What is the death rate of a BBL?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 25, 2026
In 2017, Mofid published a paper in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal which revealed that 3% of the 692 surgeons he had surveyed had experienced the death of a patient after performing the surgery. Overall, one in 3,000 BBLs resulted in death, making it the world's most dangerous cosmetic procedure.
Do BBLs have the highest mortality rate?
A Brazilian butt lift has one of the highest mortality rates of any cosmetic procedure — here's why it's risky
- During a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), a surgeon will use liposuction to remove fat from your body.
- Surgeons then inject this fat into your butt, resulting in a larger behind and a slimmer appearance.
How life threatening is a BBL?
Despite following the same procedure as other forms of fat transfer, a BBL is a notoriously dangerous form of cosmetic surgery, with one in 3,000 procedures resulting in death - making it the deadliest treatment currently available.
What plastic surgery has the highest mortality rate?
A July 2017 report by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation in Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted that one to two out of 6,000 BBLs resulted in death, the highest mortality rate for any cosmetic surgery.
Is BBL permanent?
The results of your Brazilian butt lift are semi-permanent. Due to the fact that your fat cells change over time, it's impossible for your procedure to deliver a truly permanent outcome.
45 related questions foundWhat can stop you from getting a BBL?
What Disqualifies you From Getting Plastic Surgery?
...
Below we go over a list of what can disqualify you from having plastic surgery:
- Drugs in Your System. ...
- BMI out of Operating Range. ...
- Having an Undisclosed Health Condition. ...
- High Blood Pressure. ...
- Pregnancy. ...
- Failure to Pay for Surgery.
How long do bbls last?
Your buttocks will stabilize after three to six months. Most patients can expect the results of a Brazilian butt lift to last five years or more. In some cases, the results can last a decade if you treat the procedure to maximize the results.
What happens to a BBL after years?
BBL results are meant to last for several years. The extracted fat cells with liposuction will not return to the donor area, and fat cells that survive the transfer to the buttocks will remain for years to come.
Are BBL Safe 2021?
But when a board-certified plastic surgeon performs a BBL, the mortality rate is even lower! According to a landmark survey from the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), this revised mortality rate is 1 in 14,952. In fact, a BBL is now safer than the tummy tuck's mortality rate of 1 in 13,193.
Are BBLs worth it?
Final Verdict: BBL Is One Of the Most Effective Ways to Transform Your Body. BBL can do wonders for the right patient. In Octavia's case, she was extremely happy with the results. However, she did sacrifice some day-to-day pleasures before the surgery, and her recovery wasn't necessarily pleasant.
Does a BBL hurt?
BBL healing time after procedure is a as painful as many other surgeries, but what most people experience can be described more as soreness. This kind of pain they feel in the buttocks is a muscular soreness, where they feel discomfort the most.
How common are fat embolisms after BBL?
Fat embolism was recently identified as the leading cause of death in aesthetic surgery. The estimated death rate from fat embolism may be as high as one in 3,000 for BBLs.
How safe is a BBL 2022?
Despite its recent popularity, the Brazilian butt lift is one of the deadliest procedures in plastic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1 in every 3,000 BBL patients dies due to complications during surgery. Like most surgeries, there are general risks involved with anesthesia.
Is a BBL safer than implants?
Women hoping to boost their derriere can now achieve an improved contour and flattering curves through a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). There are a number of benefits to a BBL procedure and when compared to traditional butt implants, the BBL is considered a much safer option.
How many times can you get a BBL?
If your aesthetic goal requires more fat than can be placed in the subcutaneous layer in one surgery, you could have a second and even a third procedure. Many patients come back for a second round after achieving satisfactory results the first time. They simply want more.
What age is best for BBL?
The ideal time to consider undergoing a BBL is when you are between the ages of 26 to 35. You are most likely healthy enough to undergo the procedure and you probably have enough fat to remove from other parts of your body to augment your buttocks.
Can BBL disappear?
You can expect a BBL's results to last for up to several years, and perhaps even several decades depending on how well you treat your buttocks during the recovery process. Your BBL can and will last for decades if you treat your BBL in a way that maximizes your results.
Can a BBL go away?
Some of the purified fat solution that is injected into your buttocks for BBL will be reabsorbed by the body, but most of it will stay in place, plumping, firming, and defining your backside for ten or more years. To avoid weight fluctuations, make efforts towards healthy living.
What is a skinny BBL?
A skinny mini BBL involves a small transfer of fat that is injected into the buttocks. The main goal of this procedure is to provide a natural look—but with a slight increase in volume. Skinny mini BBLs are typically best for patients with BMIs of less than 21.
How much is a BBL?
The price you'll pay for your Brazilian butt lift varies on a case by case basis. Costs may go up or down depending on a variety of factors including your individual needs and aesthetic goals. You can expect to pay anywhere from $8,500 to $14,500 for your Brazilian butt lift depending on several factors.
How long do I have to wear Faja after BBL?
Following your BBL, you'll be instructed to wear a special compression garment or a binder for up to six weeks after the procedure to support both your buttocks and the area where fat was removed.
When can I sit after BBL?
When can I sit after BBL? The majority of patients are advised to refrain from sitting, lying, or otherwise putting direct pressure on their backside for a minimum of 2 – 4 weeks following BBL surgery.
Is liquid BBL safe?
It is safe and effective and allows an incremental increase in the buttock allowing for high variability based on each patients desired result.
Is Alex Earle board-certified?
Alexander Earle is an Ivy League-educated, double board-certified plastic surgeon with vast experience in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr.
Can you fly after BBL?
The short answer is, yes, you can fly after BBL or any other form of plastic surgery if you take certain precautions.