Why is BBL an Outpatient Procedure?

Question

I'm wondering why BBL is an outpatient procedure, considering the risk factors? Is there a way to request additional time in the hospital (if ones surgeon works at a hospital)? Do you feel there is no reason to have additional hospital time?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your very good question. A BBL procedure is two procedures in one. The surgeon does liposuction of the body to collect fat and reshape the torso and then take this fat and transfer it to the buttocks for shaping and enhancement. The hospital will not add any extra layers of protection. Most feared risk factor is fat embolus into the large pelvic veins which travels to the heart and clogs the chambers or part of it is pumped into the lungs causing blockage of oxygen exchange. It is a fatal complication and it happens in surgery not later. This feared complication is purely the result of poor understanding of the gluteal and pelvic anatomy and it is a technical problem. That is why it is imperative or life saving to choose the right surgeon based on experience and not fall a victim of low balling prices.The death rate of 1:3000 that is often quoted is being disputed scientifically. The study was flawed, a lot of assumptions were made. The only true number was the number of death and not the total population who had this procedure done. Papers will be coming out refuting this finding. It seems the fat embolus/death rate is 1:13,000, less than in abdominoplasties. No one questions the death rate in abdominoplasties (1:10,000)!I do these procedures in my accredited office surgery suite under intravenous sedation only.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. I can understand your concern but I think you have a misunderstanding of the complication profile of this procedure. The reason this procedure is so high risk is because of something called a fat embolus. This can happen with trauma to the large gluteal veins where fat then gets into the vein and travels back to the heart and lungs. Once you understand what is usually causing the deaths in these patients, then you can appreciate that the post-op care in terms of hospital admission or not is not really helpful......the bottom line is if you do not have a fat emoblus, you are going to do fine being discharged to home the day of surgery for a normal recovery. If you have a fat embolus happen, then no amount of hospital time or post-op care is going to help, this is often a fatal complication. It is possible that if you were in the hospital, the signs could be noticed faster and treated with greater efficiency, but the question is whether or not it could actually be treated to prevent death and the answer is probably not. Bottom line, you have to decide whether the outcome is worth the risk of 1 in 3,000 chance of death. If it is not, then don't have surgery.....it's that easy. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There are number of reports in plastic surgery literature which clearly state that when elective cosmetic surgery (BBL included) is performed in ambulatory surgery center, certified plastic surgery office facility, etc.,recovery time and complication rates are significantly reduced in comparison to hospitals. Early ambulation, earlier return to "normal" activity, avoidance of contact with hospital patient which may transfer infection (flu, wound infection,Covid 19) are just some of advantages. Average cost for surgery facility and anesthesia is also lower than in hospital. Hope this helps.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. As long as patients are healthy and liposuction volume is kept under 5 L and surgery is uneventful, it is safe to perform this surgery as outpatient. Patients should be accompanied by a responsible adult in the first 24 hour post op, and should have access to their surgeon 24/7. I see all my patients one day after surgery for an evaluation. Best,
  
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear may1787,
As long as the surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon which follows the recommendations for BBl surgery, the complication risk is really low. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Choosing the right surgeon is the most critical step in your process. There many excellent surgeons available and it is important that you and you surgeon have a good relationship and agree to a surgical plan with which you are comfortable. You want to make sure the surgeon has experience in what you are planning to do and has the appropriate board certification. For example, if you're seeking a plastic surgeon, then the only board certification that matters is the one from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These procedure can be done safely  in an outpatient surgery center.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

A common practice is having patients stay nearby for 7-10 days following the procedure, especially if the patient is coming from farther away. This is to ensure complete post-op care such as massages and post-op check-ups. Many board certified plastic surgeons will provide accommodations, including a place to stay. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a BBL specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Manuel Belen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,
  
Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question.
  
It is difficult to evaluate the options without seeing photos,
It is advisable to consult with a certified plastic surgeon, for a good evaluation, to provide you with all the information you need to know about the appropriate recommendations, so that you can achieve the desired goals in your body.
  
I hope this answer will help you
  
My best wishes for you...

Why is BBL an Outpatient Procedure?

Answers (8)

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