Are BBLs Dangerous?

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure has received attention and scrutiny in recent years. As BBLs rose in popularity, there were also a number of high-profile malpractice cases that caused many people, especially those interested in undergoing the procedure, to question the safety of the procedure.

If performed properly by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, BBLs are a safe procedure that can deliver the results patients are looking for. In fact, according to one recent published study, the safety of BBLs has become comparable to established cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks and liposuction. By learning more about BBLs and how surgeons minimize certain risks, we hope you can make an informed and confident decision about whether this procedure is right for you.

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a specialized cosmetic fat transfer procedure that involves injecting fat from another area into the buttocks. The goal is to make the buttocks appear rounder and firmer, without using implants. Dr. Bill Johnson and the highly experienced Innovations Medical team performs BBL procedures at our Dallas and Fort Worth centers with hundreds of happy patients and positive outcomes. The Brazilian Butt Lift is performed as an outpatient procedure in office and can result in a fuller, rounder behind.

Why are BBLs dangerous?

BBLs are not dangerous as long as they are performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon using proper techniques. The concerns around the safety of BBLs occurred due to a small number of isolated cases that were not performed by qualified cosmetic surgeons. These cases occurred due to the practitioner attempting to graft the fat into the muscle of the buttocks, which drastically increases the risk of potentially fatal complications such as a pulmonary fat embolism.

More recent guidelines have advised the procedure to only be performed using recommended planes for fat injection, particularly to avoid going into the muscle. Since that time, the safety of BBLs has increased dramatically, according to a 2020 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Potential Risks and Complications for BBLs

Any surgical procedure carries risks. Risks and complications associated with a BBL include infection, fat reabsorption, asymmetrical results, and surgical scarring. A serious risk for any cosmetic procedure involving liposuction or fat grafting is a pulmonary embolism. This is when loosened fat gets stuck in the bloodstream and potentially travels to the lungs or brain. This is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate attention. As mentioned above, this risk is drastically reduced when the surgeon avoids going into the muscle when transferring fat.

When considering BBL or other procedures, discuss any risks and complications with your provider. It is critical to follow all postoperative instructions and attend any followup appointments to achieve successful results and minimize the risks for complications.

What to Expect During BBL Procedure

Like other fat transfer procedures, during a BBL, fat is removed from the body through liposuction and re-injected into the buttocks. Typically, fat is taken from an undesirable area such as the love handles, stomach, or arms. This allows for natural body enhancement without needing to use foreign substances.

At Innovations Medical, BBL procedures are performed in one of our state-of-the-art procedure rooms. The procedure uses tumescent anesthesia to numb both the area from which the fat is harvested and the treatment site. Once harvested, the fat goes through a separation process to remove excess fluids before it is reinjected using safe and specialized techniques.

Patients are given full instructions and guidelines for the BBL recovery process. After the procedure, some amount of bruising and swelling is normal. Expect to take some time off work and exercise while fully recovering, with surgeons recommending avoiding sitting for the first few weeks.

For most patients, the full recovery process takes about six to eight weeks. During this time, it is important to eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and tobacco products during this time to increase blood flow and maximize the survival of the transferred fat.

How to Decide If a BBL is Right for You

Candidates for BBL include individuals who have lost weight, would like to add contour to their bodies, or would simply like to have a fuller buttock area. Patients should be in good enough health to safely undergo the procedure. Additionally, ideal candidates should not be on blood thinners, especially for a number of days around the procedure.

Potential candidates should be aware that to achieve sufficient enhancement, the surgeon will need to liposuction enough fat. In most cases, at least 300 milliliters of fat, or just over a half pound is needed on each side to make a noticeable difference. Most patients benefit from at least 500 to 700 milliliters on each side.

To learn more about becoming a candidate for BBL at Innovations Medical, and to discuss minimizing risks and ensuring a safe procedure, you can schedule a consultation and speak with our expert team.

Contact Innovations Medical and Learn More About BBL

If you’re looking for firmer and rounder buttocks, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.

To find out if a Brazilian Butt Lift is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule a consultation.