Before we proceed to some Brazilian butt lift BBL risks you should know, it’s necessary to know the meaning of it.
A Brazilian butt lift is a surgical augmentation procedure that is performed in stages.
First, a surgeon suctions fat from a specific area of the body, most commonly the abdomen and hips, using a metal rod called a cannula.
Brazilian butt lift procedure
The metal rod is inserted and removed from the body through small surgical incisions. The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a type of fat transfer in which fat is injected into the buttocks to enlarge or fill out the area.
Also, the doctor gets to thoroughly explain to patients the risks and complications of undergoing a BBL procedure.
It is strongly advised that they not only inform but also educate the patients about the BBL procedure.
It enables them to reconsider and make the best decision about undergoing the cosmetic procedure.
Brazilian butt lift BBL risks
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cosmetic lift procedures, particularly buttock lifts like the popular Brazilian butt lift, have increased over the last decade.
Regardless of its popularity, patients must understand that any surgical procedure carries risks and should ask “what are the Brazilian butt lift risks?” before undergoing the procedure.
The deceased patients’ postmortem findings revealed two common causes of death following a BBL:
- fat in and around the gluteal muscles
- massive fat emboli
- Infections
- Deep vein thrombosis
The results were consistent with the known risks of the intramuscular fat grafting technique. Along with the superficial administration of fat during BBL, plastic surgeons use intramuscular fat injection.
While it is mostly done to increase the likelihood of fat survival, it requires precise and careful application.
Important nerves and blood vessels pass through the gluteal region anatomically. Injecting the cannula deep into the muscles may thus strike these major structures, causing injury and complications.
It can even cause a heart attack or pulmonary fat embolism (PFE), which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Fat embolism occurs when grafted fat enters the bloodstream and obstructs the major blood vessels of the heart or lungs.
Causes of these risks following a Brazilian butt lift
- When carried out by an unlicensed practitioner.
When handling and performing cosmetic procedures such as BBL, training and experience are essential.
This is something that unlicensed practitioners lack. While they may understand the anatomy of the body, they may not have received adequate training in performing the procedure.
Also, this makes BBL and other cosmetic procedures risky because a single miscalculated move can lead to irreversible mistakes that can be fatal.
- Injectables such as silicone and fillers are used instead of fat.
Both silicone and fillers are FDA-approved for use in enhancing breasts and improving signs of aging.
They are not permitted to be used for a Brazilian butt lift. Patients are turning to these fat alternatives to enhance their buttocks because BBL is not a cheap procedure.
This is not recommended because these alternatives are not intended for use in a BBL procedure.
The final results may be unsatisfactory, necessitating revision surgery, or they may become a fatal complication if not treated promptly.
- Insanitary operating room and surgical instruments.
Failure to sterilize the operating area and surgical tools can endanger the patient. It exposes them to infectious agents, which can lead to complications.
Similarly, it may result in a poor outcome that necessitates a second surgery to correct.
- Injection of grafted fat into the muscle. Intramuscular fat grafting is a common BBL technique. It does, however, pose a risk to patients, particularly when the cannula is inserted deep into the muscle, where nerves and blood vessels are located. When a blood vessel is struck, it can result in massive fat emboli, which can be fatal.
Side effects of a Brazilian butt lift
When compared to other surgeries, such as silicone buttock implants, a Brazilian butt lift may carry fewer risks. Still, as with any surgery, this procedure carries the risk of serious side effects.
These are some examples: infection scarring pain lumps under the skin in suctioned or injected areas loss of skin in treated areas due to deep infection fat embolism in the heart or lungs, which can be fatal.
According to current statistics, 1 in 3000 people die as a result of Brazilian butt lifts.
Incorrectly performed, the injected fat can enter the large veins in the buttocks and travel to the lungs.
This results in respiratory distress and, eventually, death.
Another well-known side effect is your buttocks’ inability to absorb the grafted fat stores. A portion of the injected fat is broken down and absorbed by the body.
You may require one or two additional procedures at times.
Your surgeon may insert extra fat the first time around to help reduce this risk.
Preventing the Emergence of BBL dangers
Because of the rising number of BBL-related malpractices and deaths, plastic surgeons from around the world have formed an Inter-Society Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force (BBL Task Force) to advise fellow doctors on how to perform the Brazilian butt lift.
Similarly, they encourage patients all over the world to learn more about BBL before deciding to undergo surgery.
The BBL Task Force also recommends the following measures to plastic surgeons in order to reduce the rising number of complications and deaths during surgery:
- Get to know the patient’s body: While we are all familiar with human anatomy, each patient’s body is unique. As a result, it is critical to be familiar with the patient’s body. It will allow the doctor to devise the best technique for their patient while avoiding injury to internal structures in the gluteal region.
- Do not use the intramuscular fat injection technique: Injecting fat into the muscles and beyond increases the risk of injuring the buttocks’ underlying nerves and blood vessels. Keep fat injections to the buttocks’ superficial planes, with the subcutaneous space being the safest place to place the grafted fat.
- Make use of a blunt, pressure-controlled cannula: Controlling the cannula’s movement and limiting the area where fat will be injected prevents unintended deep passes into the muscles, where vital structures are located. Similarly, blunt cannulas reduce the possibility of puncturing blood vessels and injecting fat into the bloodstream.
Brazilian butt-lift cost
The Czech Republic is widely regarded as one of the best BBL surgery locations in the world, Croatia, Poland, India, South Korea, Thailand, Mexico are the most popular countries that perform this surgery. The average cost of a buttock lift in 2016 was $4,571, while buttock implants cost $4,860.
These figures are based solely on surgeon fees; additional costs such as hospital stays, anesthesia, and aftercare may be incurred.
Be wary of “low-cost” procedures that appear to be too good to be true. A Brazilian butt lift is not covered by insurance because it is not deemed medically necessary.
You can work ahead of time with your provider to determine all of the costs involved and to see if they offer payment plans.
You’ll also need to factor in recovery time away from work, which can last up to a week.
The Benefits of Having a BBL
Your body shape is largely determined by a combination of genetics and lifestyle.
Everyone has a different natural tendency to store fat, and your skeletal structure has a big impact on your overall silhouette.
Changes such as pregnancy or weight lifting can alter a person’s natural shape (to an extent).
Another advantage of Brazilian butt lifts is that they are less likely to cause infection than silicone buttock implants.
It has a higher safety profile than other substances, such as silicone caulking and sealants, which are sometimes illegally injected into buttocks by people who are not qualified to do so.
Despite these benefits, there are some serious drawbacks to consider as listed above.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that it is performed in the same manner as other forms of fat transfer, a BBL is a notoriously dangerous form of cosmetic surgery, with one in every 3,000 procedures resulting in death – making it the deadliest treatment currently available.
Despite the rising number of deaths, a recent survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that the number of BBLs performed globally has increased by 77.6 percent since 2015, making it the world’s fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedure.
So, despite the risks, why are so many people still undergoing treatment?
Many attribute this to the ‘Kardashian effect. Brazilian butt lift surgery is becoming more popular in the United States.
You will have a better chance of a successful outcome if the procedure is performed by a board-certified, experienced surgeon. Before signing up, be prepared and understand the process, costs, and recovery time.
While the Brazilian butt lift is a popular procedure, it is not appropriate for everyone. Discuss your desired outcomes with your surgeon, as well as your medical history.
They may suggest this procedure or something else that is more appropriate for your needs.