In what seems like an insatiable desire to look more attractive, a lot of ladies are on a hunt for butt enlargement.
Although there are different kinds of procedures such as, silicon implants, liquid butt lift and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), among others, a whole lot of African women, owing to their inherent fatty tissue, have found satisfaction in BBL, while those with little fat go for implants or the non-surgical enhancement, as they may not have much fat to inject for a BBL.
Quite common with hip-hop stars, Cardi B is one of the artistes that are famous with their hourglass figure. This face of female rap music with her quirky voice and amazing lyrics is very popular for her curvy body and voluptuous behind. Her figure has been accentuated excessively as a result of BBL.
Though her accentuated behind cannot be considered a success like Cardi B, Blac Chyna is the poster girl for curvy bodies. Amber Rose is another popular star with curvy body and well-enhanced butt. Not forgetting Tonto Dikeh and Mercy Eke.
Celebrities are not the only ones climbing the bandwagon, but the general female population is also interested in getting the ‘hourglass’ body.
BBL is a cosmetic surgical solution to achieve a fuller, rounder, better-projected butt. The procedure is achieved through the transfer of organic fat from various donor areas around the body to bolster gluteal curves and create more fullness in the backside.
According to research, BBL is designed to last a lifetime, as the fat cells that survive transfer will stay safely in the butt whilst giving more natural-look effects. This, according to some of the women who spoke to The Guardian, is reason they now prefer BBL to other butt enlargement procedures.
However, cosmetic experts have revealed that natural aging, weight fluctuations amidst other risk factors could alter the appearance over time.
“More so when the procedure is performed incorrectly, injected fat can enter the large veins in the buttocks, and then travel to the lungs. This causes respiratory distress and ultimately death,” expert says.
Speaking to The Guardian, 28-year-old Daniella (surname withheld) said: “I did BBL when I was 25, because most of the dresses I loved didn’t fit owing to my original body shape, which I considered shapeless. I had too much fat everywhere, especially around my tummy. This made it impossible for my dresses to fit. I was always embarrassed when I attended functions looking shapeless in very expensive dresses. I felt very uncomfortable in my own skin, especially when I saw ladies who looked all trimmed with perfect body shape and backside. I soon realised that a lot of these perfect figured ladies had done one butt enhancement or the other. So, I spoke to a Cosmetic Surgeon, and we decided BBL was more appropriate for me. It was a seamless procedure. More importantly, I preferred BBL, because the procedure availed me of opportunity to transfer excess fat in my body to my butt, thereby, making it look natural and subtle. A lot of people I met after the surgery don’t even know that I did enhancement. They just assume it’s my organic shape except those who knew me before the BBL.”
Daniella believe her beauty glows after the surgery. She said: “Let’s face it, appearance is everything. I’m a public relations specialist; before I did the BBL, my career was struggling – I couldn’t exactly tell if it was due to my lack of self esteem or because my shape wasn’t attractive enough for needed attention, but now, I don’t mince words with clients – any organisation I step in, I get the kind of audience I need to nail the job and this has not only boosted my confidence but also my career.”
On her part, 23-year-old Blessing (Surname withheld) said before she finally made the decision to do the BBL surgery, she had tried other artificial butt enhancement that didn’t require surgery.
According to the lady, “I had always loved the attention women with big butts get from men, even fellow women. Everyone just admire them a certain way that made me envy them, but at the time, I didn’t trust the surgical butt lift procedures, so, I would always order different Bum Enhancement Shorts, Padded Bum underwear, but those were obviously unnatural and a lot of people could tell I was wearing artificial bums – that itself was more embarrassing, so, I opted for BBL. Since the surgery, I feel more beautiful. Everything I wear, however simple, fits perfectly. If it is okay to say Butt lift opens doors for a better life and opportunity, then I am a beneficiary!”
Interestingly, you’re going to think only single ladies feel the need for butt enhancement. You’ll be surprised with the reason Mrs. Motunde (surname withheld) is hooked to the trend. Motunde revealed that she is also prepping for BBL. Apparently, her husband has got a thing for women with big ‘bum-bum’ and that has been creating a lot of issues in their marriage.
“You find him all the time openly admiring women with big bums, even other people’s wives. Even when in the car with him, you find him drooling over passing ladies with big bum. This often made me wonder why he married me in the first place. One day, after so much misunderstanding over his attraction towards women with big butts, I asked him if he no longer finds me attractive, he said he does, but wished I could probably go for BBL surgery since I had fat in different parts of my body.
“He even told me he’s done a series of research on the BBL and finds it safe. He, however, said that I should only go for it if and only if I don’t mind. The truth is, I really don’t care about butt enlargement, because I have done well for myself both in my career and as a woman. I have three children and I still have a beautiful face, but childbirth kind of made me have fats here and there and if BBL would trim my backside to perfection to keep my husband, then I shouldn’t have a problem with it.
“More importantly, they say it’s safe. However, I still do have small doubts about the aftermath as I’m of the opinion that cosmetic surgery doesn’t go without certain risks. Although the cosmetic surgeon my husband and I met said it’s a safe procedure. So, I may go for it, especially since my husband is the one paying for it, but I still have my doubts and this makes me reluctant.”
Adetoun Olakitan, on her part, confessed the only reason she has not done BBL surgery is because she cannot afford it.
“A lot of my friends have done it, while some are even saving for it. The outcome is always beautiful and I love it. I know someone who has done BBL since five years ago and she is looking even more attractive as the year passes, although she has a routine checkup with her surgeon who placed her on a certain lifestyle guideline, which in my opinion isn’t out of place. Anything that makes you feel beautiful makes you happy and is worth going all out for,” she said.
Ozo Anochie, an accountant, said he does not see anything wrong in women going for butt enhancement surgery, so long as they are sure it is safe and makes them comfortable.
“There is something attractive about women with large backsides beyond the facial look or height. It is alluring and makes you desire her. It is so good to behold and arouses every senses in your body as a man except men who are not being truthful. This is why you see men who don’t want to feel these things quickly remove their eyes when they see women with massive backside. So, if BBL is really a safe surgery without side effects, please let those who can afford it go ahead,” he quipped.
Though he finds women with big backside attractive, Olatunde Ogundaisi totally disagrees with the idea of enhancement.
He noted: “If it is not organic, then I don’t approve. I find women with a natural ‘banging’ backside attractive. Although these days, it’s almost impossible to tell, which is natural and the one that is as a result of surgery especially amongst these so called celebrities. But get into these local markets and areas where you find women and young ladies with natural big-bum – you can tell it’s natural, because those women can’t even afford three square meals let alone butt enlargement.”
Ogundaisi, however, noted that he finds it difficult to take women with big backsides seriously in a relationship because every man always desires them.
Saying it would take a woman with good virtues to have big bum and remain virtuous, he added: “You will always find men hovering around them, even the ones in the local places. Some even disrespect them by touching it at will. Big bum is an adrenaline for sex. The only thing you think of when you see them is sex. You just want her. So, I am not sure I can marry such a woman because I would always doubt her fidelity.”
Emmanuel Godwin, who passionately disapproves of butt enlargement, said: “Self esteem or beauty does not come from body shape or any form of cosmetic enhancement; these attributes and virtues are from within and have nothing to do with appearance. So, in my opinion, I think women who do butt surgeries do so just to become the centre of attraction for men – because, of course, most men naturally find this backside feature as a big drive for sex. It is possible that you find yourself making imaginary love to such women without even talking to them.”
Needless to say, Butt enhancement, especially BBL, has become a popular cosmetic procedure amongst women who desperately want to look more attractive than what nature bestowed on them, but aside this quest for butt enhancement, a lot of people have questioned the insatiable quest to look more beautiful and attractive such that drive women to do different cosmetic surgeries, one that sometimes poses danger to not just their wellbeing but existence as a number of women have lost their lives due to one cosmetic surgery or the other. Some even travel abroad for these surgeries that sometimes lead to their demise.
Recall that the late First Lady, wife of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo died on October 23, 2005, following a botched tummy tuck-elective liposuction procedure in Spain.
Last year, a 28-year-old Nigerian woman identified as Amelia Pounds also reportedly died following complications during liposuction surgery in India.
Recently, a 23-year-old girl, Destiny Benjamin, was reported dead after the popular and acclaimed safe BBL surgery at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Lagos. Although the owner of the hospital, Dr. Ogbe Omoruyi, denied the allegation that the late Miss Benjamin died during the surgery, he revealed that she had a successful surgery but complained four days after of difficulty in breathing, which according to Dr. Omoruyi, had nothing to do with the BBL surgery, but was however referred to the Genesis Specialists Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where she eventually died.
Although there are quite a number of successful cosmetic surgeries with positive results that get other women to toe the path, the question of many people with contrary opinion is if it is worth the risk and why women won’t accept their organic look gracefully.
Instructive is the remark of Mercy Eke, Big Brother Naija (BBN) Reality TV star who is famous for her attractive BBL figure and emerged the winner of the ‘Pepper Dem’ Season 4, and recently the first runner up of the just-concluded BBN All Stars, Season 8: “I did BBL for myself. I did it to enhance my confidence. I wanted to look good in what I wear. I’m into fashion. I have to have a certain type of body for myself. So, I did it to sell my business and I don’t think there is anything to be ashamed of in enhancing one’s body.”
However, the 22-year old winner of the just concluded BBN All Stars Season 8, Ilebaye Odiniya, had a contrary opinion when Mercy Eke, during the show, openly spoke about her cosmetic procedures and advised Ilebaye to consider having a BBL surgery to enhance her contours from behind.
Ilebaye, who immediately disapproved of the idea said: “God forbid” while explaining her uncertainty about the cosmetic procedure and the effect on her backside.
Beyond the shores of Nigeria, the popular cosmetic procedure BBL has become a common solution for people looking to achieve a more curvy shape and attractive appearance. However, many people are unsure of what to expect after BBL, especially when it has been done several years ago.
According to experts at Centre for Surgery, a specialist plastic surgery clinic in London, if you had a BBL 10 years ago, it is important to consider what you can expect in terms of results, as there are some factors that can affect the outcome of BBL after some years.
“BBL can last for several years, but this can vary depending on several factors. Some of the most important factors that can affect the longevity of a BBL include the amount of fat transferred, the patient’s weight, and the patient’s lifestyle. On average, the results of a BBL can last over five years, but with proper postoperative care and a stable weight, the results can last even longer. It is important to note that the longevity of the results can vary from person to person, and it is always best to consult with your surgeon for specific recommendations and information about the results you can expect from your BBL.”
Some factors that may affect the outcome of BBL after 10 years according to experts are as follows:
Natural Ageing Process – Like any other body part, the buttocks are not immune to the effects of ageing. Over time, the skin can become loose and saggy due to the loss of collagen and elastin. The butt may also appear flatter and less shapely due to a reduction in muscle mass and the accumulation of fat.
Weight fluctuation – Weight fluctuation can also have an impact on the results of BBL after 10 years. Significant weight loss or gain can result in changes to the shape and size of the butt. This is because the transferred fat cells are not immune to changes in weight.
Genetics – Genetics can also play a role in the outcome of BBL after 10 years. Some people may naturally have a flat or saggy butt, even if they have had a BBL procedure in the past. This is because genetics can determine the distribution of fat in the body.
Hormonal Changes – Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause or pregnancy, can also affect the outcome of BBL after ten years. Hormonal changes can cause fluctuations in weight, changes in the distribution of fat, and an increase in skin laxity.
Lifestyle Habits – Lifestyle habits, such as sitting for long periods, lack of exercise, and poor posture, can also contribute to the loss of butt shape and volume over time. This is because these habits can lead to a reduction in muscle mass and an increase in fat deposits in the butt.
The experts, however, noted that although Brazilian butt lift may carry fewer risks compared to other surgeries, such as silicone buttock implants, this procedure has its own side effects like infection, scarring, pain, lumps under the skin in the areas suctioned or injected, loss of skin in the treated areas owing to deep infection, fat embolism in the heart or lungs, which can be deadly.
