Is BBL Surgery Safe?

The days of being stick thin are over, and being curvy is what’s in. While you’ve embraced having your body fill out, there’s still one place that’s lacking: your buttocks. You’re annoyed that no matter what you try, you just can’t seem to get a plumper posterior, and because of that, you’re turning to outside enhancements.

You’ve got your eye on a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), as it can kill two birds with one stone. Not only will it get rid of excess fat, but it’ll also give you the plump butt you’ve always wanted.

Is BBL surgery safe though? Read on to see whether the benefits outweigh the risks for you.

What’s BBL Surgery?

To understand how safe BBL really is, you must first know what this surgery entails.

During a BBL, a plastic surgeon will remove fat from other parts of your body (this is called liposuction), such as your stomach, thighs, or flanks. The fat is purified, and then it’s injected into your buttocks to create a fuller, rounder appearance.

This procedure is extremely appealing because it takes care of two issues at once: it eliminates fat in unwanted places and places it in your posterior to make it larger.

Is BBL Surgery Safe?

Generally speaking, BBL surgery is safe, as long as you research your options and choose an experienced and reputable surgeon. However, this wasn’t always the case.

Historically, the BBL mortality rate was pretty high; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported the rate being as high as 1 in 3,000 in a statement made in 2018, with data collected prior to that year. The good news is that the rate has dropped dramatically, with the number changing to 1 in 15,000 in 2022 (the same mortality rate as tummy tucks).

Why Is BBL So Dangerous?

Currently, are BBLs dangerous? No, if you go with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

But, as you can see from the above statistics, mortality rates were relatively high up until a few years ago. So why is that the case?

The main answer is that the deaths were caused by fat embolisms, which is when injected fat accidentally enters a vein and travels to the heart or lungs. As a result, the patient has fatal complications. Why did this happen?

Well, early BBL techniques injected fat into or below the gluteal muscle, and there are large veins there. If fat entered these veins, then fat embolisms occurred. In addition, there were many inexperienced surgeons who didn’t have proper training in BBL-specific techniques.

And lastly, there was a surge in this procedure’s popularity, and “surgery mills” popped up to fulfill this rise in demand. As the name implies, these establishments prioritized quantity over quality, and because they rushed the surgeries, they used sloppy techniques and had poor patient monitoring, leading to bad BBL jobs.

How BBL Safety Has Improved

What’s wonderful is that new guidelines have been put in place by organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Multisociety Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force. For one, surgeons are now trained to inject fat above the gluteal muscle, and never into it (this is called a superficial injection). Also, some surgeons now use real-time ultrasound imaging guidance to make sure the fat is placed correctly.

Plastic surgeons are now encouraged to have specific BBL training too, as well as board certification. More importantly, there are stricter operating standards now. Accredited surgery centers have adopted better patient safety protocols, such as limiting the number of BBLs done per day.

Common Risks and Complications

Although BBLs are safer now, you need to keep in mind that all surgeries come with risks. They include:

• Fat embolism (very rare with modern techniques)
• Infection (cellulitis, a serious skin infection)
• Fat necrosis
• Blood clots
• Asymmetry
• Fluid buildup

Do note that serious complications are rare, plus they’re immediate. They tend to happen during or immediately after the BBL.

Factors That Affect BBL Safety

Not every situation is the same; you may have a different experience from another patient due to your unique circumstances. However, there are certain things that affect how safe your procedure will be.

Surgeon’s Credentials

You should always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. They should be certified by the ASPS or the country’s equivalent.

In addition, ask how many BBLs they’ve performed and what their safety record is.

Surgical Technique

It’s of the utmost importance that the surgeon you pick injects fat into the subcutaneous layer, and not into or under the muscle. If they use ultrasound guidance, then there’s a safety advantage.

Surgical Setting

Not only should the surgeon be accredited and experienced, but the surgical setting should be top-quality too. You should have your BBL in an accredited facility with hospital-level sanitation and emergency care readily available.

Your Health

You should be:

• A non-smoker
• At a healthy weight
• Free from major health issues

Pre-surgical screening (such as labs and physical exams) is crucial for identifying hidden risks.

Post-Operative Care

Careful aftercare is required for a few weeks after your surgery. You’ll have to avoid sitting or lying directly on your buttocks. If you wear compression garments and follow your surgeon’s instructions, you’ll reduce complication risks too.

How to Maximize Your Safety

How safe is a BBL surgery? Only as safe as you make it.

Make sure you thoroughly research your options; consider the surgeon’s training, experience, and reviews. You should also choose quality over price.

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, have a consultation. When meeting with the surgeon, ask questions and always trust your instincts.

After you book your surgery, follow all pre- and post-op instructions. Prioritize your health; don’t smoke or drink alcohol, and eat a healthy diet.

Have a Safe BBL Done

The answer to the question, “Is BBL surgery safe?” is “Yes, with the right surgeon.”

It’s definitely not a risk-free procedure, which means that it needs serious consideration before you make a final decision. But by investing time into finding a highly skilled surgeon and understanding the risks, you’ll increase your chances of a safe procedure.

Has this post put your mind at ease, and are you ready to move forward with a BBL? Then schedule a consultation with us today. Dr. Valdez has multiple certifications to back his 16 years of experience as a plastic surgeon.