The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is a popular cosmetic surgery that has grown in popularity around the world. During the BBL in Turkey procedure, the patient’s own fat is transferred to the buttocks to enhance their size and shape. While the results can be impressive, it’s important to understand that the procedure comes with some significant BBL risks and dangers.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers and complications associated with BBL surgery. We will also explain how the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure works at Cosmedica Aesthetic.
What is the process of a BBL at Cosmedica Aesthetic?
Cosmedica Aesthetic in Istanbul offers a variety of aesthetic treatments, including the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). A typical procedure is as follows:
- Initial consultation: Before the procedure, a detailed consultation takes place in which your wishes and expectations are discussed. Our plastic surgeon Dr. Durgun will assess your physical condition and explain the procedure to you. He will also discuss the risks and expected results with each patient individually.
- Preparation: Our board certified plastic surgeons carry out all necessary medical examinations before the operation. You may receive instructions on preoperative care, such as avoiding certain medications or following special diets.
- Cosmetic procedure: We remove fat tissue from certain parts of the body, using liposuction. The team then processes the fat and injects it into the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and fullness.
- Aftercare: After the operation, careful aftercare is crucial. You will receive instructions on postoperative care, including information on rest periods. We will also tell you everything you need to know about compression garments and healing process.
Medical risks of a BBL procedure
1) Fat embolism - the deadliest complication
One of the most dangerous and feared risks of a BBL is fat embolism. The injected amounts of fat accidentally enter large blood vessels, which can cause it to enter the bloodstream. As soon as fat particles reach vital organs such as the lungs, heart or brain, they can lead to sudden circulatory failure.
A fat embolism syndrome is difficult to detect and can lead to death within a few hours. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or confusion indicate this.
Studies show that the mortality rate is between 1:3,000 and 1:6,000, which makes BBL a dangerous surgery. Other cosmetic surgeries are therefore safer. But how well the doctor works also plays a role. Experienced doctors do not inject the fat deep into the gluteal muscles.
2) Infections
As with any operation, there is a risk of infection with BBL. Bacterial infections that can develop because of unsterile conditions or poor hygiene are particularly dangerous.
The possible infections include:
- Superficial wound infections that cause redness, swelling and pain
- Deep tissue infections that affect the fatty tissue and can lead to abscesses
- Sepsis, a dangerous blood poisoning that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream
3) Thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms
After an operation, there is an increased risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins of the legs. This is particularly problematic during procedures that require a long period of lying down or restricted movement. If such a clot breaks off and reaches the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. This can lead to severe shortness of breath, chest pain and, in the worst case, death.
Risk factors for thrombosis after a BBL are:
- Longer periods of lying down immediately after the operation
- Lack of exercise
- Genetic predisposition
4) Skin necrosis (tissue death)
Another serious risk is skin or fat necrosis. This occurs when the transplanted fat tissue does not receive sufficient blood. Without an adequate blood supply, the tissue dies, which can lead to serious complications.
The following problems can occur:
- Hard lumps or hardenings that can be painful
- Blackened areas of skin that indicate dead tissue
- Open wounds that can become infected
5) Asymmetrical or undesirable results
Even experienced surgeons cannot guarantee that the buttocks will be perfect. The body does not always accept the transplanted fat. Studies show that the body breaks down up to 50% of the injected fat in the first six months. This leads to uneven buttocks or losing volume in the gluteus.
Common aesthetic problems after a BBL are:
- Dimples or bumps in the buttocks area
- Uneven fat distribution leading to an asymmetrical shape
- Excessive fat loss making the result unsatisfactory
Long-term risks and side effects
In addition to the immediate risks, there are also significant long-term risks that patients should be aware of. While some of these risks may be mild, others can have lasting effects on both health and appearance.
If the fat is absorbed unevenly, it can lead to dimpling, lumpiness, or sagging skin in the treated area. This can be particularly problematic if the skin loses its elasticity, as it may not retract properly. Some patients experience a “wave-like” or rippled effect on their buttocks.
The fat transfer process can sometimes cause nerve damage, which leads to ongoing discomfort, numbness, or chronic pain in the buttocks. Some sensory disturbances may get better over time. However, others can become permanent. This can affect movement and comfort during activities like sitting, walking, or exercising.
Although infections are more commonly an immediate post-surgical risk, they can also develop over time. This can lead to hard lumps under the skin, pain, and, in severe cases, the need for surgical removal of dead tissue. Also, bad fat placement can lead to deep tissue infections. These infections might need antibiotics or more medical treatments to fix.
How can you minimize the risk?
- Choose a highly qualified and experienced specialist. Look for a board-certified surgeon with a proven track record of successful BBL procedures. Research their qualifications, reviews, and before-and-after photos of previous patients.
- Check the clinic’s safety standards. Ensure that the facility is accredited, follows strict hygiene protocols, and has proper emergency measures in place.
- Educate yourself on the risks. Understanding potential complications will help you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations.
- Prioritize aftercare and recovery. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial to achieving the best results and avoiding complications.
- Don’t compromise on quality to save money. While affordability is important, your health and safety should always come first. Avoid choosing a clinic solely based on price, as cutting corners can lead to serious consequences.
Conclusion: Is a BBL worth the risk?
A BBL is a popular cosmetic procedure that makes your body look better and makes you feel more confident. Many celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, have had this operation. But it can have risks like fat embolism, infections, uneven results, and long-term problems. Therefore, it’s important to choose a good clinic and surgeon to make sure the operation is safe and successful.
Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a popular place for high-quality, affordable cosmetic procedures. Many clinics in Turkey offer advanced techniques, modern facilities, and surgeons who have trained internationally. At Cosmedica Aesthetic in Istanbul, we prioritize patient safety, satisfaction, and long-term health. Our clinic follows the highest medical and hygiene standards, ensuring that every procedure is performed with precision and care.
At Cosmedica Aesthetic, we are dedicated to offering top-tier medical care in a comfortable and safe environment. Let us help you achieve your desired look while ensuring your health and safety remain our top priority.