The Most Dangerous Procedure: Why You Shouldn’t Get a BBL

The Brazilian Butt Lift has skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade, with some estimates showing an increase of over 700% in the number of BBLs performed since just 2011. In Miami, FL, Brazilian Butt Lift is even more common and highly sought after, so much so that this might be considered the epicenter for BBLs. The desire for this procedure has grown due to a variety of factors that include celebrity influence and a general change in what is considered the ideal female body type.

While some trends are harmless and can be followed and unfollowed without much consequence, this is one trend to completely steer clear of as it can be deadly. Every plastic surgery procedure, of course, comes with risk, but the BBL is the riskiest of all and has a mortality rate as high as 1 in 3,000, the highest death rate for any cosmetic surgery.

As a conscientious, transparent Miami plastic surgeon who is genuinely committed to integrity and safety, Dr. Stephan Baker does not perform BBLs due to their inherent risk, even when performed by a highly skilled surgeon.

What is a BBL?

A Brazilian Butt Lift is used to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks through fat grafting. To start, fat is extracted from other areas of the body where there is an excess amount, such as the thighs, abdomen, or back. Next, the fat is purified and refined in a centrifuge to remove blood or other unwanted substances. Finally, the most dangerous part, the fat is injected into the buttocks using a large cannula that is pulled in and out and back and forth. You might be aware that fat grafting is used in other kinds of procedures, so why is it so dangerous when used for a BBL? The answer is simply anatomy.

What are the risks and complications of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The primary and deadly risk of BBL is the possibility of injected fat entering a vein in the area and traveling up to the lungs. This is compounded by the fact that this is often performed as a "blind procedure," meaning there is no way to see what underlying structures the surgeon is close to unless ultrasound is performed as surgery is happening.

Fat Embolism

A large vein in the buttocks called the inferior gluteal vein could be punctured or disrupted by the cannula during a BBL and carry injected fat straight to the heart or lungs, causing a PFE or pulmonary fat embolism. This anatomical complexity means that a surgeon must be incredibly careful in the area because even just a tiny tear in this vein can lead to serious complications or death. PFE is virtually untreatable and can even be fatal if it happens on the operating table during surgery. Even when skilled surgeons believe they are carefully keeping the cannula in the subcutaneous area above the muscle, there is still too much of a risk to blood vessels in the area, and PFE can still occur.

Surgical Complications

Along with the area of anatomy complicating this procedure, there are many standard risks that come along with surgery that should also be considered. These might include bleeding, infection, numbness, unexpected scarring, or anesthesia complications. With any surgery, these could all lead to pain, discomfort, or even hospital stays, but most are fairly treatable. Compare that to a breast augmentation procedure, for example, that carries the same basic surgery risks but only has a mortality rate of 1 in 72,000. Obviously, 1 in 3,000 means something is very wrong with the BBL.

Uneven or Undesirable Results

Despite the risks to life and limb, there's also the real possibility of unsatisfactory aesthetic results after a BBL. Fat loss or necrosis, where injected fat cells fail to establish a blood supply and die, can lead to uneven or asymmetrical contours. This not only undermines the purpose of the procedure but can necessitate corrective surgeries to address the damage. The toll on both physical and mental well-being can be substantial.

Learn More About Brazilian Butt Lift Alternatives Today

In light of the inherent risks associated with a BBL, it is crucial to consider viable alternatives that prioritize patient safety while still achieving desired outcomes. As a reputable plastic surgeon, Dr. Baker advocates for informed decisions and consulting with an expert who will prioritize patient well-being over all else. If you are seeking buttock enhancement or body contouring, there are alternative procedures that pose significantly lower risks and deliver more predictable results.