All plastic surgery carries risks; however, some procedures are riskier than others. In medicine, it’s never wise to prioritize saving money over safety, as the results can be catastrophic and permanent. The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is one of the most dangerous. But do you know why? We’ll explain it here!
What is the BBL or Brazilian butt lift?
BBL (also known as Brazilian butt lift) is a surgery that involves increasing the volume of the buttocks using a technique called fat transfer. Basically, fat is taken from an area of the body where there is excess—such as the abdomen, flanks, or hips—and is then injected into the buttocks region.
It’s important to be cautious with the desired outcome in order to achieve a better aesthetic result and reduce complications, as BBL can lead to exaggerated buttock volume.
The fat injection must be kept in a superficial plane to avoid fat embolism in the circulatory system. Additionally, irregularities or asymmetries may occur, or the fat may be reabsorbed more than expected (typically, around 50% of the transferred fat is lost).
Why is the BBL so dangerous?
The Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is so dangerous due to the abundance of blood vessels in the area. The buttocks have very large blood vessels that drain into the inferior vena cava—a direct pathway to the heart.
During the procedure, fat is injected into the area using a long metal cannula or tube. However, it can be difficult for doctors to precisely determine the exact injection site, which may result in fat being mistakenly injected into or just beneath the gluteal muscle. As a result, the fat can travel directly to the heart and lungs, obstructing blood flow and causing instant death.
In 2018, due to concerns over the mortality rate associated with butt lift procedures, several organizations—including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery—established the Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Task Force. The goal of this group was to develop safety guidelines around the procedure to reduce the risk of complications and mortality.
Among the recommendations put forth by the Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Task Force is the suggestion that doctors avoid injecting into the muscle and use larger instruments.
Is there always a risk with BBL?
All surgeries carry risks, but a good surgeon is capable of minimizing them. Many of the poor outcomes from Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedures are due to malpractice. However, if the proper procedure is followed, nothing should go wrong.
Dr. Natalia Pshenychna
Specialist in aesthetic medicine. Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Kharkiv Ukraine in 2004, specializing in dermatology university degree approved in Spain by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport 2014. Course accredited Aesthetic Medicine in dermatology Medical Academy of Kharkiv (Ukraine). Master in aesthetic medicine University of Cordoba. Various courses, masterclasses and trainings in aesthetic medicine.
