Is the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safe?

With summer just around the corner, many women are starting to think more about how they can look and feel their best in a cute swimsuit, jean cut-offs, or new tank top this summer. For many women, a key problem area that continues to bother them despite diet and exercise efforts is the shape of their behind. No matter how many squats you do, sometimes it’s just not possible to get that perfect lift and full shape through lifestyle changes alone! The Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is a great option to consider for finally achieving that flawless derriere you’ve been dreaming of. This ingenious procedure utilizes the powerful precision of liposuction to remove unwanted fat from problem areas like the tummy, back, and sides and then transfer it to the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder shape. The concept of transferring one’s own fat to a different region of the body may be unfamiliar to many patients, and raise questions about the safety of this procedure. In this post, I will address these concerns and explain how this procedure is very safe when performed by a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen.

At first glance, the idea of moving fat from one region of the body to another may sound pretty simple. However, there are a few key factors to keep in mind that affect the safety of this procedure. First is the amount of fat that is harvested via liposuction. This varies significantly depending on the patient, as a patient with more excess fat will have more accessible fat for removal, while a slim patient will have less. It is possible to remove too much fat during this procedure, and as such, your plastic surgeon should not have a “one size fits all” approach but instead customize the quantity of fat and areas that it is harvested from depending on the shape, size, and aesthetic preferences of the patient. Although slender patients have less fat available for transfer, it is important to remember that a small volume of fat can make a big impact for these patients, so it is perfectly okay that less is able to be harvested. Dr. Traci Temmen works extensively with each patient to ensure that she fully understands their goals before forming a personalized plan to create a result they are happy with. In addition to her extensive training in the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, Dr. Temmen also has additional training in how to safely perform this procedure on thinner patients (called the “Skinny BBL”) to ensure that these patients can achieve an equally safe and beautiful result.

The second piece of information that is integral to ensuring the safety of the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is the manner in which the fat is injected into the buttocks. After the fat is harvested, it should be transferred subcutaneously using large bore, side port, blunt cannulas while withdrawing. This method ensures that the fat injection process is as safe as possible, and minimizes the risk of complications. While the buttocks may feel mostly composed of fat, there are important neurovascular structures and muscle groups underneath the superficial tissue layers that should not be disturbed during the BBL procedure. That is why it is crucial to remain in the subcutaneous plane (just under the skin) while injecting to avoid impacting these deeper structures. In fact, in the state of Florida, it is illegal for surgeons to inject fat deep into the muscle because of the increased risk of serious complications such as fat embolization (when some fat accidently gets into the bloodstream and causes a clot somewhere in the body, such as in the heart or lungs.) By always staying in the shallow subcutaneous plane, this risk is much, much lower, as the fat is being injected into the layer where preexisting fat already naturally exists just beneath the surface.

Finally, an important factor to consider regarding the safety of the BBL procedure is the setting in which it is performed. This procedure should be performed in an accredited surgical facility, meaning that it has been verified to be clean, up to code, and be fully equipped with everything needed to respond in a life-threatening situation. Temmen Plastic Surgery meets hospital standards and has been approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Furthermore, every detail has been designed with patient safety, comfort, and privacy in mind in order to ensure that every patient has the best experience possible. One additional feature that pertains to the BBL specifically is this facility’s ability to utilize ultrasound guidance if needed during fat transfer to avoid improperly placed fat – just another feature that maximizes patient safety.

As you can see, there are many different factors that play into the safety and efficacy of the Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure. Hopefully, this article shed some light on a few aspects to keep in mind. Of course, first and foremost, it is important to choose an experienced, highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon who will work alongside you from initial consultation to post-op. Dr. Traci Temmen is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who consistently achieves safe and stunning BBL results for her patients. If you’re ready to take the first step and learn more about this life-changing procedure or any other cosmetic procedure you may be interested in call 813-771-6393 today to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!