The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a procedure that enhances the buttocks through fat transfer.
Excess fat is harvested from other areas of the body including the abdomen, hips, lower back and thighs through liposuction. BBL is a popular procedure for those seeking to enhance their bodies.
What are the risks of having a BBL?
Much of the risks involved also depends upon whether a qualified plastic surgeon is performing the surgery and the specifics of the procedure itself. In 2019, a study found that the risk of death from a BBL was “16 times greater” if the fat is injected into the muscle, as opposed to underneath the skin.
BBL is a popular procedure for those seeking to enhance their bodies. However, with the recent reports of patient deaths from undergoing BBL, many have now labeled it as the most dangerous cosmetic procedure.
After any plastic surgical procedure, especially hi-definition liposuction, patients experience severe swelling and bruising that can last for weeks to months and the flow of lymph can be interrupted by the surgery, which can result in reduced healing, fibrosis (scar tissue, dimpled, uneven skin and the possibility of developing seromas (pockets of serous fluid).
Plastic surgeons frequently recommend Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after liposuction, or after abdominoplasty with liposuction (a ‘tummy-tuck’). If you have multiple procedures simultaneously (liposuction, breast work and tummy tuck), MLD will be even more necessary to address swelling and tissue hardness.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage accelerates recovery and decreases the chance for irregularities, lumps or bumps, and scar tissue formation, which can all affect the final cosmetic outcome. It also helps the skin to tighten and conform to the new body shape and sculpted musculature during the liposculpture procedure.
Dangers of a Brazilian butt lift
Massage Is Important, Discuss With Your Surgeon
In patients who have undergone brazilian butt lift surgery we routinely recommend massage of the liposuction donor sites, but delay massage of the recipient sites until blood supply to the transplanted fat cells has been re-established.
Many plastic surgeons utilize massage as a routine component of post-operative care following this procedure. They believe that massage minimizes internal scarring, decreases edema and helps remoldel soft tissue.
It’s not unusual for patients to complain of swelling, tightness, and stiffness following this procedure. Massage and an early return to physical activity seem to help with these issues.
For these reasons, plastic surgeons often recommend gentle massage and stretching exercises following brazilian butt lift surgery. These are usually started 7 to 10 days following the procedure at the donor sites.
Massage is delayed for 2 to 3 months in the buttock area because of the freshly grafted fat cells. Initially, these maneuvers cause mild discomfort which quickly resolves with time.
If you’re planning brazilian butt lift surgery, it’s important to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. In many cases, massage will be an important part of your post-operative care.
R. Bruneteau, MD- Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
BBL Recovery – Fajas and Massages
Do you want your BBL Recovery with Fajas and Massages to be fast and effective? Here are some must see tips from Dr. William, take the time to learn about these compression garments and how the massages can expedite your recovery. 3 months max.
How to prepare for your BBL – What to Know for your BBL Journey – Massages are super important… Start next day after surgery.
What complications can happen after a BBL? – Part 1
