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New Beauty Interview With Dr. Horn about Brazilian Butt Lift and Emsculpt

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Why are Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries considered dangerous?

BBL, or Brazilian Butt Lift, is simply the injection of fat into the buttock area. When the procedure started to be performed, there were some issues with BBL, as some doctors were doing intramuscular fat grafting, or injecting the fat into or under the gluteus muscle of the butt, which is an area where a lot of nerves and blood vessels lie. If, during the procedure, some of these blood vessels were punctured or torn and if any fat got into those veins, it could cause a lot of trouble for the patient. Plastic surgeons were realizing that these complications could be avoided if the fat was injected above the muscle.

What safety measures and surgical techniques contribute to a safer BBL?

A proper technique for a safer BBL would be one where the transferred fat is injected into the subcutaneous layer. The fat should not be injected any deeper, thus avoiding the risk of a fat embolism. A safer Brazilian butt lift would be conducted by a surgeon who has the proper experience and training to do so, as well as an intimate understanding of safely and correctly performing this type of procedure on your body.

Do you think BBL procedures are trending again and why?

They are trending and have grown in popularity in recent years, probably due to the fact that more and more people are using TikTok and Instagram. Social media has increased the popularity, as well as popularization by certain celebrities such as Kim Kardashian.

What BBL alternatives do you perform at your practice?

One example of a non-invasive alternative to BBL offered at my practice would be the Emsculpt Neo, which is a muscle-building and body sculpting device that strengthens the gluteus muscle without having to do surgery. In a single 30-minute session, you are doing the equivalent of 20,000 squats, strengthening the gluteus muscle and giving a little more lift and fullness to the butt. I recommend doing four weekly treatments, followed by monthly maintenance treatments for best results. This is a great non-surgical alternative to BBL.

How does Emsculpt work?

Emsculpt is a high-intensity electromagnetic therapy device used to build muscle and sculpt your body by causing involuntary muscle contractions that enlarge current muscles, as well as growing new muscle fibers. A single session causes thousands of powerful muscle contractions, which are extremely important in improving the tone and strength of your muscles. These powerful induced muscle contractions are not achievable through voluntary contractions. The muscle tissue is forced to adapt to these conditions and respond with a deep remodeling of the inner muscle structure that results in muscle building and sculpting your body.

What results can a patient expect with Emsculpt?

Patients can expect more volume, lift, and fullness with consistent Emsculpt treatments.

How long do results last after Emsculpt treatments?

You can expect to keep your results for six months to a year, but it is recommended that you maintain these results with a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise, along with regular follow-up Emsculpt sessions every few months.

What results can a patient expect with BBL?

You can expect a fuller, rounder, shapelier butt and with a little more lift, more curvature to the hips.

Is there any maintenance required after BBL?

During the recovery process, most people will lose about 1/3 of the fat over time as it is reabsorbed by the body. Some of those patients, a few years later, will opt for a second procedure to have more fat injected to achieve the results they desire. Other patients are happy with just doing one procedure and being done with it. Of course, it also depends on fluctuations in weight changes. So, if you gain weight, then the transferred fat cells will respond accordingly, and you will gain more in that area than in other places.

How long do results last with BBL?

It’s not an exact science, and you do lose some of the fat, but on average, around 2/3 of the fat lasts forever.

What do you wish patients should know about BBL surgeries and patient safety?

It is very important to go with a surgeon who is Board Certified and who understands the benefits and pitfalls of BBL.

What are your thoughts on medical tourism and BBL surgery risk?

This is something patients must thoroughly research and be very careful when they make their decision to go abroad to have their surgery. There are surgeons in other countries, and even in Miami, in particular, who are doing things that are dangerous and unethical. They are more driven by financial gain than achieving good results for their patients in a safe way, and this can be very dangerous.

What should patients look for when choosing a surgeon?

It is critical to do your research as a patient and select a very experienced, Board Certified Chicago plastic surgeon who can appreciate your personalized goals and surgical plan, as well as someone who uses a facility that is certified and an anesthesia provider who is qualified.

From the initial consultation to the final follow-up exam, Dr. Horn and his staff provides compassionate treatment tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual. Dr. Horn’s mastery and surgical skill in performing various face and body procedures, his dedication to patients’ safety, combined with his focus on unparalleled care and attention, make him one of the most sought-after surgeons in the Midwest. At his clinic, surgical options are paralleled by an array of non-invasive treatments and advanced technologies designed to help you rediscover your beauty potential.

60 E. Delaware Place, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611

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