Breast
Breast AugmentationBreast Lift (Mastopexy)Breast ReconstructionBreast ReductionTop SurgeryFat Transfer Breast AugmentationFor years, curves have been coveted by the masses by any means necessary. Waist trainers, extreme diets, butt suctioning treatments, and even illegal butt injections were used to achieve the “perfect” hourglass body. These scam pills, products, and procedures not only cost people their money, the worst of them even cost patients their lives. The Brazilian Butt Lift was a step in the right direction for patients who were striving for a more curvaceous look, but this procedure still comes with its fair share of risks. This leaves many patients asking: "Are Brazilian Butt Lifts Safe?"
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What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
The procedure involves liposuctioning fat from undesired areas of the body. This can include the flanks, lower abdomen, bra rolls, and more. The best BBL surgeons use the SAFE Lipo technique. SAFE Lipo is an acronym that stands for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization. This is a treatment of the fat that allows for the smoothest and most effective fat transfer. Once the fat has been treated, it is injected into the hips and buttocks to create a larger, rounder look. The injected areas are then sutured, and the procedure is complete.
The buttocks will be largest right after the procedure, as the patient will experience some swelling and a full volume of fat. Throughout the healing process, some of the fat will not survive, resulting in a slightly decreased size. This is completely normal. Patients can expect to see their final healed results after 3 months.
Is a BBL the Same as Butt Injections?
NO! A BBL is a procedure that uses your own fat to increase the size and shape of the body. Essentially, you are using surgery to relocate your own fat. Butt Injections use unregulated or unknown volumizing substances like silicone that are injected into the buttocks. These procedures are often performed outside of a hospital or medical facility by people without any healthcare or medical experience. Originally, these procedures were intended to be a cheaper option that avoided the need for surgery, but in reality, the complications massively outweigh the discount. Butt Injections can lead to a long list of complications from extreme pain to necrosis to death if the substance is injected incorrectly into the blood vessels which can travel to your heart. These procedures are illegal in many parts of the world, and for good reason.
So, Are Brazilian Butt Lifts Safe?
In some cases, patients are seeing surgeons who are not qualified or trained to perform such a difficult procedure. This can be incredibly risky, as some consider the BBL to be one of the most dangerous procedures being performed.
One of the biggest risks to a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is fat embolism. After being injected into the buttocks, fat can enter the bloodstream and move through the vessels which can cause a blockage in the lungs. This can be fatal. Other risks can include blood clots and infection.
That being said, BBLs can be perfectly safe procedures if performed by a reputable Plastic Surgeon who has studied the procedure in depth and has plenty of experience performing them.
Read more on Brazilian Butt Lift Risks and Complications.
How to Improve BBL Safety
The number one way to improve the safety of the Brazilian Butt Lift is to put your trust in a surgeon who deeply understands the procedure. For example, Dr. Jugenburg of the SixSurgery Clinic is recognized as one of the top BBL surgeons in North America. He had worked alongside other experts in the field to share success stories, refine their techniques, and develop a better way to perform BBLs. He has performed more BBL procedures than any other surgeon in Canada.
When it comes to taking safety into your own hands, it is also extremely important for patients to follow their pre-op and post-op care instructions. Everything from making all of your appointments, to following proper massage techniques after surgery, to ensuring your incision sites stay clean and properly dressed can have a big impact on your healing and overall satisfaction with the procedure.
In conclusion, it is essential that you choose a surgeon that is experienced and knowledgeable, and ask as many questions as you can so that you also understand the procedure and the risks involved. The best way to ensure that you receive the safest BBL possible is to have an active role in your surgical journey.