Medical experts say Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery is the riskiest cosmetic procedure, with associated embolism (obstruction/blockage of a blood vessel) commonest cause of fatality. If you must get the perfect butt through surgery, certain steps must be taken to ensure you emerge from the procedure alive.

The police today reported the arrest of Idara Bassey, the doctor who is alleged to have performed a butt enlargement procedure at a clinic in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos that led to the death of a 36-year-old woman.

Although the police say it is investigating the tragic incident, there has been a rise in the fatalities associated with this cosmetic surgery that involves taking fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the butt to achieve a well-rounded, curvy shape.

With reported deaths associated with butt enlargement surgery put at 1:4,000; that is, one surgery leading to death in every 4,000 surgeries, there is no doubt that the fatalities will likely be higher given that many of these procedures are shrouded in secrecy.

The pervasiveness of social media, with its idea of what the attractive butt should look like, typified by stars like Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian, and on the local scene by a few women who are flaunting their newly acquired backsides, many women are ignoring the risks associated with BBL. All they want is that new, rounded butt that would make heads turn.

But, there are risks, and some of them are deadly.

In the medical sector, BBL is one of the deadliest cosmetic surgery ever. If you really, really want that BBL that men will die for and will make women stare in envy, there are certain factors you must take into consideration if you want to emerge from the theatre alive, according to Dr Raja Mohan.

The factors are listed below.

A certified plastic surgeon is a must

Understanding the risks of any surgery is essential, but remember that most BBLs are done safely, as long as the right surgeon does them. Also, not every person who says they are a ‘cosmetic surgeon’ has the same training and experience as a certified plastic surgeon. When you select your surgeon, make sure that he or she has been certified. As long as you see that certification from these plastic surgery societies, you know that that surgeon is highly qualified and trained in plastic surgery.

Before-and-after BBL pics?

Ask the surgeon how many Brazilian butt lifts they have done in the last several years. Can they show you a lot of before-and-after pictures of patients with bodies similar to yours? Also, can they provide you with references from several past patients who were pleased with their results? You also can check reviews online. Lastly, ask the surgeon if they have had in-depth training on BBL surgery.

Is the medical facility accredited?

Remember that aesthetic plastic surgery IS surgery, and if something goes wrong, it is vital that you are in an accredited facility that can handle emergencies. You should ask your surgeon if their facility is accredited by the relevant authorities and regulators. If so, this ensures that the medical facility has met the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and emergency preparedness.

The main concern is the threat of fat embolism. When body fat enters the bloodstream and reaches the lungs or brain, it poses severe complications, potentially resulting in death. Still, it is important to remember this is a very rare occurrence, as long as you are in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

 Adapted from rajamohanmd.com

Adewole Ojo

Adewole Ojo is the Editor-in-Chief of Meiza Nigeria. He can be reached on adewole.ojo@fourpoints.ng.