Signs of Complications: When to Contact Your Surgeon After BBL
What happens after your Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is just as important as the surgery. Do you know which symptoms are normal and which ones mean it’s time to call your surgeon? Most patients heal without major issues when they follow recovery instructions. Swelling, soreness, and bruising are all expected in the first weeks. But not every symptom is part of normal healing. Some problems are minor, while others can become serious if ignored. Knowing the difference between healing and warning signs can protect both your health and your results.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most important symptoms to watch for, when to reach out to your surgeon, and when to seek emergency care. The goal isn’t to scare you, but to give you the confidence and knowledge you need for a safe recovery.
What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and How Dangerous Is It?
A Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is a surgical procedure that moves fat from one part of your body to your butt. Most often, the fat comes from the belly, waist, or thighs. The goal is to give a rounder, fuller shape without using implants.
The risk comes from how the fat is placed. If fat enters a blood vessel and reaches the lungs or heart, it can cause a fat embolism. This is rare, but it’s the most serious danger. Other problems like infection, bleeding, or uneven results can also happen.
The truth is, the BBL is one of the riskier cosmetic surgeries. But when it’s done by a skilled, board-certified surgeon, the chances of major problems are much lower.
Life-Threatening BBL Complications
Most people heal from a Brazilian butt lift without trouble. But sometimes, things can go wrong — and when they do, you need to act fast. The signs below should never be ignored. If you notice them, call your surgeon right away. If the symptoms are severe, go straight to the emergency room.
Fat Embolism
This is the most serious complication of BBL surgery. It happens when fat gets into the bloodstream and blocks blood flow to the lungs, heart, or brain. It’s rare, but it can be life-threatening.
Get emergency help if you have:
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Sudden chest pain
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Trouble breathing or feeling short of breath
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Feeling faint, confused, or very dizzy
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A racing heartbeat
Heavy Bleeding
Some oozing after surgery is normal, especially in the first couple of days. But nonstop bleeding or large clots are a red flag.
Call your surgeon if you notice:
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Bandages soaking through with blood quickly
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Clots coming from the incision
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Bleeding that won’t stop even with firm pressure
Infection
An infection can start small and spread quickly if it’s not treated. It often begins around the incision but can reach deeper tissue.
Watch for:
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Fever or chills
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Redness, warmth, or swelling that’s getting worse instead of better
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Thick or bad-smelling drainage
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Pain that keeps getting stronger instead of easing up
Post-Op Issues That Require Medical Review
Not all complications after a BBL are emergencies, but some warning signs still need to be reported to your surgeon. Getting them checked early can prevent further problems and protect your results.
Worsening Bruising
Mild bruising is expected and usually fades within a couple of weeks. But if bruising spreads, deepens in color, or becomes very painful, it may be a hematoma (a blood collection under the skin) that needs treatment.
Fat Necrosis
Sometimes the transferred fat doesn’t survive. This can cause hard lumps or nodules in the buttocks. While not always harmful, it can affect your results and may require medical care.
Seroma (Fluid Build-Up)
A seroma forms when fluid collects under the skin near the incision. It often feels like a soft pocket of swelling. If not drained, it can increase the risk of infection.
Significant Asymmetry
Some unevenness is common during recovery, but if the buttocks look very uneven or misshapen, your surgeon should evaluate them,. This can happen if fat absorbs unevenly or shifts.
Persistent or Severe Pain
Pain should improve gradually after surgery. If it gets worse, feels sharp, or doesn’t respond to medication, it may be linked to infection, fluid buildup, or another complication.
Signs You’re Healing Well After BBL
Recovery doesn’t look perfect overnight. Here are some good signs your body is doing what it should:
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Bruises start to fade. At first they look dark and heavy. Over the next couple of weeks, the color should lighten.
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Swelling eases. Puffiness is normal in the beginning, but it should slowly calm down instead of building up.
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Pain gets easier. The first days can be tough, but each day should hurt a little less.
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Moving feels better. Walking around the house or getting into bed should become easier with time.
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Your shape evens out. At first, things can look lumpy or uneven. As swelling fades, the contour should smooth out.
