A Brazilian Butt Lift, also known as a BBL, is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks to create a more rounded and fuller appearance. Despite its popularity, the safety of BBL has been a topic of discussion among both potential patients and healthcare professionals. In this blog post, we'll explore the safety aspects of Brazilian butt lifts, including the risks, benefits, and how to minimize potential complications.
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a two-step procedure. First, liposuction is used to remove fat from areas where it is unwanted, such as the abdomen, hips, back, or thighs. This step not only provides the fat needed for the next step but also contours the areas around the buttocks for an improved aesthetic.
The second step involves purifying the extracted fat and injecting it into specific areas of the buttocks to achieve the desired volume and shape.
When a BBL is performed successfully but an experienced surgeon, it can provide you with a more enhanced, fuller appearance that is completely natural-looking. This type of procedure is also considered to be minimally invasive, especially when compared to butt implants.
Like any surgical procedure, a Brazilian butt lift procedure comes with its share of risks. These can include:
Infection: As with any surgery, there's a risk of infection at the liposuction or injection sites.
Scarring: The incisions made during liposuction could leave scars, although they are typically small and strategically placed to minimize visibility.
Fat Embolism: A serious concern with BBL is the risk of fat embolism, where injected fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood vessels. This can be life-threatening if it occurs in the lungs, heart, or brain.
Asymmetry: There's a risk that the fat may not be absorbed evenly, leading to asymmetrical results.
Despite the risks, there are several key ways to maximize safety during this cosmetic surgery:
Choose Qualified Plastic Surgeons: Ensure your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery and has extensive experience specifically with BBL procedures.
Follow Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Following your surgeon's advice before and after surgery can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
Consider the Volume of Fat Injected: Injecting a moderate amount of fat, rather than seeking extreme volume, can reduce the risk of complications.
Additionally, there have been significant improvements in the techniques used for Brazilian butt lifts over the last several years, which enhances safety. Surgeons are now more aware of the risks and take precautions to minimize them, such as avoiding deep muscle injections to reduce the risk of fat embolism.
A Brazilian butt lift can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with risks. By understanding these risks and taking steps to minimize them, you can make an informed decision about whether a BBL is right for you. Always prioritize choosing a qualified surgeon and following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safest possible outcome.
You might be a candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you are 18 years old or older, in good overall health, desire a fuller appearance, and have excess fat deposits that can be used for augmentation (such as from the abdomen or thighs).
Your surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for the procedure during your consultation.
During your consultation, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon/cosmetic surgeon who will ask you about your goals and expectations for a Brazilian butt lift. They will also conduct a thorough health evaluation, review your medical history, and determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. If found to be a candidate, your surgeon will conduct a physical examination to evaluate your current body proportions, fat deposits, and the quality of your skin.
They will answer any questions and review the procedure in detail.
Your BBL procedure will take place at the next appointment. You’ll be administered anesthesia, which can vary based on your surgeon’s recommendations. Liposuction will be performed on the predetermined areas of your body, the fat will be purified to ensure only healthy fat cells are used for augmentation, and the fat will be injected into your buttocks to achieve the desired volume (known as fat grafting). Small incisions will be made to administer the fat, which will then be closed with sutures (or adhesive) once the procedure is complete.
After the procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home.
You might also experience mild side effects such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort for around two weeks. Wearing compression garments can reduce the swelling and support the overall healing process.
It typically takes six to eight weeks to resume all normal activities and strenuous activity, with many individuals gradually starting their normal activities after two to three weeks following the BBL procedure.
Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon for your Brazilian butt lift surgery can make all the difference in the outcome.