Several days ago, Nigerian recording artiste Omah Stanley Didia, better known as Omah Lay, slammed those who still undergo cosmetic surgery to augment their physique. Speaking via the social media platform X, the singer-songwriter mentioned that those who undergo Brazilian Butt lift (BBL) surgery are old-fashioned and he finds it unattractive.
The statement sparked conversation on social media, particularly on X, as it is widely acknowledged that several notable Nigerian celebrities, including Toke Makinwa, Tonto Dikeh, and Nengi Rebecca Hampson, among others, have undergone cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance. While some pundits on social media have outrightly condemned the practice, several others have mentioned that BBL patients should be given the privilege to do whatever they please with their bodies.
In the last decade, conversations about BBL have become perpetual, almost inevitable, as almost every popular Nigerian female entertainer has gone under the knife. Following the recent development, eelive.ng decided to engage in a conversation with a public health practitioner and foremost researcher, Joy Mopelola Arewa, about the effects of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) on the human anatomy, health, and general wellbeing.
ALSO READ: BBL old-fashioned, unattractive- Omah Lay
It is important to note that celebrities predominantly go under the knife for personal reasons; hence, they do it because they are not necessarily interested in enlightening their audience about the effects of cosmetic surgeries.
eelive.ng guest would be giving us an in-depth analysis of the various reasons celebrities go under the knife, and also, she would explain how it would affect the patients shortly.
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What Is Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances the shape and size of the buttocks by transferring fat from other areas of the body. It involves liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or lower back, and then injecting that purified fat into the buttocks to add volume and improve contour.
The following is a conversation that we had with the Public Health practitioner about BBL and its effect on human health.
Why Do Celebrities Go Under The Knife?
According to the public health practitioner, Joy:
“If we are being real, the whole world of a celebrity is built around appearances. In industries like music, movies, fashion, and social media, how they look can make or break their careers. A lot of them face serious pressure to stay young, slim, and flawless. Sometimes, the pressure comes from their managers or producers to fix certain features to stay marketable.
“This creates a culture where appearance seems to matter more than actual talent. Then there is social media, filters, and those ultra-clear HD cameras; celebrities are constantly being watched 24/7.
“So yes, many turn to surgery just to keep up with the unrealistic standard. For some, it is deeper than beauty. Mental health issues like body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) can also play a big role in their decisions.
“And let us not forget the pressure faced by female celebrities. They are often judged harshly for aging, gaining weight, or not “snapping back” after having a baby.
“The pressure is real, and it drives many to undergo surgeries like tummy tucks, breast lifts, or facial treatments just to survive in the spotlight. Notably, one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries right now among celebrities and influencers is the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). For years, the beauty standard focused on being super thin. But now, curvier bodies, especially with a small waist and fuller hips or butt, are everywhere.
“So, they often feel the pressure to match that look because it sells: it gets attention, brand deals, followers, and magazine covers. Also, many of the celebrities feel like they must keep up with what is trending on social media. However, some of them do it to boost their confidence, especially if they have always felt insecure about their bodies or want to feel more feminine.”
How does this affect the well-being of BBL patients in the long term?
According to the public health practitioner, Joy:
“Over time, the fat that was moved can shift, shrink, or become uneven, requiring additional procedures. Some patients experience chronic pain, numbness, or nerve damage in the buttocks area. There is also a risk of fat necrosis, where transferred fat cells die and harden into lumps.
“Improperly performed BBLs can lead to complications like infection or scarring. Mentally, some patients may struggle with body image or regret. Many people don’t realize that BBLs carry one of the highest death rates among cosmetic surgeries.”
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What Measures Can Be Taken To Control And Curb The Practice?
According to the public health practitioner, Joy:
“Public health professionals need to lead campaigns to talk openly about the risks, recovery, and what can go wrong. Also, Governments and health regulators should enforce strict rules to make sure only trained, licensed professionals are allowed to do the procedure in safe environments.
“I also think mental health checks before surgery could help, especially for those dealing with body image issues. Influencers and celebrities who’ve had BBLs should be honest about their experiences, not just the results, but the pain, the risks, and the cost of maintenance.
“Transparency helps people make informed choices. And finally, schools, parents, and youth mentors can promote body confidence and help young people understand that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s okay not to look like what is trending.”
