Unveiling the Truth: Reflecting on the Lives Lost and Lessons Learned from Cosmetic Surgery

One of the funniest reads I had last year was Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku. I came across it while waiting to see someone and a friend had just handed it to me after I told her the title caught my attention and made me laugh. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself amused and entertained, but the book also left me thinking about one of its key topics: Cosmetic Surgery.

Cosmetic surgeries are not medically indicated but done to alter/modify a person’s appearance. They include facelifts, rhinoplasties, breast augmentations, liposuction, and of course, the famous Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), among many others.

The Rise in Cosmetic Surgeries

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported;

In 2023 that there had been a 41.3% increase in cosmetic surgeries over the previous four years. Since then, the numbers have continued to climb.

The rise has been linked to advances in technology which means these procedures are now easier to access and often come with faster recovery times. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also been shown to play a huge role in setting beauty trends and these surgeries are seen as a way to boost confidence or fit societal expectations of beauty.

Complications and Risks

While cosmetic surgery can offer life-changing results, it’s important to understand the risks. These surgeries can come with complications, including infections, excessive bleeding, scarring, and even death in severe cases. BBLs, in particular, have been linked to fat embolism, a serious and sometimes fatal complication.

In Nigeria and many other African countries where regulation isn’t as strict, there’s the added risk of unqualified practitioners performing surgeries. This has led to an increase in botched procedures and unfortunate long-term health issues for patients in a few cases.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, it’s important to make sure you’re fully informed.

1. Pick a qualified surgeon, and make sure the clinic meets international health and safety standards.
2. Know the risks and the potential complications of the procedure.
3. Whether or not you choose to go under the knife, it’s important to make decisions from a place of knowledge and self-awareness.

At the end of the day, confidence and safety are the most beautiful things you can wear.

Written By Sharon Akinola