injected into the fatty layer of the buttocks to enlarge them.
Which Part of a BBL Can Be Unsafe?
The safety concerns happen if the procedure is performed incorrectly, because it can lead to serious medical complications.
During a BBL, the fat should be injected into the fatty layer beneath the skin and above the muscle.
When fat is injected into the gluteal muscle, there is a risk of fat moving into the large gluteal vessels.
When fat enters the blood stream, it can create what is known as a fat embolism. If this embolism reaches the lungs, it can block oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. It can cause a stroke or death if the embolism reaches the brain.
As the demand for Brazilian butt lifts increases, practitioners who are not qualified or well-trained are performing the operation without the proper experience. This can lead to the aforementioned complications and should be avoided.
Avoiding Potential BBL Complications
The key steps to avoiding possible BBL complications are:
1. Do Your Research
Find a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in BBL surgery. During the consultation, ask your surgeon how many procedures they’ve performed, and where the fat will be injected.
Check your surgeon’s qualifications to set your mind at ease regarding their education and credentials.
And take a moment to look at before and after photos of BBL procedures they have performed, as well as patient reviews.
2. Take Care of Yourself Before Surgery
Patients are required to avoid alcohol for two weeks before surgery. Smoking should also be avoided for at least four weeks before surgery.
3. Prepare for Recovery
While recovering, you will not be able to exercise or make strenuous efforts.
Since you will not be able to sit down directly on your buttocks for at least two weeks while recovering, ensure that you have a donut pillow, thick towel, or other solution.
Make sure to have everything you need on the same floor to avoid going up and down stairs.
4. Avoid Certain Medications & Supplements
Avoid medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, including blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oils, and omega-3.
A Safer, More Effective Brazilian Butt Lift
Fat is an amazing substance — it can be used in so many versatile ways to sculpt and contour the body.
When placed in the buttocks, it can create an amazing shape and more projection. If the surgery is not performed by a specialist who is familiar with possible complications, that’s when problems can occur.
Any surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, involves risks and possible complications. The best way to avoid those complications is to seek out surgeons who specializes in that surgery.
In the right hands, a BBL is a very safe operation that can help achieve your goal of a sculpted waist and shapely buttocks.
To schedule a consultation with board-certified body plastic surgeon Dr. Alain Polynice, contact us today.