Is BBL Safe?
The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL for short, is fast becoming one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK and around the globe. A lot of people are really happy with the results. However, it has also attracted some negative attention due to the unfortunate incidents of fatalities linked to fat embolisms and less-than-perfect surgical methods. This has made people question whether the surgery is safe to go ahead with.
So, what does a Brazilian Butt Lift actually involve? This surgery takes fat from one part of your body using a technique called liposuction. The fat is then cleaned and transferred into your hips and bum to make them look fuller and give you a more curvy shape. It’s essentially a way of moving fat from one place to another to enhance the look of your hips and buttocks.
Here at Centre for Surgery, our expert surgeons are considered leading authorities on the subject of BBLs. In fact, they’ve even developed a new and much safer way of doing the procedure using ultrasound guidance. We’re proud to say that this ultrasound-guided BBL technique has had zero reported fatalities, making it a safer choice compared to traditional methods.
In this article, we’ll delve into the main safety issues that people are concerned about when it comes to Brazilian Butt Lifts. We’ll also discuss how we at Centre for Surgery are taking steps to make the procedure as safe as possible for our patients.
How Does a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Actually Work?
A Brazilian Butt Lift is essentially a two-step procedure involving both liposuction and fat injection. First, the surgeon removes unwanted fat from specific areas of your body, like your belly or thighs. This fat is then cleaned and prepared for the second part of the procedure.
Next, the cleaned fat is injected into your buttocks to make them fuller and more shapely. In the traditional approach to BBLs, surgeons often injected large volumes of fat directly into the gluteal muscle, aiming for a dramatically fuller look. However, this method could result in an unnaturally large and disproportionate appearance of the buttocks, not to mention the associated safety risks.
It’s worth noting that this traditional way of doing BBLs is considered outdated in the UK. Thanks to advances in medical research and technique, there are now safer ways to achieve a fuller, natural-looking behind without risking your health. Despite these advances, the older, riskier method is still offered at a cheaper price in many other countries, such as Turkey, making it a tempting but potentially hazardous option.
RELATED: Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs – Q&A about BBL Surgery
Dangers of Having a Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is different from other types of surgeries because it comes with its own set of medical and cosmetic risks, especially when not done properly. Here’s a list of some key risks you should be aware of if you’re thinking about getting a traditional BBL.
Infections After Surgery
After any operation, there’s a chance you might get an infection. This is particularly common for people who go overseas for surgery, according to NHS data. An infection can result in loss of the transferred fat, hospital admission, blood poisoning, and even death in extreme cases. That’s why it’s really important to follow all the guidelines to prevent infection when you’re recovering from your procedure.
At Centre for Surgery, all our BBL operations take place at our CQC regulated surgical centre on Baker Street. We carry out the surgeries in a completely sterile operating room and use single-use surgical tools to minimise the risk of infection.
Damage to Fat Tissue (Fat Necrosis)
Fat necrosis is what happens when fat cells get damaged due to lack of blood supply. Although it isn’t dangerous to your health, it can leave lumpy and uneven areas, which might be a cosmetic issue. Because BBL involves transferring fat cells into your buttocks, this is a risk you should consider. However, an experienced surgeon can lower this risk by being extra careful with how the fat is grafted and injected. It’s also important for you, the patient, to follow post-surgery care instructions to help avoid this problem.
Oil Cysts Formation
Sometimes, damaged fat cells can turn into sacs filled with oil, known as oil cysts. These are usually a result of fat necrosis and can either shrink on their own or be removed by a doctor. This is quite a rare complication and is generally caused by putting too much fat into the area, which is something a qualified surgeon would know how to avoid.
Loss of Volume and Uneven Shape
In the first three months after the surgery, your body will naturally absorb about 20-30% of the injected fat cells. This means that the shape and size of your buttocks will change a bit compared to how they looked right after the surgery. The skill of the surgeon plays a big role here; a less experienced one might not inject the fat correctly, leaving you disappointed with the final result.
Our surgeons take all this into account. They inject a bit more fat than is needed in certain areas to get the final shape as close to your expectations as possible. We also use gentle techniques to make sure the fat cells are least likely to get damaged during the procedure.
Risk of Fatality
Although rare, fat embolisms are the leading cause of death associated with BBLs. This happens when fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood flow, particularly to the lungs. Skilled BBL surgeons are well aware of this danger and avoid injecting fat into or under the gluteal muscles, which lowers this risk considerably. In regulated countries like the UK, there are rules that stop surgeons from using risky techniques. However, if you go for the procedure in a place with lax regulations, you’re more likely to run into a surgeon who uses risky methods.
Improvements in the Safety of BBL Procedures
At Centre for Surgery, we’re at the forefront of making Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) safer and more effective. Our surgeons have been instrumental in bringing a new, cutting-edge method to the UK, known as the ultrasound-guided BBL technique. This approach is far safer and yields better results compared to the older, traditional methods of BBL.
What is Ultrasound-Guided BBL?
The ultrasound-guided technique is a modern way to perform a BBL that greatly enhances safety measures. Unlike traditional methods, which often inject fat into the gluteal muscle, the ultrasound-guided approach places the fat over the muscle. This significant difference reduces the risk of complications commonly associated with older methods.
RELATED: What is Superficial Gluteal Lipofilling?
To perform this procedure, our surgeons use specially designed injection cannulas. These tools help to ensure that the fat isn’t mistakenly injected into the muscle, and they allow the surgeon to be more precise in sculpting the buttocks to achieve the desired shape.
How Does the Procedure Work?
An ultrasound-guided BBL at Centre for Surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours. The first step is liposuction, where our surgeons remove fat from areas near the buttocks, like the belly or the sides of your torso. This not only provides the fat for transfer but also helps to sculpt the area around the buttocks, enhancing the overall silhouette.
Once the fat is harvested, it’s cleaned and prepared for injection. The last step involves injecting the prepared fat over the gluteal muscle, guided by an ultrasound device to ensure maximum safety and accuracy.
How Safe is It?
The ultrasound-guided technique is considerably safer than traditional BBLs. By injecting the fat superficially and not into the gluteal muscle, and by using ultrasound for real-time guidance, we minimise risks and maximise patient safety. Our surgeons are specialists in plastic surgery with extensive experience in performing BBLs and liposuction procedures, and patient safety is always our top priority.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
Here at Centre for Surgery, we aim for natural-looking enhancements that are in proportion to your body. Our surgeons will inject just the right amount of fat to achieve the look you desire, avoiding both underwhelming and exaggerated outcomes. The additional liposuction performed around the buttocks also helps to further refine and emphasise the results, offering you a well-sculpted, more curvaceous figure.
RELATED: How visible will BBL scars be?
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your BBL Surgery
If you’re considering getting a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), one of the most crucial steps is choosing a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon. The right surgeon not only ensures you get the results you’re hoping for but also makes sure the procedure is as safe as possible. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed choice:
- Verify Credentials and Training: First things first, check the surgeon’s qualifications. You should opt for a surgeon who is GMC certified and has undergone specific training in BBL procedures. Make sure to verify these credentials; don’t just take their word for it.
- Specialisation Matters: Ideally, you want to choose a surgeon who specialises in BBLs. A surgeon with a focus on this particular procedure will have honed their skills over many operations, mastering both the technical aspects and the artistic nuances required to achieve optimal results.
- Safety Protocols: Ask the surgeon about the safety measures they implement during the surgery. This can include the type of anaesthesia used, post-operative care plans, and any specific techniques they use to minimise risks, such as ultrasound-guided procedures.
- Check BBL Before and After Photos: Many surgeons keep a portfolio of their work, showing before and after photos of patients they’ve treated. This will give you a good idea of the results you can expect and the quality of the surgeon’s work.
- Read Reviews and Testimonials: Patient reviews can offer insights into the surgeon’s skills, as well as the overall patient experience, including aftercare and the clinic’s support staff.
- Consultation: Arrange for an initial consultation to meet the surgeon in person. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have, discuss your expectations, and get a sense of whether you’re comfortable with the surgeon.
- Cost: Although cost should not be the primary factor in choosing a surgeon, it’s essential to know what you can afford. Some clinics offer finance options, so ask about these if necessary.
By thoroughly researching and carefully considering these factors, you’ll be better positioned to choose a qualified plastic surgeon for your BBL surgery, ensuring both excellent results and the utmost safety.
Is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Worth It?
Deciding whether a BBL is worth it can be a deeply personal choice, and it often depends on various factors such as your body goals, lifestyle, and expectations. Here are some points to consider:
Pros:
- Natural Results: A BBL uses your own body fat, which makes the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers or implants.
- Dual Benefit: The procedure involves liposuction from other areas of your body, which means you’re essentially getting two procedures in one: fat removal and buttock enhancement.
- Permanent Solution: Unlike fillers that need to be touched up over time, a BBL offers a long-lasting, and often permanent, solution to enhancing your figure.
- Improved Self-Confidence: Many patients report a significant boost in their self-esteem and body confidence following the procedure.
- Safety When Done Right: When performed by an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon who follows all safety protocols, the procedure is generally safe and yields satisfying results.
Cons:
- Safety Risks: If performed by an inexperienced or unqualified surgeon, a BBL can be a risky procedure with severe complications including fat embolism and infection.
- Cost: BBLs can be quite expensive, and you should also consider the cost of any potential follow-up treatments or corrections.
- Recovery Time: You’ll need time off work and other daily activities for recovery, which can take several weeks.
- Unpredictable Results: As with any surgical procedure, there’s no 100% guarantee you’ll achieve the exact results you desire.
- Potential for Revision BBL Surgery: Sometimes, patients require a second surgery to fine-tune the results, which adds to the cost and recovery time.
So, is a BBL worth it? If you’re looking for a permanent, natural-looking enhancement to your buttocks and you’re in the hands of a qualified, experienced surgeon who takes all the necessary safety precautions, then many patients would say ‘yes’. However, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons, and above all, ensure you’re working with a competent plastic surgeon.
Safe BBL Surgery – Why Choose Centre for Surgery
When it comes to BBL surgery, safety, expertise, and patient satisfaction are paramount. At Centre for Surgery, we are not only pioneers in introducing the ultrasound-guided BBL technique to the UK, but we are also committed to achieving the best and safest results for our patients.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise: Our specialist plastic surgeons are key opinion leaders in the field of BBL surgery and have extensive experience and training.
- Advanced Techniques: We offer the ultrasound-guided BBL technique, which maximises safety and delivers exceptional results.
- Patient-Centric Approach: From consultation to aftercare, our team ensures you receive the highest level of care.
- Finance Options: Worried about the cost? We offer various finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance, to make the procedure more affordable for you.
Patient Testimonials
- Sarah, 32: “The team at Centre for Surgery were amazing. The ultrasound-guided technique gave me peace of mind, and the results are stunning.”
- Claire, 45: “From the consultation to the procedure and aftercare, the professionalism at Centre for Surgery is second to none. I highly recommend them.”
- Emily, 28: “I always wanted a BBL but was scared of the risks. The surgeons at Centre for Surgery explained everything clearly, and I felt incredibly safe throughout the process.”
Learn More
- About Us: To find out more about our ethos and services, please visit our About Us page.
- Plastic Surgery Blog: For more insights and tips on BBL surgery, check out our Plastic Surgery Blog.
- FAQs: Still have questions? Our Clinic FAQs can provide the answers you’re looking for.
- Baker Street Clinic: We are conveniently located at 95-97 Baker Street, London. For more information, visit our Baker Street Clinic page.
Book Your Consultation Today
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to book your consultation.
- Phone: 0207 993 4849
- Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Choose Centre for Surgery for a safer, more effective BBL procedure.
