The rise in social media platforms provided a spotlight for women with cosmetically created hourglass figures. Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) became a mainstream and widely popular cosmetic procedure, with about 20,300 performed in 2017.
The Process:
During a BBL, or buttock augmentation with fat grafting, a surgeon removes unwanted fat, usually from the abdomen, upper back, or thighs, to the buttocks. The fat transfer accentuates the waist and creates the hourglass figure that most desire, but the procedure is not without its risks.
The Risks:
Like any major surgery, people who undergo a BBL are at risk for blood clots, infection, sensation changes, and scarring. After the procedure, they are also at risk for contour irregularities caused by asymmetric fat transfer during the surgery or improper postoperative care. People who undergo BBLs are also at risk for a fat embolism, which is a life threatening condition where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood flow. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) issued a warning and created a task force to look at the high mortality rates associated with BBLs.
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The Cost:
A buttock augmentation with fat transfers has an average cost of $4,807, which does not include the cost of anesthesia, operating room, facility expenses, and post-surgical care. So far, ASPS attribute the BBL dangers and complications to the increase in demand for the surgery, which created a market for non-board certified and non-plastic surgeons. Many women are turning to less qualified surgeons, who offer BBLs at more affordable costs, and risking their lives in the process
“A buttock augmentation with fat transfers has an average cost of $4,807, which does not include the cost of anesthesia, operating room, facility expenses, and post-surgical care. “
The recovery from a BBL is usually long and painful, is it worth the price? Immediately after surgery, the surgeon leaves small tubes under the skin to drain excess fluid. Once discharged, the surgeon will instruct the patient to wear a supportive garment 24/7, ask the patient to avoid sitting for 2+ weeks, and provide a referral to a licensed massage therapist for 6-8 weeks.
BBLs are the most dangerous cosmetic procedure. If you are considering a BBL, consult with a highly rated board-certified plastic surgeon before making any decisions.
References
Buttock Enhancement Cost. (n.d.). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buttock-enhancement/cost
Jon Ver Halen, M. | S., & Monday, M. 1. (n.d.). Buttock augmentation with fat grafting – aka the Brazilian butt lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/buttock-augmentation-with-fat-grafting-aka-the-brazilian-butt-lift
Plastic Surgery Societies Issue Urgent Warning About the Risks Associated with Brazilian Butt Lifts. (2018, August 6). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/plastic-surgery-societies-issue-urgent-warning-about-the-risks-associated-with-brazilian-butt-lifts
-Written by Sabrina Park and reviewed by Adriana Bakhoum MPH.
This article was written for informational purposes only. Please consult your health care provider for proper care and treatment.
