Brazilian Butt Lift: What Africans Need to Know
By Chinedu Akpa. B. Pharm. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: A. Odutola, MB.BS. PhD. FRCSEd.
.jpg)
A young black lady posing with a well rounded rear. Image credit: Freepik
Introduction
Whether resting at home or commuting, the social and main media saturates our consciousness with a steady stream of celebrity snapshots, influencer posts, and vlogs of people flaunting their bodies. These images subtly gets to us, and for a small number of women, these figures of “perfection” become likeness to emulate—often leading them down the path of cosmetic enhancement, including the increasingly popular Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is the most deadly cosmetic surgery in the world, with more than one death occurring for every 4000 procedures. Recent research suggests a much lower death rate [1]. But that is no comfort.
Many people however do not care about the scary death rate associated with BBL surgery as long as they can get their buttocks an inch bigger, curvier, or lifted. In this article, we will be exploring the motivations behind BBL procedures, the risks involved, and alternatives.
But first lets us consider a real human and tragic story of a case involving BBL surgery
Mrs Omobolanle Aremu (not her real name) was a well known celebrity in her own right as a social activist and philanthropist in one of Africa's most populous countries. She additionally had a highly visible public image as the wife of a high profile political person.
To her friends, family and the general public, she was a doting mother, dependable family member, friend, social activist and philanthropist. She was also eloquent, beautiful, gorgeous and plus size. But to those closest to her, she was a woman battling the invisible weight of public expectation and body image.
Early October 2005, Mrs. Aremu left her country for Europe, and stopped by at an upscale private clinic in a Spanish city. Unknown to the public, it was not just a break from the hassles of work, it was for a planned cosmetic procedure. She had booked a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and liposuction session at the clinic.
The procedure began smoothly, but complications quickly followed with reports saying that the doctor who performed the procedure on her had misplaced a tube designed for liposuction in her abdominal cavity. She sustained a punctured colon and lacerated liver as a result of the doctor's alleged negligence.
According to local newspaper reports, she died in Spain sometime in October 2005 from her complications.
A Brazilian But lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure where fats are taken from a part or parts of the body and injected into the buttocks to augment its shape and volume creating a more contoured appearance. The goal is to make the buttocks look more rounded, bigger, or lifted.
Areas of the body where fats are usually taken from are:
Infographic of the different BBL shapes and procedures. Click on the image to enlarge.
The type of BBL procedure carried out often depends on your body goals and the availability of fats in other parts of your body ready to be transferred. These BBL procedures include:
This type of BBL uses less fat for its procedure when compared to the regular BBL procedure. It is ideal for people who want a more natural enhancement or those with the intention of adjusting the uniformity of their buttocks or alter its shape.
Liposuction 360 or lipo 360 degree is a procedure that involves the harvesting of fat from the midsection of the body which are the abdomen, flanks, lower and upper back, and waistline of the body. The harvested fats are then injected into the buttocks to achieve a contoured shape. Many surgeons prefer this method of BBL because it tends to achieve the specifics of the intended buttocks. This procedure is suitable for those who have enough fat to be harvested from.
This is usually the most desired BBL procedure as mere augmentation of some parts of the body might not give most women the desired contour. Lipo 360 is one of the best ways to achieve this. A combination of Lipo 360 and BBL is usually required in this procedure to even out places in the body where fats have been collected to give the hourglass shape. Usually, people who desire this kind of procedure do a follow-up to fully achieve their hourglass figure.
This procedure is performed without surgery. Sculptra is a dermal filler which stimulates collagen production in the body. The production of collagen helps to fill out the shape and structure and enhance the appearance of the buttocks.
In this process, no incision is needed and definitely no scar would be left after the procedure. The idea is to trigger natural processes in the body to enhance the appearance of the buttocks instead of injecting any substance. Some people desire this procedure because it is painless and the result is more subtle than others.
For many who do not have enough fats, this procedure is suitable for them. It involves the injection of hydrogen and silicone which replaces fats to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks.
Although Africa-wide data is limited, an observational rise in demand for BBL has been reported in recent years in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, Tanzania and Kenya with a growing middle class and economic prosperity. This demand has been tied to the growth of the entertainment industry, particularly the film and music sectors, which are heavily influenced by hip-hop and Afrobeat cultures. These sectors have created many celebrities who are often idolized by their fans. Consequently, they wield significant social influence, especially among young people, often shaping public discourse and defining beauty standards.
Another reason for the rise in BBL on the continent could be cost. When compared to other continents like North America, the BBL procedure in Africa is one of the cheapest. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of BBL in America is about $7, 264 [2] while in Africa, specifically Nigeria, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported that the figure is about $1,824. While in South Africa, the average cost is reported by News24 of a BBL procedure is between $1,600 to $2650. This cost advantage could be the reason BBL is on the rise on the continent.
Between 2010 and 2021, BBL was recorded to be the fastest-growing aesthetic surgery, and with it came an unparalleled surge in the number of deaths associated with the procedure. [3] Usually, when fats are harvested, they are injected into a well-supplied muscle space where the newly grafted fat can survive. Sometimes, injuries might occur to the vein lining the muscles of the buttocks where these fats are injected. When this happens, the fats can travel through the vein to the lungs, causing what is called pulmonary fat embolism (PFE). [3] PFE is a condition in which fat droplets enter the bloodstream and block the blood vessels in the lungs. It is a major cause of death among BBL patients. Additionally, these fats can also travel to the heart with fatal consequences.
Between 2010 and 2022 a total of 25 deaths were recorded in South Florida resulting from PFE. [3]
Other causes of death from BBL include:
Complications after the surgery can take different forms and they include:
It is common knowledge that all surgeries carry some amount of risks. However, the risks and complications associated with BBL can be reduced when surgeons follow the laid-down procedures. Additionally, surgeons who carry out this procedure must be well-vetted to avoid fakes.
Furthermore, it is important for you to always ask the right questions, such as making enquiries about the clinic's post-operative care plans. If you travel for your procedure, you should avoid travelling right away to reduce the risk of fat slipping, clots, swelling, and discomfort, as well as pressure on the treated area, which may cause fat cell death.
According to the report by The Nigerian Tribune; when some of the celebrities were asked why they carried out their BBL procedure, some said that they weren't proud of their bodies, while others said they were self-conscious about it, hence the need for the procedure. Based on these responses, the following can be said to be the benefits of BBL:
There are questions and enquiries that you should make before considering a BBL procedure. Answers to your enquiry put you at ease about the procedure when you finally decide to go for it. Some of these enquiries can include the following:
1. Choose a board-certified surgeon: Ensure that your surgeon is qualified and has experience with BBL procedures in Africans, as those with black skin may be prone to keloid or thickened scarring after surgery. Additionally, during consultation, you can request to see some photos of the before and after photos of those who have done the procedure with the surgeon.
2. Consider skin management after the procedure: Africans are prone to keloid and hyperpigmentation, so discuss possible skin management techniques with your surgeon after the procedure.
3. Prepare for recovery: The use of compression garments for pressure redistribution and reducing swelling are usually worn after surgery. BBL pillows are used to reduce pressure on the buttocks.
4. Adequate exercise and a balanced diet: Adequate exercise and a balanced first are encouraged to help you maintain the contour achieved during the procedure.
5. Ensure the safety of the procedure: Discuss the details of every aspect of the procedure with your surgeon. Also, ensure that the facility to be used is certified. Avoid unlicensed practitioners, as this may increase the risk of complications.
6. Understand your body type: African women often have unique fat distribution and thicker skin-results and techniques should be personalized. A thorough consultation should include body analysis and fat availability.
7. Be honest about your medical history: Conditions like sickle cell trait, clotting disorders, or anemia (common in parts of Africa) must be disclosed to avoid complications. Even if you feel healthy, carrying the sickle cell trait can increase the risk of blood clots, poor healing, or anaesthesia complications.
Surgery can worsen anemia, delaying healing and increasing fatigue.
Herbal remedies and traditional medicines may interfere with anesthesia or increase bleeding risk. Always list all medications, supplements, and traditional treatments to your doctor.
8. Consider Cultural and Social Factors: Be mindful of how your decision might be perceived in your community and prepare emotionally for questions or criticism. In some African cultures, natural beauty is highly valued and altering one’s body through surgery may be seen as unnecessary or vain. You may face judgment, gossip, or moral criticism, especially in smaller towns or traditional families.
9. Explore non-surgical alternatives first: Vacuum therapy or Sculptra injections might offer enough enhancement for some without the risks of surgery.
10. Budget wisely: Costs vary, and cheap procedures may carry risks because they might be performed by a quack, do not cut corners when it comes to your health and safety.
11. Medical tourism: If your surgery involves travelling via air to another country, be sure to ask about the safety measures you need to observe while travelling after the procedure. Finally, you need to exercise patience after the procedure as it might take some time for healing to be complete.
Because of its notoriety for being the most deadly aesthetic surgery, alternatives to BBL can be promoted among young people to ensure their safety.
It is important to note that there is no universally accepted standard for beauty and the adage “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” is true. Because historically, men have found love and gotten married to different shapes and sizes of women. Just like many concepts in life, the subject of beauty is very subjective. To this end, the focus should be on enhancing your confidence levels through eating healthy food, exercising, and practising mindfulness (Yoga).
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Africa is driven by media and pop culture. BBL is a fat transfer procedure aimed at enhancing buttock shape but is highly risky, with life-threatening complications like pulmonary fat embolism. There are different BBL types, from surgical to non-invasive, and emphasis was laid on the importance of choosing qualified surgeons, especially for Africans prone to specific skin issues.
While BBL can boost body confidence, there are other safer alternatives like exercise, healthy eating, and yoga, which promote body positivity and mental well-being without the risks of surgery.
Published: May 21, 2025
© 2025. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source attribution
DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.
