Brazilian Butt Lift: Influence On Body Image And Self-Esteem

In recent years, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has become a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure, with millions of people worldwide undergoing surgery to achieve a more curvaceous figure. However, as the popularity of BBL continues to grow, so do concerns about its impact on body image and self-esteem.

What exactly is a BBL?

The Brazilian Butt Lift is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the buttocks by transferring fat from other body parts such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The process involves removing fat through liposuction, purifying it, and then carefully injecting it into the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and volume. Dr. George Bitar, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Washington, DC, highlights that the BBL provides a body shape transformation that cannot be achieved through exercise alone.

Additionally, Alex Earle, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami and president of the World Association of Gluteal Surgeons, says Contouring the body through a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can significantly enhance one’s appearance in ways that cannot be achieved through butt exercises. The procedure has a lasting impact and can transform an individual’s shape dramatically.

While the BBL has been hailed as a revolutionary procedure for body contouring, critics argue that it perpetuates harmful beauty standards and reinforces the objectification of women’s bodies.

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Can a person die from BBL?

A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery has a high mortality rate. The study discovered that 1 in every 2,351 BBL procedures resulted in death, which is higher than other cosmetic surgeries such as tummy tucks. The leading cause of death in most cases was due to a pulmonary fat embolism.

Due to the risks involved, prominent plastic surgery societies formed the Task Force for Safety in Gluteal Fat Grafting in 2018 to develop new guidelines to enhance the safety of Brazilian butt lifts.

What are some side effects of a BBL?

Besides the risks of fat embolism and pulmonary complications, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures may also carry other potential side effects. Most of these complications are generally mild and can be effectively managed.

The following are some of the effects of BBL:

1. Fat embolism: A life-threatening condition where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks circulation.
2. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection with a BBL.
3. Numbness or loss of sensation: Some patients may experience numbness or loss of sensation in the buttocks or surrounding areas.
4. Fluid accumulation: There is a risk of fluid accumulation (seroma) at the surgical site.
5. Skin necrosis: In rare cases, skin necrosis (tissue death) can occur.
6. Pain or discomfort: Patients may experience pain or discomfort during the recovery period.
7. Swelling and bruising: Temporary swelling and bruising are common side effects of a BBL.
8. Scarring: A BBL involves incisions, which can result in scarring which may be permanent or temporary.
9. Asymmetry: There is a risk of unevenness or asymmetry after a BBL.

BBL has also been linked to a rise in body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Despite these concerns, many people who have undergone the procedure report feeling more confident and empowered.

Celebrities Who Have Undergone BBL Surgery

In Nigeria’s entertainment scene, numerous celebrities have undergone BBLs, influencing public perceptions and beauty standards. 10 Notable celebrities include Tonto Dikeh, Toke Makinwa, Bobrisky, Nengi Hampson, Mercy Eke, Blessing Okoro, Ini Edo, Sxxydimma, Destiny Etiko, and Koko by Khloe, each openly discussing their procedures and motivations related to beauty and confidence.

Can I Remove BBL After Surgery?

While BBLs can be reversed through procedures that remove transferred fat and reshape the buttocks, outcomes vary, and complete symmetry or restoration of the original appearance is not guaranteed. Reversal procedures carry their risks and complications.

The reversal process typically involves:

1. Removing the excess fat that was transferred during the initial BBL surgery.
2. Re-contouring the buttocks to a more natural shape.
3. Possibly performing additional procedures, like liposuction or body contouring, to achieve a more balanced appearance.

For BBL reversal, it’s important to note that:

1. The surgery may not completely remove all the transferred fat cells.
2. The results may not be perfectly symmetrical or natural-looking.
3. Additional procedures may be needed to achieve the desired outcome.
4. Reversal surgery carries its risks and complications, like any surgical procedure.

Can Men Undergo BBL Surgery?

Yes, men can undergo BBL surgery. A controversy surrounding Jay Boogie, a well-known Nigerian transgender, sparked a heated debate on social media. Boogie gained widespread attention after seeking public help to fund a kidney transplant, allegedly due to complications from a failed cosmetic procedure. This led to a divided response from Nigerians, with some criticizing his decision to undergo BBL surgery in the first place, while others showed empathy and reportedly donated to support his cause.

In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Jay Boogie expressed deep regret over undergoing BBL surgery, revealing that he had wished for death while struggling with the severe complications that arose from the botched procedure. Another man, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky has undergone BBL as well

Here are some things to know about male BBL surgery:

1. Fat Transfer:Male BBL surgery involves liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and transfer the fat to the buttocks to give them a more defined shape.
2. Customized Techniques:The procedure is tailored to meet the unique body shape goals of men, aiming for a more V-shaped torso to enhance masculine features.
3. Recovery: The recovery process takes about four to six weeks and involves instructions to help patients maintain the shape of their enhanced butt.
4. Benefits: A Brazilian butt lift procedure can enhance the volume and increase the firmness of the buttocks to make it look more contoured and in better balance with the rest of your body shape.
5. Ideal Candidates: A good candidate is someone looking to achieve a more athletic butt lift and has realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a BBL In Nigeria?

According to Skin101 Center, the cost of getting a BBL in Nigeria ranges from  1.5 million naira to 3.5 million Naira which covers from consultation to post- operative care facilities.

 Comparative Advantages of a BBL

According to Dr George Bitar, while Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) can be a safer option for buttock augmentation when performed by a licensed professional, many cases of unqualified providers performing dangerous procedures can lead to severe infections, disfigurement, and even death. These unlicensed providers often use illegal substances, such as silicone, which is approved for breast implants but not for buttock injections.

Some advantages of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) compared to other forms of buttock augmentation are:

1. BBL is safer:A BBL is considered safer than other procedures to change the appearance of the buttocks, and the risks of a BBL are less than those of butt implants.
2. 2. Less risk of infection: BBLs are less likely to result in infection after surgery, unlike butt implants.
3. Less risk of capsular contracture: BBLs do not carry the risk of capsular contracture, which is the hardening of the scar tissue that forms around implants, causing pain or affecting the appearance of the implant.
4. Natural-looking results:BBLs provide more natural-looking results because the surgeon injects the patient’s fat into the buttocks.
5. Combined lift and contouring: BBLs can be combined with liposuction to remove unwanted fat from other areas of the body, providing a more comprehensive body-reshaping solution.