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Why Was the Brazilian Butt Lift Considered One of the Most Dangerous Surgeries?

Posted November 19, 2021 in Buttock Augmentation

3 Minute Read:

Achieving a defined and lifted derriere has been all the rage in the past few years. Some women turn to a surgical procedure known as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a fat grafting surgery that enhances the shape and lift of the buttocks. 

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to deny that this surgery comes with risk. In the past, there have been several high-profile disasters leading to illness and even death, giving this procedure a bad name. In 2018, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons even released a safety advisory warning patients of potential complications.

While previous statistics should never be disregarded, it is important to understand what caused the complications and how they could have been avoided. The Brazilian Butt Lift is a popular, figure-defining plastic surgery procedure and, when performed by a skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon, a very safe one at that.

How Did the BBL Get Its Bad Reputation?

Studies have shown that the BBL procedure results in 1 death in every 3,000 operations, a mortality rate greater than any other cosmetic surgery. 

These highly unfortunate situations resulted from surgeons using incorrect techniques (and most of these botched operations were performed in backroom operations by uncertified and unskilled plastic surgeons). 

The process of a BBL is simple. Fat is harvested from the body (using liposuction), purified, and injected into the buttocks. When the fat is injected into the upper layers (as it is supposed to be), the procedure is extremely safe and reliable. However, there have been instances where surgeons injected the fat too deep, allowing it to get into the bloodstream, causing a fat embolism. 

What’s Different About the Brazilian Butt Lift Now?

Fortunately, reputable plastic surgeons are now very aware of the potential complications and have made the necessary adjustments to help ensure that these types of accidents no longer occur.  

Armed with updated knowledge and procedural techniques, the BBL is less dangerous in the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon working on the right patient. 

Still, women thinking about buttocks augmentation with the BBL must follow due diligence, do their research, and choose their surgeon carefully.

What Are the True Risks of a BBL?

As with any surgical procedure, there are medical risks involved with the BBL, and these should be thoroughly discussed in a preoperative consultation. 

Common surgical risks include infection, prolonged bruising and swelling, bleeding, and poor reactions to the anesthesia. These risks are present during any type of surgical procedure.

How Should You Prepare for Your BBL to Get the Safest Outcome?

The most important part of preparing for a BBL is understanding the procedure and choosing a skilled plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the Brazilian Butt Lift.

The BBL gives natural-looking, refined results, and that is why women continue to love the treatment. And when the surgery is performed correctly, it offers very safe results.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are in the Beverly Hills, California, area and would like to know more about the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, give the friendly team at Robert M. Rey MD Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery a call. They can answer all your questions and schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Call (310) 205-3107 or use the online contact form today.