+34
More than 520,000 people in 2021 got some type of buttock augmentation, including the BBL or Brazilian butt lift, yet the procedure has the highest mortality rate of any aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Rubinstein said there are large veins around the muscles of the buttocks that can be injured during a BBL if the fat injections are placed in those muscles. "If that happens, there’s a high risk of fat entering the injured veins and being carried by the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a fat embolism," he said.
Alexandra of Arizona traveled to San Francisco for her BBL surgery."I was never trying to get a big butt, really — it was mainly just about removing my fat and replacing it to fill out my curves a little more." In 2017, the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation sent an anonymous survey to 4,843 plastic surgeons worldwide to try to determine how often fat embolisms occurred. Around 7% of the surgeons who responded said they had seen at least one pulmonary fat embolism during their careers, with a total of 32 fatalities reported.In June 2021, the Florida Medical Association announced in a press release on its website that intramuscular or submuscular fat injections were prohibited. The release also stated that"[w]hen performing gluteal fat grafting procedures, fat may only be injected into the subcutaneous space and must never cross the gluteal fascia." Depending on the individual patient’s anatomy and fat composition, the fat can be extracted from the abdomen, thighs, hips, lower back or other areas of the body., hypertension, anemia, obesity and malnutrition," Dr. Samuel Lin, an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, told Fox News Digital. Patients who smoke or drink excessively should stop doing so before surgery, said Dr. Lin. Those with chronic lung, heart or kidney disease also face a higher risk of complications, he warned."Being overweight greatly increases the risks of complications, including infection and wound healing problems," he said. The BBL is a fat-grafting process in which fat is removed from other areas via liposuction — and injected into the buttocks. "On the flip side, a very thin patient has less fat in the buttocks to begin with and could be at a higher risk for fat being accidentally placed into and around the muscles." For those considering a BBL, it’s important they choose an experienced surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. "It’s not enough to ask a doctor if he or she is board certified," said Dr. Rubinstein."You must look for the American Board of Plastic Surgery, since that is the only Board that certifies plastic surgeons. A doctor can be certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and still be offering BBL surgery services."Additionally, Dr. Zuriarrain recommends choosing a surgeon who uses a wireless ultrasound device that helps ensure the injection doesn’t go too deep into the muscle, which is"a recipe for fat embolism and possible death.""You probably shouldn’t be the seventh operation your surgeon is performing that day," said one board-certified plastic surgeon about the process and precautions."Make sure you’re not getting a tired surgeon at the end of the day." "You probably shouldn’t be the seventh operation your surgeon is performing that day," said Dr. Rubinstein. "The state of Florida has now limited the total number of operations a surgeon can perform in a day. More than three procedures in one day can be a lot for one doctor. Make sure you’re not getting a tired surgeon at the end of the day." Dr. Rubinstein added that the best way to avoid a bad outcome is to make careful choices in procedures, surgeons and facilities.Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Scratch the next story
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Draymond Green wants to ‘get rid of’ Black History MonthWarriors star Draymond Green explained why he wants to “get rid of” Black History Month.
Read more »
Several countries ban Brazilian beef as mad-cow probe goes onThe Brazilian Agriculture Ministry said on Thursday that Thailand, Iran and Jordan have temporarily suspended imports of beef from Brazil while authorities investigate a case of mad-cow disease in an animal from Para State, according to a statement sent to Reuters.
Read more »
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse Debuts in North TexasA new churrascaria based out of San Antonio has opened in Grapevine. The owner of Chama Gaucha previously worked at Fogo de Chao and has set up shop on their home turf.
Read more »
Why I Retired from Urban Exploration Photography (And Why You Shouldn't)Chased by guards, threatened by dogs. Why I retired from urban exploration photography.
Read more »
Why the American far right adopted Brazilian ex-President Jair Bolsonaro | CNNThis Saturday, as American conservatives flock to the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland, they'll get a taste of just how far and wide their own ideas have spread. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will speak on the same stage where a few hours later former US leader Donald Trump will deliver the event's closing remarks — a man the Brazilian leader has intentionally mirrored from the beginning of his presidency.
Read more »