27 March 2023

Learn About the Risks of a Brazilian Butt Lift | What You Need to Know

Introduction

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body to the buttocks, resulting in a fuller, rounder buttock shape. While this procedure has become increasingly popular, it is important for potential patients to understand the risks associated with it before making a decision. This post will provide an overview of the potential risks and complications associated with BBL surgery, who is at risk for these complications, and how to minimize risk when undergoing a BBL procedure.
beautiful woman showing her butt

Potential Complications

When considering a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure, it is important to understand the potential risks and complications that can occur. Although most people who undergo the surgery experience no complications, it is still important to be aware of what might happen.

A. Infection

One of the most common complications associated with BBL surgery is infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be prescribed or more serious treatments such as additional surgeries may be necessary. In some cases, infections can cause permanent damage to the area and can lead to scarring and disfigurement.

B. Fat Necrosis

Another potential complication associated with BBL surgery is fat necrosis. This occurs when fat cells are damaged or die due to lack of blood supply or trauma from the surgery itself. This can result in lumps or cysts in the treated area which may require additional surgical procedures to correct them.

C. Skin Necrosis

Skin necrosis occurs when skin tissue dies due to lack of blood supply or trauma from the surgery itself. This can result in areas of discoloration, loss of skin elasticity, and even open wounds that will require treatment either through medication or further surgeries depending on its severity.

D. Emboli and Pulmonary Complications

Emboli are small pieces of fat or other materials that enter into the bloodstream during surgery and can travel to other parts of the body such as lungs and heart causing pulmonary complications such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and even death in some cases if left untreated.

E. Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a clot forms in one or more veins usually in the legs but can move elsewhere in the body including lungs making it a very serious condition which requires immediate medical attention if experienced after BBL surgery. Symptoms include swelling and pain in your legs along with redness, warmth, tenderness around your veins; if you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately as this could become life-threatening if not treated promptly enough.

F. Death

In rare cases death has been reported as a result of BBL surgery due to pulmonary emboli which could have been caused by fat entering into the bloodstream during liposuction portion of the procedure; however this risk is greatly reduced by choosing an experienced surgeon who understands how to properly conduct liposuction for BBL procedures minimizing chances for fat entering into bloodstream during operation time frame significantly decreasing risk for possible pulmonary emboli related death from occurring afterwards due to said procedure having been conducted improperly according to standards set forth by American Board Certified Plastic Surgeons such as those found within American Society for aesthetic plastic surgery (ASAPS).

Who is at Risk?

When considering any type of cosmetic surgery, it is important to understand who may be at risk for potential complications. For a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), the risk factors are typically related to age, medical history, size and shape of buttocks, and smoking habits.

A. Age Factors

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that patients should be over 18 years old before undergoing bbl surgery. This is due to the fact that younger patients have a higher risk of developing complications from the procedure due to their still-developing bodies. Additionally, older patients may have an increased risk of complications due to age-related health issues such as poor circulation and weakened immune systems.

B. Medical History Factors

Patients with certain medical conditions or those taking certain medications may also be at an increased risk for bbl complications. These conditions and medications include: diabetes; high blood pressure; obesity; autoimmune disorders; use of steroid drugs; anticoagulants; antiplatelet drugs; and any other medications that can interfere with wound healing or increase the risk of bleeding or infection.

C. Size and Shape of Buttocks Factors

The size and shape of the patient's buttocks can also play a role in determining the risks associated with BBL surgery. Patients with larger buttocks may require more fat grafting during the procedure, which increases the chances of developing fat necrosis or skin necrosis, both of which can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. On the other hand, patients with smaller buttocks may not be suitable candidates for this procedure because there is not enough fat available for grafting.

D. Smoking Habits

Smoking has been shown to increase the risk for post-operative complications after any type of surgical procedure, including BBL surgery. Studies have found that smokers are more likely to develop infections, skin necrosis, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), emboli, and pulmonary complications after undergoing BBL than non-smokers. Therefore, it is highly recommended that patients quit smoking several weeks before undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift in order to reduce their risks for these potentially serious complications.

How to Minimize Your Risk

When considering a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure, it is important to understand the risks and how to minimize them. While any type of surgery involves some risk, there are steps that can be taken to ensure the best outcome.

A. Research Surgeons Carefully

The first step in minimizing your risk is researching the surgeon you have chosen for the procedure. It is essential to select a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing BBLs. Additionally, you should get references from past patients who have had procedures performed by this same surgeon and read online reviews from other patients. This will give you an idea of what kind of results you can expect from your own procedure.

B. Choose an Experienced Surgeon

Once you have done your research, it is important to choose a surgeon who has extensive experience performing BBLs. Ask questions during your consultation about their experience level, as well as their approach to safety and potential complications. It may also be beneficial to ask for before-and-after photos of previous patients so that you can get an idea of the kind of results that you should expect from your own procedure.

C. Follow Pre- and Post-op Instructions Faithfully

It is also important to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon carefully and faithfully. This includes following any dietary restrictions or lifestyle modifications that are suggested prior to surgery, as well as following any wound care or physical activity guidelines after surgery. Doing so will help reduce the risk of infection or other complications associated with BBLs. In conclusion, understanding the risks associated with BBLs is important before undergoing the procedure. Taking steps such as researching surgeons carefully, choosing an experienced surgeon, and following pre- and post-operative instructions faithfully can help minimize these risks and ensure a safe outcome for your procedure.

Conclusion

This post discussed the risks associated with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). We explored potential complications such as infection, fat necrosis, skin necrosis, emboli and pulmonary complications, deep venous thrombosis, and death. It was also highlighted that age, medical history, size and shape of buttocks, and smoking habits all contribute to an individual's risk level. Lastly, we discussed ways to minimize the risk of a bbl procedure by researching surgeons carefully, choosing an experienced surgeon, and following pre- and post-op instructions faithfully. In conclusion, it is important to understand the risks associated with a BBL before proceeding with the procedure.