What is a BBL?
BBL surgery is the process of removing fat from unwanted parts of the patient's body (usually the stomach or hips) using liposuction. This fat is then purified and transferred into the buttocks to create a rounder, much fuller shape.
Like most cosmetic surgery procedures, a Brazillian butt lift is carried out to increase the confidence of patients who feel they lack volume and shape in their bum.
Many celebrities have undergone the surgery, and while many have denied it, Khloe Kardashian’s BBL remains a famous mystery in the world of cosmetic surgery.
How much does a BBL cost?
The average cost for a BBL is anywhere from £4,000 upwards.
The total price of a BBL depends on the surgeon, the area of the body that liposuction is performed on and the country you choose to undergo the procedure in.
Why is BBL surgery dangerous?
Depositing fat into a new and different area of the body comes with the risk of blood clots, cardiac complications, and fat embolisms, which is when fat transferred into the bum can move into the bloodstream, resulting in a blockage of the lungs.
BBL surgery can also cause:
Haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
Fat necrosis (death of fat tissue)
Pneumothorax (air leaking between the lungs and chest wall)
Excessive bleeding
Infections
Allergic reactions
The global death rate following a Brazilian butt lift is alarmingly high, with 1 in 3,000 patients passing away after undergoing this surgery due to the associated risks.
Other risks of BBL surgery
While BBL surgery promises a bigger bum, the stretching of the skin can cause bruising and stretch marks that are hard to get rid of. Yes, stretch marks are natural and nothing to be ashamed of, but they can cause low self-esteem in those who develop them as a result of the surgery.
Thick, raised scarring (hypertrophic scars) can also be a side-effect of skin trauma. While treatment is available to remove these, it can be a lengthy and expensive process and is often ineffective.
As the fat is being deposited into a new area, there is a risk of small lumps appearing under the skin, creating an uneven appearance.
This has detrimental effects on a person’s mental health and further decreases their self-esteem, affecting their relationships and professional development.
The risks are becoming more and more apparent. It’s even rumoured that Kim Kardashian’s BBL has been removed, as it seems like she stopped getting it topped up, resulting in her recent smaller appearance.
Can you get a BBL in the UK?
BBL surgery is no longer available in the UK due to the risks involved and the long-term effects it can have on a patient’s physical and mental health.
According to the NHS website, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has advised its members not to carry out this cosmetic surgery procedure until more research is done and a safer technique is developed.
Many people choose to have cosmetic surgery in Turkey because it’s cheaper, but there are a number of risks involved, including the effects of flying post-op. You are advised not to fly for at least 4-6 weeks after your surgery, as you are more at risk of developing Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
If you choose to travel for cosmetic surgery, you usually have to fly home just a few days after your surgery, increasing your chances of developing these conditions.
Learn more about cosmetic surgery with MYA
We do not offer BBL surgery here at MYA because of the risks involved.
However, we do offer a range of tried and tested cosmetic surgery procedures performed by our accredited surgeons right here in the UK.
We have clinical hubs up and down the country, with prices that reflect the high level of care each patient will receive post-op to ensure they’re healing correctly.
For more information on cosmetic surgery, check out our blog for industry news, myth debunking, and more.
