The essentials
- No surgeon or technique can guarantee a risk-free BBL.
- Ultrasound during fat injection is not the same as a postoperative screening scan.
- Verify who performs the operation and who manages follow-up.
Start with a specific risk conversation
Gluteal fat grafting, often called BBL, needs a candid discussion of serious complications. In their 2022 joint statement, ASPS and partner societies emphasized fat-embolism deaths and the need for stronger safety practices.
Ask the surgeon to explain the risks that apply to you, the alternatives, and circumstances in which they would decline or postpone surgery. A reassuring slogan is not a substitute for this conversation.
Ask what ultrasound means in the proposed plan
The societies' statement supports real-time ultrasound during fat injection and keeping fat above the gluteal muscle fascia. A postoperative ultrasound screening service answers a different question; it does not establish how fat would be injected during surgery.
Ask the operating surgeon to describe their approach directly. This guide does not verify any particular practice's operative technique or represent an audit of compliance with current local rules.
- Will real-time ultrasound be used during fat injection?
- Who operates the imaging and monitors the injection?
- How will the intended injection plane be maintained?
Know the surgeon and the surgical setting
Record the surgeon's legal name, the exact facility, and the person responsible for anesthesia. Ask how to independently verify the credentials and facility status relevant to that location.
Clarify who performs each critical part of the operation and who is responsible for you throughout the day. If the name of a practice appears everywhere but the operating surgeon remains unclear, resolve that before making a commitment.
- Will I meet the surgeon who will operate on me?
- Which credentials and facility records can I verify?
- What happens if the planned surgeon or location changes?
Look at the follow-up plan before the photos
Ask how routine questions, urgent concerns, and complications are handled. This matters whether you live nearby or travel for surgery. Write down the clinical contact, expected follow-up arrangements, and what changes when you return home.
A recovery hotel, massage service, or attractive gallery cannot tell you the full care plan. Ask which services are clinical, who provides them, and how the surgeon remains involved.
- Who responds after hours?
- How are complications assessed and treated?
- Who coordinates care if I am already home?
Use the answers to make an informed choice
Keep a short written record of the consultation. If a claim sounds absolute—such as no risk, a guaranteed shape, or a recovery timetable that applies to everyone—ask what evidence supports it and what the limitations are.
At a Dr. Miami consultation, bring these questions to the operating surgeon. This checklist is a starting point, not consent, medical clearance, or an assurance that BBL is appropriate for you.
- Compare the explanation of risks, not only the price.
- Ask about reasonable alternatives, including no surgery.
- Resolve unanswered safety questions before paying a deposit.
Your next step
Bring your questions to Dr. Miami.
Use this guide to prepare for an individual conversation about your goals, options, and care.
Request a consultation