If you are looking for a way to enhance your curves and boost your confidence, you might have considered getting a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery. This procedure involves transferring fat from other parts of your body to your buttocks, giving you a fuller and more shapely appearance.
However, you might also have heard some horror stories about BBL surgery, such as the high risk of complications, infections, and even death. BBL surgery used to have the highest mortality rate among all cosmetic procedures, with one in every 3,000 patients dying from fat embolism, a condition where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks the lungs.
But don’t worry, BBL surgery is not as dangerous as it used to be. Thanks to the efforts of plastic surgeons and researchers, new guidelines and techniques have been developed to make BBL surgery safer and more effective. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about BBL surgery, including:
- The dangers and risks of BBL surgery and how they have been reduced
- The best practices and tips for choosing a qualified and experienced BBL surgeon
- The future of BBL surgery and what to expect from the next generation of technology
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of BBL surgery and how to get the best outcome possible. So, let’s get started!
BBL Dangers and Risks Revealed and Researched
BBL is a popular option for people who want to improve their appearance and self-confidence, as it can create a more balanced and attractive figure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, BBL procedures increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing cosmetic surgeries in the US.
However, BBL is not without risks and complications. In fact, BBL has the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic surgery, estimated to be between 1 in 2,500 and 1 in 6,000. This means that BBL is 20 times more likely to cause death than any other cosmetic surgery. The main cause of death from BBL is pulmonary fat embolism (PFE), a condition where fat particles enter the bloodstream and block the arteries of the lungs, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
How many people die from BBL procedures?
The exact number of deaths from BBL procedures is hard to determine, as there is no official registry or database that tracks them. However, based on various studies and reports, some estimates can be made. For example, a 2017 survey of 692 plastic surgeons from 35 countries found that 32 deaths and 103 non-fatal PFE cases were reported among 19,543 BBL procedures, resulting in a mortality rate of 1 in 610. Another study published in 2019 analyzed 11,351 BBL procedures performed in the US and Canada and found that 25 deaths and 103 PFE cases occurred, resulting in a mortality rate of 1 in 3,448. A third study published in 2020 reviewed 4,843 BBL procedures performed in the UK and found that 9 deaths and 25 PFE cases occurred, resulting in a mortality rate of 1 in 538.
These studies suggest that the mortality rate of BBL varies depending on the region, the technique, and the reporting method. However, they all agree that BBL is significantly more dangerous than other cosmetic surgeries, which have an average mortality rate of 1 in 50,000. For comparison, the mortality rate of liposuction is 1 in 5,000, the mortality rate of breast augmentation is 1 in 55,000, and the mortality rate of abdominoplasty is 1 in 13,000.
What are the other dangers and risks of BBL?
Besides PFE, BBL can also cause other complications and side effects that can affect the health and appearance of the patients. Some of the common ones are:
- Bruising and swelling: After having surgery, it’s common to experience bruising and swelling, but if you’ve had a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), these side effects may be more intense and last longer. This can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty sitting or moving around. Additionally, the outcome of the surgery may be affected, as some of the transferred fat might be reabsorbed by the body or move to other areas.
- Infection and bleeding: After any surgery, there is a chance of getting some serious complications, although it’s rare. These complications can happen if the wound is not taken care of properly. Two of the most common complications are infection and bleeding. You may see fever, swelling, pus, and drainage from the incision site. If these problems are not treated, they can lead to more severe issues like sepsis (an infection that spreads throughout the body), necrosis (death of body tissue), and scarring. So, if you have undergone surgery recently, keep your wound clean and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Seroma: Seroma is a buildup of fluid beneath the skin, usually occurring when fat has been removed or injected. Infection, swelling, and pain can result from this. The fluid may need to be drained or removed to prevent further complications.
- Stretch marks are lines or streaks that can appear on the skin when it rapidly stretches or shrinks. If you’ve had a BBL, you may have stretch marks on your buttocks because the skin might not be able to accommodate the increased fat volume. Sometimes, these marks can be visible and may affect the appearance you were hoping for after your surgery. Unfortunately, treating stretch marks can be difficult.
- Asymmetry and irregularities: After a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), there can be issues with how it looks. Fat transfer may be unevenly distributed and may change over time. Consequently, the surgery may need to be more satisfactory due to unevenness or irregularities. It might not look as round, smooth, or proportional as you hoped. Sometimes, people need revision surgery or other treatments to fix these problems.
The risk of these complications and side effects can be increased by several factors, such as:
- Unskilled provider: Choosing a qualified and experienced provider is important when considering a BBL procedure. Providers who are unlicensed, untrained, or untrained can increase the risks of errors, mistakes, and malpractice. Be wary of providers who offer low prices, work in non-accredited facilities, use unsafe techniques, or make unrealistic promises. Remember that BBL is a complex and delicate procedure that requires extensive training and experience.
- Poor health: BBL may not be a good option for everyone because some medical conditions or habits can increase the chance of something going wrong. For instance, if you’re too overweight, have diabetes, heart disease, or have problems with blood clotting, BBL might not be safe for you. The same goes for people who smoke or use drugs.
- Improper technique: When it comes to Brazilian Butt Lift, essential is vital to know that not all parts of the buttocks are safe for the procedure. The safest area to inject fat is the layer just under the skin, called the subcutaneous layer. On the other hand, the most dangerous area is the gluteal muscle that covers the buttocks. When fat is injected into this muscle, it can increase the severe of a serious condition called Pulmonary Fat Embolism (PFE). The fat can enter the large veins that run through the muscle and travel to the lungs, which can be life-threatening.
- Lack of compliance: this surgery requires careful preparation and recovery, as the patients need to follow particular instructions and guidelines given by their surgeon. Some of the crucial steps are avoiding certain medications and supplements, stopping smoking and drinking, wearing compression garments, avoiding sitting and sleeping on the buttocks, and attending follow-up visits.
How can BBL be made safer and more effective?
In response to the high mortality and complication rate of BBL, several plastic surgery associations and experts have issued guidelines and recommendations to improve the safety and outcomes of BBL. Some of the key points are:
- Choosing a qualified, board-certified, and experienced plastic surgeon: To ensure a successful and safe BBL, it is essential that the surgeon has the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and skills to perform the procedure. Moreover, the surgeon should work in an accredited facility with the appropriate equipment and staff to handle emergencies.
- Using the subcutaneous injection technique: You should know that surgeons use safe and effective methods to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. One of these techniques involves injecting fat only under the skin of the buttocks instead of injecting it into the muscles or veins.
- Limiting the amount and depth of fat injection: One way to lower the risk of complications during fat injections is to inject only the right amount of fat needed to get the desired result. It’s important not to go too deep when injecting fat – 4 centimeters or less from the skin surface is safe. You can measure this with the help of a unique tool called a cannula. Following these guidelines can help ensure a safer and more effective fat injection procedure.
- Considering alternatives or complementary procedures to BBL:
BBL is not the only option for enhancing the buttocks, as other methods can achieve similar or better results, depending on the patient’s goals and preferences. Some of the alternatives or complementary procedures are:
- Buttock implants: These are silicone devices that are surgically placed under the gluteal muscle to increase the size and projection of the buttocks. Buttock implants are more suitable for patients with little or no fat to transfer or who want a more dramatic and permanent change. However, buttock implants can also cause infections, displacement, ruptures, and capsular contractures.
- Buttock fillers: Various injectable substances that are used to add volume and shape to the buttocks. Some joint fillers are hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Buttock fillers are more suitable for patients who want a subtle and temporary improvement or who want to correct minor asymmetries or irregularities. However, buttock fillers also have risks and complications, such as allergic reactions, inflammation, infection and abscess, migration, displacement, necrosis, and ulceration. These complications can cause serious health issues, including the formation of hard lumps of tissue, bacterial infections, and tissue death that may require surgical removal or amputation. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of these risks before considering buttock fillers.
BBL safety; where are we now?
Plastic surgeons have observed that the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has been facing some difficulties, which they attribute to the challenges that come with the initial popularity of any medical procedure. The BBL procedure has been going through a learning curve, and it has been a challenging experience for many surgeons. In 2019, the Florida Board of Medicine implemented regulations to oversee the BBL procedure, which came as a serious wake-up call to the surgeons.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Herluf Lund believes that the BBL is trending positively, and the need to fly doctors across the country has reduced significantly in recent times. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASERF) conducted a global survey in 2017, which was repeated in subsequent years. The survey targeted board-certified plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). The results showed that the BBL procedure’s mortality rate has significantly dropped to 1 in 14,952, which is a better safety profile than tummy tucks, which have a mortality rate of 1 in 13,147.
According to ASERF data, the majority of board-certified plastic surgeons have abandoned intramuscular injections and have modified their technique in line with the task force recommendations. Dr. Rios affirms that most plastic surgeons have altered their techniques to enhance the safety of the BBL procedure.
The future of BBL safety
Experts say updated and improved tools are being developed for BBL surgery, which will make the procedure even safer and more efficient.
These tools include a smart-sensing cannula that alerts the surgeon when they are about to reach the muscle, and ultrasound, which is especially helpful for young surgeons who are still learning. Although BBL surgery can be dangerous, it is becoming safer with time, especially when it is performed by well-trained board-certified plastic surgeons who know what they are doing.
The best practices and tips for choosing a qualified and experienced BBL surgeon
- Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in BBLs. They should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. This ensures proper training and qualifications.
- Ask about their specific experience with BBLs – how many they have performed, their complication rate, and before and after photos of their work. An experienced surgeon should have years of experience and hundreds of successful procedures.
- Request to see reviews and testimonials from past BBL patients. Reputable surgeons should be able to provide referrals. Contact past patients about their experiences.
- During consultations, the surgeon should take time to understand your goals and desired outcome, explain the procedure in depth, including risks and recovery, and make you feel comfortable. Never feel rushed.
- Ask about the surgical facility where the BBL will be performed. It should be accredited and outfitted appropriately for safety.
- Confirm the surgeon has hospital privileges to perform revision surgeries if necessary. This assures they are properly qualified and capable.
- Steer clear of surgeons who promise unrealistic results or low prices that seem too good to be true. Focus on safety and expertise instead.
Choosing a capable, meticulous BBL surgeon with a proven track record of success should be the top priority for the best, safest outcome. Do thorough research and consultations.
