In Ghanaian culture, there is a strong emphasis on beauty and physical appearance. Women, in particular, are often judged based on their looks, with curvaceous figures being highly valued.

This cultural preference influences some women to undergo Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery to enhance the shape and size of their buttocks to get a desired curvier and proportional figure.

Brazilian Butt Lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks by using the patient’s fat. It involves a combination of liposuction and fat transfer techniques.

During the procedure, liposuction removes excess fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips. The collected fat is then purified and injected into the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and body.

Ghanaian plastic surgeon, Dr. Kwame Abrokwaa-Yankyera, emphasized the increasing rate at which women are opting to fix their buttocks and tummies more than other parts of their body.

He revealed that despite putting in their best efforts with diet and exercise, some of these women struggle to achieve the desired results, adding that the fat in specific areas like the tummy, is usually difficult to lose.

“There are two parts of the body, women are now seeking to fix more than the other areas. The tummy is one of them. Most of them complain about having big stomachs and wanting to fix them. Others also prefer the butt.”
Dr. Kwame Abrokwaa-Yankyera

Ghanaian actress, Salma Mumin, disclosed that she underwent the BBL surgery because the shape of her natural buttocks was not appealing, a situation that compelled her to undergo this particular surgery to acquire a bigger and curvier one.

“Upon my checks, I realized that there was an option like that, so I did not really mind, and I went to do it [plastic surgery],” Salma Mumin said.

Salma mentioned that although she was initially nervous about the procedure, it turned out successful and devoid of pain.

For some women, the appearance of their buttocks can significantly impact their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Pregnancy and childbirth can often change a woman’s body, including the shape and size of her buttocks, so the BBL surgery helps restore the pre-pregnancy appearance and address any loss of volume or sagging.

BBL surgery helps restore shape and fullness, contributing to a more proportionate body contour after a significant weight loss of some women who may experience a loss of volume and sagging in their buttocks.

BBL Stigma Persists

bbb — A lady who has undergone BBL surgery

Despite the growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery in Ghana, there remains a level of stigma and criticism attached to procedures like BBL surgery.

Some individuals view cosmetic surgery as unnatural or unnecessary, while others criticize those who undergo such procedures as vain or insecure.

This societal judgment creates barriers for individuals considering BBL surgery, leading to feelings of shame or guilt.

Dr. Kwame Abrokwaa-Yankyera mentioned that his patients comprise mostly women from all walks of life, including ‘pastors’ wives, stating that enhancing one’s body isn’t a sin as people perceive.

“There’s nothing wrong with enhancing one’s looks, if not male pastors won’t be wearing hair dyes to make them look younger. Most of their wives also wear body shoppers and corsets and some even come to me to fix their bodies.”
Dr. Kwame Abrokwaa-Yankyera

He also spoke on the dangers of embarking on the liposuction procedure in particular, adding, “It is not scary if you are with an experienced person. Preparations before the procedure. Spices like ginger, turmeric, and garlic do not make the blood clot, making the procedure risky.”

It’s essential to note that each individual’s motivations for undergoing BBL surgery can vary significantly, and it is important for anyone considering any surgical procedure to consult with a qualified medical professional to discuss their specific needs, expectations, and potential risks involved.