Are Brazilian Butt Lifts Safe?

The hourglass figure has long been considered the ideal feminine shape in Western society. Just look at Betty Boop from the 1930s, Jessica Rabbit from the late 1980s, and more recently, Elastigirl in the 2000s. While their proportions are exaggerated and unrealistic, a low waist-to-hip ratio is achievable in the real world. For those not naturally blessed with an hourglass shape, the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery can help you achieve natural-looking proportions and sexy, curvy feminine contours. But if you’ve kept up with the news down in Florida, you may be asking the very valid question, “Are Brazilian butt lifts safe?” 

Are Brazilian butt lifts safe? 

The short answer is yes. When performed by a highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who uses advanced technology and takes their time to perform the procedure with precision, the BBL is a safe and effective way to enhance the size and shape of your butt and refinine your curves and contours.  

Problems with Brazilian butt lifts in Florida

Unfortunately, some BBL practitioners in the State of Florida have given Brazilian butt lifts a bad reputation. In the past 5 years, 19 women have died from a BBL surgery performed in Florida. The reason for these deaths is not a mystery.  The BBL procedure involves removing excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the belly, flanks or thighs, and strategically transferring it (by way of injection) into the buttocks. If the fat is injected into the muscle or under the muscle rather than into the subcutaneous layer of the buttocks above the muscle, it can enter the bloodstream, move through the blood vessels, and cause a blockage in the lungs. This is called a fat embolism, and it’s fatal. 

In 2019, The Florida Board of Medicine issued a ruling prohibiting the injection of fat into the muscle, but in 2021, the BBL death rate increased. Fat embolisms are accidental, of course, but they’re also completely avoidable. Precision of injection is key, but Florida is home to “chop shops” or “BBL mills” where practitioners perform as many as 7 BBL procedures per day.  At 2-4 hours per procedure (depending on the number of areas harvested and the amount of fat transfered), the long hours and high volume leads to an increased risk of error. 

In June of this year, the State of Florida responded to the increased death rate from BBLs by issuing an 90-day emergency order limiting the number of BBLs to 3 per day and mandating the use of ultrasound technology to ensure that the fat transfer injections are done with precision. It’s doubtful that 90 days is long enough to have much of an impact.  Some of the high volume BBL facilities have been cited for employing untrained physician’s assistants, rather than board-certified plastic surgeons, to perform the procedures. Without training, the likelihood of fatality, complications, and grotesque results increases dramatically.   

Safe BBL at Feel Beautiful 

At Feel Beautiful in San Diego, patient safety is our top priority, and we’ll provide you with an exceptional level of care every step of the way. Dr. Laverson’s Brazilian butt lift surgery is far superior to anything you’d receive in a chop shop in Florida for several reasons, including:

• Dr. Laverson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience with the BBL and other body-contouring procedures.
• Dr. Laverson takes a slow and methodical approach to every surgery, including the Brazilian butt lift. 
• Dr. Laverson uses ultrasound technology to ensure the precision of his fat transfer injections into the subcutaneous layer of the buttocks, above the muscle. 
• Dr. Laverson is known for his precision, advanced surgical techniques and superior BBL results. 
• You will be Dr. Laverson’s only patient for the day. 

Dr. Laverson prioritizes patient safety and comfort, and he would never perform any procedure that he didn’t feel confident performing safely. 

At Feel Beautiful, we can help you achieve your sexiest, shapeliest You 

If you’re looking for a safe and superior Brazilian butt lift from one of the best plastic surgeons in Southern California, call Feel Beautiful today. Dr. Laverson is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who can help you achieve the sexy hourglass figure you’ve always wanted. Call (858) 295-4001 to schedule your Brazilian butt lift consultation today.