Celebrities and influencers aren’t the only people on TikTok these days. In the last year and a half spent at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new wave of users of all ages and backgrounds has started using the trending social media content platform.
With over 130 million active users in the U.S. alone, TikTok has been downloaded over 2.6 billion times worldwide according to data from December 2020. Whether it’s participating in fun challenges, laughing while browsing others’ videos, or simply discovering what’s trending around the world, everyone I know has consumed content from TikTok in one way or another.
TikTok Giving A Different Meaning To “BBL”
As a platform, TikTok has proven effective in engaging audiences globally. Because of this, it has evolved into a platform for plastic surgeons to promote their work in hopes of reaching new prospecting clients. They use TikTok for a variety of reasons: to provide insight into certain procedures, to offer recovery tips, or to show behind-the-scenes moments of what goes on in a clinic.
In June 2021, content with the hashtag #BBL made big waves on TikTok, leaving many users wondering what it meant.
In the posts, people show their before and after photos of their procedure. Others joke about how a BBL is not only an improvement to the body but also to the personality. Some people share the different stages of their transformation and recovery journey, getting tons of likes and comments.
In internet language, the acronym BBL stands for “Be Back Later.” However, seeing the videos of people documenting their surgical recovery sparked an interest in this other BBL – the Brazilian Butt Lift.
The “BBL Effect”
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a surgical procedure that enhances the buttocks naturally. It involves transferring fat from one area of the body – usually the trunks, arms, or thighs – to the buttocks through liposuction. Using the body’s fat provides the major advantage of avoiding the risks of a foreign device such as an implant.
Thanks to its exposure on social media, TikTok is generating a new wave of interest among young people for the Brazilian Butt Lift. This is also leading to more discussions about the surgery’s dangers and risks.
Injecting fat into the buttock can lead to serious problems if done incorrectly by an inexperienced surgeon. One such risk is a fat embolism, which can be fatal. We have a thorough understanding of this complication, which can be avoided by meticulous technique.
The Possible Effects Of These TikTok Trends
We welcome the attention of social media to BBL to educate our patients and discuss all aspects of this procedure, which can truly be transformative.
I always tell my patients that it is wise to take the time to know your surgeon – the breadth of their experience, their knowledge of the specific treatment(s) you’re considering, and how they ensure the safety and care of their patients – before you ultimately choose who will do the procedure on you. Aside from helping to build rapport with your doctor, it is the best way to gauge the sincerity of your surgeon in helping you achieve your goals.
The ideal candidate BBL includes individuals who:
- Are at or near-normal weight and would like to dramatically improve the appearance of their lower body
- Are in good physical condition
- Have a positive attitude and realistic expectations
- Do not smoke or drink excessively
- Have enough fat in the surrounding areas to inject into the buttocks
- Lead a healthy and active lifestyle
- You do not have any existing medical problems
- You have time to recover and can avoid sitting immediately after the procedure
If you are considering undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift or would like to know more about the procedure, you should work only with a plastic surgeon in your area who has experience performing this surgery. My team is ready to help develop a safe and effective plan for you to achieve the figure you desire. Reach out to us today for a consultation.
