Selecting the Ideal Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Surgeon
When considering a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate potential surgeons to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and standards.
A prudent strategy involves consulting with at least three plastic surgeons, not merely their staff, to compare their methodologies and responses. This list of critical questions will help you gain a comprehensive insight into their credentials, experience, and what to expect from their services.
Assessing Credentials
Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
In the United States, surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have undergone extensive training, passed rigorous examinations, and adhere to stringent ethical standards. You can verify their certifications on CheckYourSurgeon.com, which links to the American Board of Medical Specialties, and check their profiles on your state’s Department of Health website for any disciplinary actions.
Dr. Pat Pazmiño, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami, emphasizes, “Always confirm the specific type of board certification. Sometimes, doctors claim to be board-certified without specifying that it's in gynecology, for example.”
Additionally, inquire if your doctor is a member of The Aesthetic Society or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which enforce ethical codes and require ongoing medical education. These organizations provide members with the latest safety data and updates on task force recommendations.
Do you adhere to the Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force guidelines?
The Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force, a global initiative, assessed the risks of BBLs and issued a practice advisory in spring 2018, recommending that fat injections to the buttocks are safe when administered into the subcutaneous space beneath the skin, never into the gluteal muscle.
Asking this question ensures the surgeon is not performing potentially dangerous intramuscular injections. Injecting fat into the gluteal muscles can lead to fatal pulmonary embolisms, where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks lung circulation.
Where will the surgery be performed?
The surgery should be conducted in a hospital or an accredited outpatient surgery center certified for patient safety by the Joint Commission, AAAASF, AAAHC, and/or Medicare.
Do you have hospital privileges for this procedure?
Even if the surgery is in an outpatient center, the surgeon should inform you about the hospital for emergency transfers, its proximity, and their privileges there.
Hospital privileges indicate that other doctors have verified their training and credentials. Dr. Pazmiño advises, “If a hospital lacks confidence in a surgeon to perform the surgery, patients should think twice before trusting that doctor.”
Operating without hospital privileges could mean being sent to an emergency room without immediate access to specialized care in case of complications.
How many BBLs do you perform annually and daily?
Choose a surgeon whose experience makes you comfortable, and be wary if they avoid disclosing their daily surgery count. Dr. Constantino Mendieta, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami, notes, “There’s no specific number guaranteeing safety, but look for a surgeon who performs BBLs regularly.”
Dr. Matthew Nykiel, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, adds, “The procedure should feel routine.” Ask surgeons to detail the procedure and recovery to gauge their experience. “Smooth explanations likely indicate frequent practice,” Dr. Nykiel says.
Be cautious of practices focusing solely on volume. High-risk BBLs require sufficient doctor time. Some Ruli members reported unsafe assembly-line practices.
Watch for these assembly-line red flags:
- Deposits before consultations
- Virtual consultations without surgeon involvement
- Deeply discounted packages
- Difficulty contacting the office post-deposit
- Date swapping without office involvement
- Unauthorized surgeon changes
Can I see before and after photos of your BBL patients?
Insist on recent before and after photos or videos.
Dr. Mendieta suggests, “Get a sense of their aesthetic to see if it matches yours.” Focus on patients with similar features to understand customization. Their office might provide previous patient contacts for questions.
Understanding Risks
What are the risks?
Consider the benefits and risks of any cosmetic procedure.
A 2017 survey found BBLs had a 1 in 3,000 death rate, the highest for cosmetic surgeries. The main risk is pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) from muscle injections.
Following the Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force’s 2024 recommendations, a new survey in Aesthetic Surgery Journal found the mortality rate improved to 1 in 14,952. 94% of surveyed physicians knew the guidelines, and only 0.8% still injected into muscles (13.1% in 2017).
BBLs have the highest post-op complication rate. Common issues include irregular contours, dents, lumps, rippling, or deep grooves requiring revision surgery.
Related: How to Have a Safe Brazilian Butt Lift, According to Top Experts
What techniques do you recommend for my desired look?
The doctor should discuss techniques to achieve your goals. Extreme recommendations could be cautionary. Health is more important than appearance.
How often do complications occur in your practice?
Seasoned doctors face complications. Individual healing varies. Knowing complication frequency helps make confident decisions.
Evaluating Suitability
Am I physically and emotionally suited for this procedure?
Your doctor should assess your well-being. Be honest to prevent future complications.
Inform your doctor of existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. “Dismissing concerns is a warning sign,” says Dr. Pazmiño.
Realistic expectations are crucial. Social media’s extreme results come with significant risks. Accept moderate results or multiple surgeries for safety.
What preparations ensure the best outcomes?
Your doctor should outline pre- and post-surgery steps. Can you quit smoking? Take recovery leave? Maintain a healthy weight? Rethink surgery if not.
What will my BBL cost?
Cost varies by methods, surgeon experience, location, and additional fees. Request the all-inclusive cost. Prioritize safety over savings if rates are significantly lower than Ruli averages.
Procedure Details
Will you perform my surgery?
Confirm the consulting surgeon will operate. Some practices pass patients to less qualified doctors. Avoid email-only “surgical coordinators.”
Who assists during my procedure? What are their qualifications?
A competent team, including experienced nurses and technicians, ensures safety and outcomes.
What anesthesia will be used?
Options include general, local, and local with IV sedation. Discuss benefits and risks with your doctor.
Will a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse administer anesthesia?
Ensure a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist administers anesthesia. Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Jerome Edelstein explains, “They should be present throughout and during immediate recovery.”
Recovery Preparation
Where will I recover post-surgery? Will I receive continuous care?
If not in a hospital, your doctor may suggest a recovery facility. Research recommended options; avoid low prices at health expense.
How long is recovery? Will I need assistance?
Understand post-surgery expectations and recovery duration. A caregiver may be necessary for 24 hours post-procedure. Your doctor will explain appropriate guidelines.
Who handles follow-up care?
Recovery care is crucial. If your surgeon won’t provide follow-up, ensure a registered nurse can involve the doctor if concerns arise.
What if I’m unsatisfied with results?
Surgeons have revision policies. Many charge reduced surgical fees but keep anesthesia and facility costs. Outline details before the original procedure. Trust and agreement with your surgeon prevent revisions.
Ensure your doctor has current malpractice insurance. Limited options exist if something goes wrong without coverage.
