More celebrities are going under the knife. Currently, very popular among in South Africans is the Brazilian butt-lift (BBL), also known as a buttock augmentation and gluteoplasty cosmetic surgical procedure. This surgery helps lift, reshape, and contour the bums.
CELEBRITIES WHO WENT UNDER THE KNIFE
While other stars, such as Thuli Phongolo and Kefilwe Mabote, choose to keep the surgery a secret, many have spoken openly. Recently, DJ and sangoma Gogo Skhotheni got a Brazilian butt-lift from a popular clinic in Turkey. Reality TV star Wandi Ndlovu also changed her shape. DJ Cyan Boujee had her third surgery done. An expert shares the pros and cons of getting the popular BBL.
WHY MORE WOMEN ARE GOING UNDER THE KNIFE
As women age, the effects of gravity, genetics, poor diet, and lack of exercise can lead to buttocks sagging, becoming lumpy, or overly flat. Like any form of plastic surgery, Brazilian butt-lifts (BBLs) do carry certain medical risks of complications. The procedure uses both liposuction and fat transfer to achieve rounder, voluptuous, and more youthful-looking buttocks. All of these techniques carry their risks. According to Clinic 360, one of the leaders in cosmetic surgery, one must research before any surgery.
Gogo Skhotheni before and after her surgery
THE DANGERS O F GETTING A BBL
- Hematoma (blood pockets under the skin)
- Asymmetry
- Infection
- Overcorrection (too much fat removed or re-injected)
- Fat re-absorption
- Prolonged swelling
- Blood clots
- Under-correction (too little fat removed or re-injected)
- Skin necrosis (death of skin)
- Fat necrosis (death of fat)
- Contour irregularities (lumpiness)
- Nerve damage
- Seroma
- Complications
- Scaring
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Fat embolism syndrome
BEFORE SURGERY
Before any surgery, there are rules one must adhere to reduce your risks including:
- Stop Smoking: Surgeons often recommend two weeks to a month prior to surgery and advise non-smoking for the same amount of time thereafter. Nicotine restricts blood flow, oxygenation of cells, and, thus, healing.
- Avoid Blood Thinners: They advise stopping on painkillers, and other supplements at least a week before surgery as these can affect blood-clotting abilities.
- No Drinking Alcohol: No excessive alcohol drinking for the two weeks leading up to the BBL and throughout the healing period.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water is advised, especially in the week leading up to your surgery, as it may promote healing and reduce swelling.
- Prep Your Home: A cozy recovery area is important. Have all your medication, prescriptions, and antibiotics filled out, and picked up, along with compression garments, pillows, towels, and ice packs. For the first 24 hours, one may need to have somebody with them.
