Current perceptions of ‘Brazilian butt lift’ (BBL) surgery in the UK: A BAAPS-led survey of BAAPS members

• Published in: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery reconstructive & aesthetic surgery, 2020-11, Vol.73 (11), p.1966-1975
• Main Authors: Sadideen, H., Akhavani, M.A., Mosahebi, A., Harris, P.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Autologous fat transfer; Body Contouring - methods; Brazilian butt lift (BBL); Buttock augmentation; Buttocks - surgery; Female; Gluteoplasty; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous - methods; Postoperative Complications - surgery; Practice Patterns, Physicians; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Safety; Social Perception; Subcutaneous Fat - transplantation; Surgeons - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tissue and Organ Harvesting - methods; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 1748-6815; 1878-0539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.08.068

The BAAPS advice against Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery in the UK was set in October 2018. A Delphi study conducted by BAAPS highlighted the importance of defining current practice and perceptions amongst UK surgeons, as this is currently unknown. To evaluate BAAPS members’ current practice and perceptions around BBL surgery to ensure patient safety and propose better recommendations. A BAAPS-commissioned survey was emailed to all BAAPS members through an on-line link. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative information in several domains. This survey received a 44% response rate. Of 102 respondents, 32 surgeons undertook BBL surgery before the BAAPS advice to halt it. There was a wide variation in actual fat volumes injected, and in perceptions of what constituted a small or large volume. Virtually all respondents (96.9%) performed only subcutaneous fat injections. There were differences in fat harvest techniques. The majority (66.7%) felt that BAAPS should maintain its recommendation against undertaking BBL surgery until further data became available. Nearly a quarter of 102 respondents (20.6%) had been treated for BBL complications, the majority as a result of surgical tourism. The survey provides member-reported perception and experience with regard to BBL surgery in the UK. The demand for BBL surgery and its provision should be reassessed in the UK. This information will be analysed with further national and international data to better define and shape the scope of the safety of BBL surgery in the UK. BAAPS will use such data towards the production of future guidance and support for surgeons and patients.