Why You Should Never Have Dermal Filler in Your Buttocks - Understanding the Risks of BBL

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

The Brazilian butt lift, commonly known as BBL, involves injecting large amounts of dermal filler or fat into the buttocks. This procedure aims to enhance volume and definition without the need for surgical intervention. Many social media platforms promote these treatments as risk-free and cost-effective alternatives to surgical options. However, this perception is misleading and potentially dangerous.

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved medical devices primarily designed for facial applications. They are used to combat facial aging by lifting and volumizing tissues. It's crucial to note that their approved use is limited to the FACE. Unfortunately, some practitioners choose to use these fillers 'off-label' in areas like the buttocks, which raises significant safety concerns.

What’s the Problem with Non-Surgical BBLs?

Since 2021, there has been a dramatic rise in complaints from patients experiencing severe, life-threatening complications after undergoing non-surgical BBLs. Many of these patients have been left permanently disfigured and in chronic pain. In the past year alone, over 200 individuals reported adverse reactions, with more than 70% requiring hospitalization and 39% needing corrective surgery. Alarmingly, all these complaints were linked to treatments performed by non-medical practitioners.

Why You Should Avoid Dermal Filler in Your Buttocks

A recent study revealed that 99% of medical professionals refuse to perform non-surgical BBLs due to the associated risks. Despite this, these procedures are increasingly offered by unqualified individuals, including hairdressers and beauticians, who lack the necessary healthcare training to manage potential complications. The demand for these treatments is skyrocketing, along with the number of non-medical injectors providing them.

With the average cost exceeding £2000 per treatment, unscrupulous practitioners without healthcare experience are leaving the NHS to handle the aftermath of complications. A staggering 96% of patients who reported complications to SAVE FACE were treated by NHS services after being ignored or misadvised by their initial practitioners.

Complications of the Brazilian Butt Lift

The materials commonly used in buttock injections, such as hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers and silicone, can migrate to other body areas, leading to granulomas and lumps. Other potential complications include infections, disfigurement, and scarring. In severe cases, strokes can occur.

Unlicensed providers often operate in unsterile environments, significantly increasing the risk of infections and even death. Furthermore, illegal practitioners may use non-medical grade fillers, compounding the dangers.

There has been at least one reported death associated with dermal fillers for butt augmentation. The primary cause is an embolism, which occurs when the filler is accidentally injected into the bloodstream, creating a blockage that disrupts blood flow to vital organs.

Complications Are More Than Just a Pain in the Butt!

Unlike facial fillers, where complications can often be managed effectively by skilled injectors, issues arising from buttock procedures frequently require hospitalization, intravenous medications, and surgical interventions to correct.

Why Is It So Dangerous?

The dangers of non-surgical BBLs are closely linked to the anatomical structure known as the inferior gluteal vein. This large vein is located in the buttock region, where the procedures are performed.

In every post-mortem examination of individuals who died following BBLs using autologous fat, it was found that fat had been injected into this vein, resulting in a fat embolism, which is typically fatal.

Understanding Inferior Gluteal Vein Anatomy

The unique anatomy of the buttock region makes the procedure particularly high-risk. The inferior gluteal vein differs from many other veins in the body.

Firstly, it is a large and pliable vein. Unlike other veins, it is fixed in place as it passes beneath the greater sciatic notch of the pelvis. This means it cannot easily move out of the way of an approaching injector.

Secondly, like other veins, it contains valves that facilitate one-directional blood flow. When the vein is compressed by surrounding muscles, blood is directed toward the heart. This one-directional movement creates a negative pressure (or suction) effect. Consequently, if dermal filler is inadvertently injected into the vein, it could be drawn into it, leading to an embolism.

Is Change Going to Happen?

A recent report highlighted the risks and complications associated with non-surgical BBLs, including pulmonary embolism, sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, and fat and skin necrosis.

SAVE FACE, a national government-approved register of accredited non-surgical treatment practitioners, is advocating for a ban on these procedures. The local government association has urged Westminster to take immediate action. A spokesperson for the local government association stated, "Councils are concerned by the prevalence of these procedures and urge the government to bring forward its planned licensing regime without delay. They also want to ensure councils have the compliance and enforcement capacity to take action against individuals and businesses performing these treatments."

Did you know that recently, the city of Wolverhampton council became the first local authority in England to take action to stop the procedure?

The Bottom Line

Brazilian butt lifts are a DANGEROUS procedure and should never be marketed as anything else. Unfortunately, having the procedure done under local anaesthetic in a practitioner's office with dermal filler can trivialize the risks involved. There is a reason why medical injectors are choosing NOT to perform this procedure—it is dangerous and can lead to severe complications or even death.

If you are still considering this procedure despite the warnings, remember that just because someone is willing to perform the operation for you, it does not mean they should.

NEVER TRAVEL ABROAD FOR THE PROCEDURE.

Dr. Sophie Gaskell BDS PGDip (Aesth Med)

www.drsophiegaskell.com