Brazilian Butt Lift Risks : 7 Common BBL Complications

Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery is relatively safe but may have some complications like any other surgery. It is recommended that people intending to undergo this procedure know the potential BBL risks and complications and discuss them with their surgeon before making an informed decision.

What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and How Dangerous Is It?

A Brazilian butt lift, or BBL surgery, is a cosmetic surgery in which the plastic surgeon removes fat from one or multiple body parts by liposuction and injects the harvested fat into the buttocks. The purpose of BBL surgery is to enhance the buttock shape and size.

BBL surgery can be a safe and effective way to improve the volume and shape of the buttocks. However, it is recommended that patients discuss the possible BBL complications of surgery with their surgeon and carefully follow all pre-and post-operative instructions to minimize BBL risks.

Read more: BBL Aftercare Tips: How Long Does a BBL Take to Heal?

What Are BBL Surgery Risks?

Several potential complications may occur after a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery. Some of the most common BBL risks are as follows.

Infection

Although uncommon, the infection can occur at the incision site after the BBL procedure. The infection symptoms may include a foul smell from the incision site, fever, yellow or green discharge, and soreness that won't go away. The risk of infection after a BBL procedure can be reduced by choosing a cosmetic surgery procedure that observes sterilization protocols. Cleaning the surgical site can also help lower the infection risk after the Brazilian Butt Lift.

To guarantee quick assessment and suitable action by their healthcare practitioner, patients should maintain vigilance and report any events of concern as soon as they arise, particularly if they suffer identifiable symptoms of the infections from BBL smell bad.

Bleeding

Bleeding is a potential complication that may occur after Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery. Patients must contact their surgeon immediately if they experience excessive bleeding at the incision site after the BBL procedure. The surgeon can examine the cause and severity of the bleeding and then recommend additional treatment or surgery.

To reduce the risk of bleeding after the BBL surgery, it is recommended that patients follow all pre- and post-operative tips. These tips may include avoiding certain drugs or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, quitting smoking, and wearing a compression garment. Furthermore, it is important to avoid any activities that might increase the risk of bleeding by putting pressure on the buttocks or the surgical site.

Fat embolism

Although it is rare, the risk of fat embolism after BBL can occur when the injected fat into the buttocks travels to other body parts, such as the lungs. This complication can cause difficulty breathing and may be life-threatening.

Seroma

Seroma is a collection of fluid that can accumulate under the skin in the area where fat is injected. Symptoms of seroma after BBL surgery may include swelling, pain, and discomfort. If the seroma is large or causing discomfort, the surgeon may recommend draining it using a needle or catheter. In some cases, the seroma may need to be surgically removed.

Tissue necrosis

Tissue necrosis refers to tissue death due to a lack of blood flow. It is a rare but serious complication that can occur after Brazilian butt lift surgery. It can occur when blood vessels are damaged during the surgery or when the transferred fat does not supply enough blood.

Signs of tissue necrosis after BBL surgery may include skin discoloration, severe pain, and the appearance of a wound or ulcer. Treatment for tissue necrosis after BBL surgery depends on the severity of the condition. Smaller tissue necrosis areas may heal independently with proper wound care. In comparison, larger areas may need additional treatment, like debridement (removal of damaged tissue) or skin graft surgery.

Changes in sensation

As with any surgical procedure, sensation changes can occur after BBL. The most common sensation changes after BBL are numbness, tingling, and hypersensitivity in the buttocks area. The procedure involves cutting and manipulating nerves and blood vessels that can temporarily change how the nerves transmit signals. These changes may last several weeks to several months after the BBL procedure and will resolve independently.

In rare cases, complications such as infection or nerve damage after BBL can lead to more long-lasting changes in sensation.

Scarring

Like any surgical procedure, BBL requires incisions that can result in scars. The extent and appearance of scarring after a BBL procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgical techniques, the skill of the surgeon, and the patient's healing process.

The liposuction and fat injection incisions during the BBL procedure are usually very small. However, scars can become more noticeable if the patient experiences complications such as infection, poor wound healing, or excessive scarring.

The plastic surgeon can advise scar creams or other treatments to help minimize scarring.

More Serious Complications of BBL

What is the biggest risk of a BBL? Among the potential complications associated with this popular cosmetic surgery, the most concerning is the risk of death. While BBLs aim to enhance the appearance of the buttocks through fat transfer, serious complications such as fat embolism can occur. This occurs when the injected fat enters the bloodstream and travels to the lungs, leading to a blockage that can result in respiratory distress and, in rare cases, fatalities.

Though the overall death rate is relatively low, to prevent unfortunate occurrences of a BBL surgery gone wrong, prospective patients must be aware of this significant risk and carefully choose highly qualified plastic surgeons who prioritize safety measures during the procedure, including proper techniques and facility accreditation. It underscores the importance of informed decision-making and thorough consideration of potential risks before opting for a Brazilian Butt Lift.

BBL Long-Term Side Effects

What are the long-term risks when you get a BBL? While Brazilian Butt Lift procedures are often praised for their immediate aesthetic results, it's crucial to consider potential complications that may arise years after the surgery. Long-term issues can include asymmetry, fat absorption or distribution changes, and the natural aging process affecting the augmented area. Additionally, there may be unforeseen consequences related to the initial fat grafting, such as lumps, nodules, or scarring.

These complications can impact the overall appearance and satisfaction of the patient over time, emphasizing the importance of thorough discussions between individuals and their surgeons regarding realistic expectations, potential risks, and the need for follow-up care. Regular monitoring and communication with a qualified healthcare professional become paramount to address any concerns that may manifest in the years following the BBL procedure.

How to Minimize the Risks of BBL Surgery?

There are some guidelines by which patients can minimize the BBL surgery risks and ensure a safe and successful outcome.

First, choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon with extensive experience performing BBL is important. Patients should ask questions, consult with their surgeon before the procedure, and discuss their medical history and any medications they are taking.

Following pre-and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon is also helpful. These instructions may include avoiding certain medications, quitting smoking, staying hydrated, wearing a compression garment, avoiding certain activities, and taking antibiotics to prevent infection.

Patients should also attend follow-up appointments with their surgeons to monitor their healing and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

BBL Revision

Undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) revision can be necessary to address complications or unsatisfactory results from the initial procedure. Common reasons for seeking a BBL revision include issues such as asymmetry, uneven fat distribution, overcorrection, undercorrection, or fat necrosis. Revision surgery aims to refine the shape and contour of the buttocks, correct any irregularities, and enhance overall aesthetic outcomes. While a BBL revision can improve results, it also comes with its own set of risks and potential side effects. These may include prolonged swelling, bruising, infection, and scarring.

Read more: Tips for a Successful Revision Brazilian Butt Lift: Procedure + Aftercare

Patients should be aware that the risk of complications can be higher during revision surgery due to the presence of scar tissue and altered anatomy from the initial procedure. As with the primary BBL, choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for the revision is crucial to minimize risks and achieve the desired outcome. Proper post-operative care, including the use of compression garments and avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks, is essential to support healing and optimize results.

Why Choose Iran for Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery?

Like other kinds of cosmetic surgeries practiced in Iran, BBL is also an extremely popular procedure for buttocks enhancement. Those who want to improve their body largely choose it in this country. The reasonable price of BBL surgery in Iran and the presence of skilled plastic surgeons have turned this country into a smart choice for people seeking to perform cosmetic surgeries at a fair price and a high success rate.

Contact us to get to know the best Iranian clinics and plastic surgeons. Raadinahealth team is always ready to help you find the best medical and cosmetic services in Iran.

FAQs About BBL Surgery Side Effects

1) Can a BBL be reversed if I'm unsatisfied with the results?

Reversing a BBL is complex and may not be feasible. Thoroughly discuss expectations with your surgeon before the procedure to minimize dissatisfaction.

2) How can I maintain the results of a BBL over time?

Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain weight and overall body health, contributing to sustained BBL results.

3) Are there age restrictions for getting a BBL?

There's no specific age limit, but surgeons consider factors like overall health and medical history. Individuals should be in good health and have realistic expectations.

4) Will the scars from liposuction be noticeable?

Liposuction scars are typically small and inconspicuous. Surgeons strategically place incisions in natural body creases to minimize visibility. We also discuss this in more detail in the article How Long Does It Take for Liposuction Scars to Heal.