All plastic surgery carries risks; however, some procedures are riskier than others. In medicine, it’s never wise to prioritize saving money over safety, as the results can be catastrophic and permanent. The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is one of the most dangerous. But do you know why? We’ll explain it here!
What is a BBL or Brazilian butt lift?
BBL (BBL meaning “Brazilian butt lift”) is a surgery that involves increasing the volume of the buttocks using a technique called fat transfer. Basically, fat is taken from an area of the body where there is excess—such as the abdomen, flanks, or hips—and is then injected into the buttocks region.
It’s important to be cautious with the desired outcome in order to achieve a better aesthetic result and reduce complications, as BBL can lead to exaggerated buttock volume.
The fat injection must be kept in a superficial plane to avoid fat embolism in the circulatory system. Additionally, irregularities or asymmetries may occur, or the fat may be reabsorbed more than expected (typically, around 50% of the transferred fat is lost).
Why is the BBL surgery so dangerous?
The Brazilian butt lift, or BBL surgery, is so dangerous due to the abundance of blood vessels in the area. The buttocks have very large blood vessels that drain into the inferior vena cava—a direct pathway to the heart.
During the procedure, fat is injected into the area using a long metal cannula or tube. However, it can be difficult for doctors to precisely determine the exact injection site, which may result in fat being mistakenly injected into or just beneath the gluteal muscle. As a result, the fat can travel directly to the heart and lungs, obstructing blood flow and causing instant death.
In 2018, due to concerns over the mortality rate associated with butt lift procedures, several organizations—including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery—established the Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Task Force. The goal of this group was to develop safety guidelines around the procedure to reduce the risk of complications and mortality.
Among the recommendations put forth by the Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Task Force is the suggestion that doctors avoid injecting into the muscle and use larger instruments.
Is there always a risk with Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery ?
All surgeries carry some degree of risk, but a skilled surgeon is able to minimize them. Many of the poor outcomes associated with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) are the result of malpractice. However, when the correct protocol is followed, complications are not expected.
If you’d like to learn more about the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), our medical team offers personalized guidance and close follow‑up from day one, always prioritizing your safety and natural‑looking results. Contact us or reach out through our social media channels to receive direct support, get all your questions answered, and feel accompanied throughout every stage of the process. We look forward to helping you!
Frequently Asked Questions about BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
1. How is a BBL performed?
A BBL surgery begins with small incisions through which a cannula is inserted to extract fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, lower back, or thighs. The fat is then purified to separate viable cells from fluids and non‑useful tissue.
Once prepared, it is injected into the buttocks through micro‑incisions, distributing it across superficial and mid‑level planes to enhance projection and contour naturally, while avoiding deep‑plane injection. Finally, the incisions are closed with fine sutures to complete the procedure.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery?
Advantages of a BBL Surgery
- It uses the patient’s own fat, avoiding implants and reducing the risk of rejection, which allows for a more natural result.
- In addition to increasing buttock volume, the procedure contours the silhouette by removing fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.
- Fat is strategically distributed to enhance projection and shape, achieving harmonious and natural‑looking results.
- Results can last for years if the patient maintains healthy habits.
- Many patients experience a significant boost in self‑esteem and confidence.
Disadvantages of a BBL Surgery
- It is a surgery with a high complication rate if not performed with safe techniques and by accredited specialists.
- A portion of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed over time, reducing the initial volume.
- Aesthetic irregularities may appear, such as asymmetries, fibrosis, or skin changes.
- Recovery is demanding, as it requires avoiding direct sitting on the buttocks for several weeks and wearing compression garments.
- Although results can be long‑lasting, they are not always permanent and depend on individual factors.
3. Is it better to get a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Spain or in Brazil?
It is generally safer to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Spain. Although Brazil is internationally recognized for aesthetic surgery, having a procedure done outside the patient’s usual environment adds extra risks, especially in cases of surgical tourism. The lack of close postoperative follow‑up and differences in medical protocols can increase complications. For this reason, our team does not recommend traveling abroad for this type of surgery: patient health and safety should always come first.
4. How long does BBL recovery take?
Recovery from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) takes 2 to 3 months, although final results become visible around the 6‑month mark.
5. BBL Price: How Much Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Cost in Spain?
In Spain, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) costs between €4,500 and €10,700, depending on the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, and the extent of the procedure. In cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Marbella, prices typically range from €5,000 to €8,000, while specialized centers using advanced techniques may exceed €10,000.
Dr. Alfredo Fernández Blanco
The plastic surgeon Dr. Alfredo Fernandez Blanco stands out in his branch of medicine, as the best breast surgeon, he is also a pioneer in the so-called secondary surgeries or sequelae. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of successful cases, he continues to achieve the most natural results that can be expected in a cosmetic surgery operation.
