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Gluteal augmentation with fat grafting, commonly referred to as the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), has gained significant popularity in recent years. However, it is noteworthy that this procedure has been associated with the highest mortality rate among all cosmetic surgeries. There are various aspects that potentially make this procedure dangerous, which include anatomy and surgical technique. Haute Beauty expert, Dr. Samuel Lin, explores the potential dangers and challenges of BBL surgery, as well as the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon.
Potential Dangers and Challenges
Complex Anatomy and Blood Supply: The gluteal region is a highly complex area with a rich blood supply, making it susceptible to damage during surgery. This complexity increases the risk of bleeding and injury to adjacent structures.
Variability in Surgical Techniques: There is a considerable variation in techniques used for BBL surgery, and some approaches are safer than others. The choice of technique plays a crucial role in the overall safety of the procedure.
Fat Embolism: During fat injection into the gluteal region, the high pressure applied can cause fat to inadvertently enter nearby blood vessels. These fat particles can travel through the bloodstream, reaching the lungs and potentially leading to a life-threatening condition known as fat embolism.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Patient Factors and Precautions
Certain patient factors can increase the risk of complications associated with any surgical procedure, including BBL. These factors include a history of diabetes, hypertension, anemia, obesity, and malnutrition. Patients who consume excessive alcohol or smoke should discontinue these habits before undergoing surgery. Additionally, individuals with chronic lung, heart, or kidney disease are at higher risk of complications.
Importance of Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
When considering BBL surgery, the selection of a qualified surgeon is paramount importance. Board-certified plastic surgeons who have received extensive training in complex anatomy are best suited to perform this procedure safely. Their knowledge and skills enable them to navigate the complexities of gluteal augmentation effectively. Opting for a surgeon with substantial experience in performing BBL surgery is crucial. Such surgeons have encountered and managed a variety of challenges associated with the procedure, further enhancing patient safety. Inadequately trained or inexperienced providers may not be equipped to safely execute the surgery or address potential complications effectively.
References
- American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics, 2017. Available at: https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2017.pdf. Accessed February 28, 2023.
- Cansancao AL, Condé-Green A, Gouvea Rosique R, Junqueira Rosique M, Cervantes A. "Brazilian Butt Lift" Performed by Board-Certified Brazilian Plastic Surgeons: Reports of an Expert Opinion Survey. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019;144(3):601-609. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000006020
- Rios L, Gupta V. Improvement in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safety With the Current Recommendations from ASERF, ASAPS, and ISAPS. Aesthet Surg J. 2020;40(8):864-870. doi:10.1093/asj/sjaa098
- Del Vecchio DA, Wall SJ Jr, Mendieta CG, et al. Safety Comparison of Abdominoplasty and Brazilian Butt Lift: What the Literature Tells Us. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;148(6):1270-1277. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000008599
- Shaydakov ME, Tuma F. Operative Risk. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 9, 2022.
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