The Real Risks Of Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

Brazilian butt lift surgery is a common gluteal enhancement procedure that is designed to change the size, shape, and contour of your butt (per Health). Despite the name, your butt isn't actually "lifted." Instead, the procedure involves removing and transferring body fat from your abdomen, back, or thighs via liposuction and injecting it into your butt to increase its overall volume. The surgery also slims down areas of the body where fat was removed.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Brazilian butt lift surgery has increased in popularity in recent years. The number of Brazilian butt lifts performed globally increased by 25.5% in 2019 and has risen by 77.6% since 2015. While the exact price of the surgery depends on where you have it done, the cost typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, according to Health. Since Brazilian butt lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance.

Despite their growing surge in popularity, Brazilian butt lifts do not come without risk. While any medical procedure comes with its own set of potential risks, Brazilian butt lift surgery is particularly dangerous (via Insider). According to a 2017 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, gluteal fat grafting is linked to a higher mortality rate than any other cosmetic surgery.

This is largely because of the placement of the fat in the butt. Dr. Saul Lahijani, the lead plastic surgeon at Beverly Hills Institute of Plastic Surgery, told Health that if your surgeon accidentally injects the fat into the veins in your butt, it can enter your bloodstream and result in potentially deadly blockage in your lungs. Dr. Alexis Parcells, a New Jersey-based plastic surgeon, told Health that this condition is often referred to as a fatal fat embolism. That's why it's important to make sure your surgery is performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, who has a high success rate with this procedure.