Fact Check: Are BBLs safe?

Are BBLs Safe?

Introduction

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has gained immense popularity as a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of the buttocks. However, concerns regarding the safety of BBLs have been raised, particularly regarding their associated risks, including a high mortality rate. This article examines the claim of BBL safety by analyzing various sources that discuss the risks and complications associated with the procedure.

What We Know

1. Mortality Rates: A study published in 2022 indicated that the BBL has the highest mortality rate of any aesthetic surgical procedure, primarily due to complications such as pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) 1. This study highlights that by 2017, the risk of death from PFE was well-documented.

2. Surgeon Opinions: A 2023 study surveyed board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. about their understanding of BBL-related mortality and risk-reducing practices. It found that despite advisories aimed at improving patient safety, fatalities remain high 2.

3. General Risks: The BBC reported that BBLs involve risks such as fat embolism, which can lead to severe complications, including shortness of breath and stroke 3. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery also emphasizes that while BBLs can be performed safely, specific factors must be considered to minimize risks 6.

4. Advertising and Public Perception: The UK has seen a crackdown on advertisements for BBLs that downplay the risks associated with the procedure, indicating a growing concern about how these surgeries are marketed to the public 4.

5. Statistical Context: According to a report from SELF, the death rate associated with BBLs has reportedly decreased to approximately 1 in 15,000 by 2020, which some claim is comparable to other cosmetic surgeries 10. However, this statistic should be contextualized within the broader scope of surgical risks.

Analysis

The sources reviewed present a mixed picture regarding the safety of BBLs.

• Credibility of Sources: The studies from peer-reviewed journals 12 provide a scientific basis for understanding the risks associated with BBLs. They are credible due to their academic rigor and reliance on empirical data. However, they may also be subject to limitations, such as sample size and the generalizability of findings.

• Potential Bias: The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery 6 and other medical organizations provide information that may be seen as promoting safety in cosmetic procedures, which could introduce a bias toward minimizing perceived risks. Conversely, media reports 34 may sensationalize risks to attract attention, potentially leading to an exaggerated perception of danger.

• Methodological Concerns: The studies cited do not always clarify their methodologies, such as how data was collected or the criteria for defining complications. This lack of transparency can affect the reliability of their conclusions. For instance, while the claim of a mortality rate of 1 in 15,000 is cited, it is essential to understand how this figure was derived and whether it reflects current practices across different regions and surgical settings.

• Conflicting Information: The statistics regarding mortality rates vary significantly across sources, with some indicating a high risk while others suggest improvements in safety. This discrepancy necessitates a closer examination of the context in which these figures are presented.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) are safe is deemed false based on the evidence reviewed. Key studies indicate that BBLs have the highest mortality rate among aesthetic surgical procedures, primarily due to complications like pulmonary fat embolism. Despite some claims of improved safety statistics, the overall consensus among medical professionals and studies suggests that the risks associated with BBLs remain significant and concerning.

It is important to note that while some advancements in surgical techniques may have reduced mortality rates, the inherent risks of the procedure cannot be overlooked. The variability in reported statistics also highlights the need for caution when interpreting claims of safety.

Limitations in the available evidence include potential biases in reporting, variations in methodology across studies, and the generalizability of findings. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context of surgical risks when making decisions about cosmetic procedures.

Sources

1. Pazmiño, P. (2022). Brazilian Butt Lift–Associated Mortality: The South Florida Experience. PMC. Link
2. (2023). The Brazilian Butt Lift Remains the Deadliest Aesthetic Surgery. PubMed. Link
3. (2023). Brazilian butt-lift surgery: What are the risks and why is it so popular? BBC. Link
4. (2025). Brazilian butt lift ads banned by UK regulator. BBC. Link
5. (2023). Risks of a Brazilian Butt Lift: What You Need to Know. Dr. Vitenas. Link
6. (n.d.). Are Brazilian Butt Lifts Safe? ABCS. Link
7. (n.d.). BBL Safety Concerns | Galanis Plastic Surgery. Link
8. (n.d.). Brazilian Butt Lift | Buttock Enhancement | ABCS. Link
9. (2023). Brazilian butt-lift surgery: What are the risks and why is it so popular? BBC. Link
10. (2020). These Are the Biggest Risks of a Brazilian Butt Lift. SELF. Link