Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, commonly referred to as BBL, has become one of the most talked-about surgeries across the media, with fans speculating whether their favorite celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, have had the surgery. In 2019, the BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) launched a formal inquiry into the surgery to determine its safety as a commitment to its patients. With this and other professionals voicing their concerns, the surgery has been given a bad name.
While the negative press makes BBL seem scary, when done right, it is no less safe than any other cosmetic surgery. Since it can be difficult to find trustworthy information, we think it is a good time to look at BBLs with a fresh view.
What is BBL?
BBL surgery is a cosmetic procedure that adds volume to the buttocks, as well as reshaping and defining it. As a result, clients are left with a more sizeable, even, firmer and perkier bottom. This surgery has increased in popularity due to its success and customer satisfaction. The enhancement and augmentation of the buttocks have become conventionally attractive. Many women consider BBL surgery, especially if they have suffered insecurity about the size of their buttocks. Furthermore, growing your butt through exercise and weight training can be a long and grueling process, making BBL all the more attractive.
Surgeons have different methods of carrying out the procedure, all of which have different rates of attached risk. A lot of patients seek their surgeries abroad so that they can achieve their desired look for a smaller price tag, but often this means that they compromise on the safety of their procedure and recovery.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, it is vital to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in the operating theater. When patients go to less regulated countries to get a BBL, they often return with a higher risk of infection due to a drop in these standards. The infection of surgical wounds is incredibly dangerous and can result in a loss of fat volume, sepsis, and in worst cases, death.
BBL surgery requires excess fat that is extracted from liposuction. However, the risk of BBL predominantly occurs when the fat is injected into or under the gluteal muscle, which is the traditional method of the surgery. A large number of deaths have been caused by the procedure due to fat embolisms. This is when fatty tissue is injected into the bloodstream and clogs blood flow into the lungs, which can be fatal. In the specific case of the BBL, this happens when fat is injected accidentally into the gluteal vein.
In terms of cosmetic risks, untrained surgeons will likely lack the surgical and artistic skills to create symmetrical and natural-looking results. Also, it is common for your body to absorb up to 50% of the new fat cells, resulting in a loss of volume from the initial reshaping. However, skilled surgeons will inject the right amount of fat to account for this loss and produce your desired result.
How can I feel secure about the procedure and my recovery?
After the BAAPS review, most surgeons have abandoned the traditional method of BBL. CREO Clinic’s medical director, Dr. Omar Tillo, is a reputable name in the discussion of this surgery and has pioneered the BEST-F (Buttock Enhancement and Superficial Transfer of Fat) technique– a safer alternative to the traditional method.
In this method, excess fat is harvested from multiple areas of the body, processed and clarified, and then injected superficially above the gluteal muscle with the help of an ultrasound. By not injecting directly into the muscle, the threat of fat permeating the gluteal vein is significantly lower. Importantly, the use of the ultrasound in this method allows artistic precision as the surgeon is able to see exactly where the fat is being deposited to ensure the ideal proportions are achieved.
Whichever surgeon you choose, it’s important to make sure that they use an alternative technique to the traditional method, such as BEST-F, to decrease the risk of embolisms. To ensure that you find a trustworthy and reliable clinic, check reviews from previous patients on verified platforms like Doctify, look at the surgeon’s original before and after images, and discuss your concerns during your consultation.
Additionally, it’s incredibly important to ask the doctor where the surgery is done to ensure the highest possible standards of hygiene are met to avoid the risk of infection. For example, all reputable clinics in the UK perform surgeries in CQC (Care Quality Commission) registered facilities, an ‘independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.’ Steps such as these provide you with reassurance that your safety is prioritized.
So, is BBL safe?
Ultimately, getting a BBL doesn’t have to be life-threatening. As long as you research your clinic and the method used, you can feel secure in your choice. The surgery is still incredibly popular, and many people reap the benefits of their choice, feeling happier and more secure in their bodies.
About the Author
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
Admin is Blogger David Miller FRSA. M.Sc A respected British journalist based in Helsinki Finland. David's portfolio is at http://livewire.pressfolios.com/ David is contactable via the site or at david@dmiller.co.uk
