By definition, a Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL is the popular butt-raising procedure performed to achieve a more prominent booty that can give a person an hourglass figure. Your own body fat and tissue is used to increase the size and improve the shape of the buttocks in the most natural way versus with foreign substances and objects. Surgeons actually consider it a safer form of this type of cosmetic surgery.
However, if you are not the right candidate or fail to pass the very strict guidelines, you could be disqualified for the surgery. Here are some things you need to know before considering the BBL:
1. Age Matters
Almost all doctors only operate on healthy individuals under the age of 50 with a body mass index of 30 or below. Diabetes, smoking, pregnancy, and severe anemia are some of the common conditions that will disqualify you from surgery.
2. You Can’t Be Obese
Most surgeons also want most candidates to fall within a certain weight range. They will absolutely turn you away if you are even a pound over the recommended weight for your height. For example, if you are 5’5”, you can’t weigh more than 180 pounds.
3. You Have To Plan Well Financially
Typical American administered surgeries include the surgeon’s fees and anesthesia fees. They do not include any out-of-pocket expenses associated with surgery: medical clearance, prescriptions, recovery house, travel expenses, accommodations, etc.
READ: BBL after 10 Years
4. Your Location Will Determine Your Cost
In America, a BBL can cost as much as $12,995. And overseas, let’s say, the Dominican Republic, the average price is $4,300. As you can see the cost difference is steep, hence the rise of medical tourism to the Dominican Republic. Plus, be prepared to pay up to $2000 for your non-refundable deposit to secure your surgery date upfront.
5. They Do Not Accept Any Insurance Plans
Neither in America nor abroad will you find a plastic surgeon who is covered under any insurance plan. Most cosmetic procedures are seen as non-life-threatening and are categorized as elective surgeries. However, most doctors do accept financing.
6. There's Potential For Staged Procedures
Since fat injections are recommended in the subcutaneous plane alone – not within or deep to the muscle layer – this may limit the amount of fat that may be safely injected in one surgery. It may take a few surgeries to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome to lower the risk of complications. Staging the procedure would be considered a safer approach by limiting the injections in the subcutaneous plane and allowing the tissues to stretch between surgeries to achieve a greater final volume.
7. Aftercare Is Important
Just to give you some insight, most patients will need to stay at a recovery house or with a professional caretaker for at least 72 hours after surgery. Full recovery could take several months. Patients should minimize how much time is spent sitting or lying on the buttocks during early healing, which may reduce pressure as the fat establishes a new blood supply.
Other patient factors, including comorbidities like diabetes, connective tissue disease, certain medications, and smoking status may also affect wound healing and final results.
8. There Is A Risk Of Mortality
The risk of mortality associated with BBL is 1/3000, which is significantly higher than other plastic surgery procedures. Research has shown that mortality associated with BBL relates to fat injections performed within the muscle layer, leading to damage of the gluteal veins and resultant fat emboli.