Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links

Summary of Findings

I researched Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery and its associated risks and controversies. I selected this topic because Ellin’s (2021) news article provided insights into the popularity of BBLs and the high mortality rate associated with the procedure, which intrigued me to investigate the subject further. I utilized the Research Guide, which offered valuable guidance in finding scholarly work.

I conducted a search using relevant keywords such as “Brazilian,” “Butt Lift,” “surgery,” “risks,” and “patient outcomes” on databases such as Google Scholar. It helped me locate scholarly articles and journals that provided comprehensive information. The connection between the news article and the literary work is found in their focus on the risks and controversies regarding BBL surgery. The news article showed the popularity of the procedure and the high mortality rate. In contrast, the scholarly work showed the perception of the surgeons on the procedure and the associated mental health disorders of the people who undergo the process.

Annotated Bibliography

Sadideen, H., Akhavani, M. A., Mosahebi, A., & Harris, P. A. (2020). Current perceptions of “Brazilian butt lift” (BBL) surgery in the UK: A BAAPS-led survey of BAAPS members. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 73(11), 1966–1975. Web.

The British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) study on BBL surgery in the UK assessed United Kingdom (UK) surgeons’ attitudes and current practices toward the procedure. Sadideen et al.’s (2020) findings showed that 32 out of the 102 participants conducted BBL surgery, and 25% of these doctors reported injecting 200 mL or less of fat into each hemi-buttock. The findings further highlighted that BBL surgeons use different approaches, emphasizing the necessity for consistent training and certification to increase patient safety.

Sadideen et al. (2020) showed that 20.6% of respondents had been treated for BBL surgery-related complications, most of which (80.1%) were brought on by surgical tourism. According to the findings, most respondents (66.7%) said BAAPS should continue to advise against BBL surgery until further information is available, compared to 13.7% who thought it should go forward and 19.6% undecided. More than half of the participants (52%) expressed uncertainty about whether the BAAPS advice would increase the likelihood that patients would go overseas for BBL surgery. The study conformed to ethical standards, and credible sources were used in the paper. The research’s conclusions included suggestions for enhancing patient selection, creating a national registry to track results and problems, and obtaining professional feedback.

Based on the evaluation of the journal article, the authors used the appropriate study participants, as surgeons who had not done BBL were not incorporated in the study. Sadideen et al. (2020) revealed that fat embolism is the most typical BBL surgery complication and that a large percentage of problems are brought on by surgical tourism. By highlighting the procedure’s popularity and hazards, the news article on the rise in BBL supports the journal paper on the BAAPS-led survey.

Sadideen et al. (2020) focus primarily on the UK, analyzing the surgeons’ current practice and opinions about the treatment. While the news article by Ellin (2021) emphasizes the rising demand for BBLs globally, the journal article focuses specifically on the UK. Sadideen et al. (2020) relate to Ellin (2021) as they indicate that when fat is not properly injected, it can enter a blood vessel and travel to the heart, causing immediate death. Both resources contribute to a better understanding of the subject, emphasizing the potential complications of BBL surgery.

Sun, M. D., & Rieder, E. A. (2021). Psychosocial issues and body dysmorphic disorder in aesthetics: Review and debate. Clinics in Dermatology, 40(1), 1–14. Web.

The journal article provides a complete overview of the relationship between mental health and cosmetic procedures. Sun and Rieder (2021) discuss the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in individuals seeking aesthetic modifications and the possible adverse effects of these procedures on their psychological health. The article offers various interventions and treatments for individuals with BDD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.

Sun and Rieder (2021) show how social media may factor in the recent increase in BDD and body image issues. They recommend that healthcare professionals understand how social media affects their patients and think about introducing education on media literacy into their line of work. Sun and Rieder’s (2021) findings indicate that individuals with BDD may have impractical hopes for cosmetic procedures and may be disappointed with the outcomes, leading to undesirable mental health impacts. The writers conclude that complex psychosocial issues that can arise in patients seeking cosmetic operations require a coordinated approach to be addressed.

The news article offers a first-person account of a person’s desire for cosmetic surgery to obtain a certain body form. Ellin (2021) emphasizes people’s pressure to conform to conventional beauty standards and the hazards connected to cosmetic procedures. Sun and Rieder’s (2021) evaluation indicated that credible secondary sources and appropriate study participants were used.

A more thorough and evidence-based examination of the connection between body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and cosmetic operations may be found in the journal by Sun and Rieder (2021). It discusses how common BDD is among people who undergo cosmetic surgery, how cosmetic treatments affect BDD symptoms, and how informed consent and mental health evaluations are necessary for cosmetic operations. Together, these publications expand the knowledge of the intricate relationships between mental health, cosmetic procedures, and body image. The two resources are related as they show the possible adverse effects that could arise if one undergoes BBL surgery. They emphasize the significance of medical professionals being aware of the possible hazards connected to cosmetic treatments for patients with BDD and taking precautions to reduce these risks, such as offering appropriate counseling and mental health treatment referrals.

References

Ellin, A. (2021). Brazilian butt lifts surge, despite risks. The New York Times. Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2025, August 28). Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links. https://studycorgi.com/brazilian-butt-lift-surgery-risks-surgeon-perceptions-and-mental-health-links/

Work Cited

"Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links." StudyCorgi, 28 Aug. 2025, studycorgi.com/brazilian-butt-lift-surgery-risks-surgeon-perceptions-and-mental-health-links/.

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links'. 28 August.

1. StudyCorgi. "Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links." August 28, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/brazilian-butt-lift-surgery-risks-surgeon-perceptions-and-mental-health-links/.


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StudyCorgi. "Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links." August 28, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/brazilian-butt-lift-surgery-risks-surgeon-perceptions-and-mental-health-links/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2025. "Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery: Risks, Surgeon Perceptions, and Mental Health Links." August 28, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/brazilian-butt-lift-surgery-risks-surgeon-perceptions-and-mental-health-links/.

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