The Appeal of Brazilian Butt-lifts: What Makes Them So Popular?

Buttock enlargement surgery, also known as a Brazilian butt-lift (BBL), is becoming increasingly popular but is also highly dangerous. An inquest has recently highlighted the risks associated with this procedure following the death of Melissa Kerr during an operation in Turkey. The surgery involves injecting fat taken from liposuction into the buttocks, but in Kerr's case, a fatal clot travelled to her lungs. The inquest revealed that Kerr did not receive enough information to make an informed decision about the procedure. The coroner, Jacqueline Lake, intends to write a report to the government to prevent future deaths relating to cosmetic surgery. BBLs are the riskiest of all cosmetic surgeries, with a death occurring per 4,000 procedures. Nonetheless, the procedure is rapidly growing in popularity, with a 20% increase year-on-year. Last year, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) issued new guidelines to their members due to the high death rate. They now recommend a procedure called superficial gluteal lipofilling (SGL) instead of BBLs. In SGL, fat is only injected below the skin, whereas BBLs insert fat deep into the muscles. The BAAPS also recommends using ultrasound scans during SGLs to ensure safer placement of the cannulas. The appeal of BBLs often stems from societal pressures and the influence of celebrity culture. Social media images of celebrities with curvaceous bodies, like Kim Kardashian, have contributed to the desire for buttock enlargement. Dr. Anu Sayal-Bennett, a clinical psychologist, suggests that despite the body positivity movement, there is still pressure to conform to certain beauty ideals. To address the psychological impact of cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons often refer patients for psychological screenings. The allure of ads for cosmetic surgery clinics in Turkey adds to the appeal of the procedure. These ads feature glamorous images of women in swimsuits along with special offers for combined procedures. Dr. Sayal-Bennett describes these advertisements as "terribly seductive" but warns that the reality is major surgery with significant aftercare requirements. The lower cost of the procedure in Turkey compared to the UK is a deciding factor for many patients. Following the deaths associated with BBLs, BAAPS issued guidelines for patients traveling abroad for plastic surgery. The organizations urge patients to research the standards and qualifications of surgeons in their chosen country and to ensure that insurance coverage and access to appropriate aftercare are in place. The aim is to minimize complications and ensure the safety of patients.