My BBL journey: Black Beauty & Brazilian Butt Lift - BBC Stories

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Published 2019-03-29

Shami, 23, wants a Brazilian butt lift, even though it is the most dangerous cosmetic procedure to undergo according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Two Britons are known to have died in 2018 after having the surgery. We follow Shami on a journey as she tries to make the decision on whether to go under the knife or not. Along the way she explores the pressures of needing to have the typical "curvy black woman aesthetic" alongside the taboo black women feel about having cosmetic procedures.
#bbl #brazilianbuttlift #bbcstories
Developed and Produced by Lola Mosanya
Filmed and Edited by Tom Beal
Executive Producer Karlene Pinnock
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We BBC Stories, are a bunch of journalists making films, long and short, with the younger audience (18-24) in mind. The idea is to tackle issues which concern and impact this group of people. So think about anything from race and identity to mental health, money and much more.

All Comments (20)

@journeybeyondthesea 5 years ago

I deleted all my social media for a whole month and I never felt happier. I recently got it again and I’m definitely going to delete them. It’s better for me ❤️
@user-gy9iq6gw8k 5 years ago

What the black surgeon said about us black women become caricatures of ourselves is so true
@la7427 5 years ago

I'm so happy with this ending. Don't risk your life to be trendy.
@yolandaperry86 5 years ago

Her wanting a BBL probably stems directly from the way the black community places so much emphasis on having a big butt and big hips. Black girls get teased at early ages for not having a butt even from their own family members. Most black men talk about big butts constantly. Most black women talk bad about other women with small butts. Having a big butt is ingrained in most black girls heads at very early ages. Not having a big butt and hips can make any woman feel less than but especially black women because of the stereotype that all black women have big butts which isn't true. Some women are ashamed of the bodies that God gave them because society has embedded beauty standards that aren't necessarily obtainable for everyone. No matter how much you work out you can't change an apple body type into a pear or hourglass body type. It's just not possible. Instead of people bashing this woman and women like her maybe start being nicer to people with her body type. Most women with her body type don't get treated all that well. The black community as a whole needs to stop making jokes about women who don't have big butts because it is damaging to many girls self esteem, self worth, and emotional wellness. Unless we really tackle body image and the "no booty" shaming in the black community then more girls are gonna put their lives at risk just to get the big butt that black people praise. This has been a problem before Instagram or any of the other social media sites so we can't place all the blame on them. We need to change the way we talk to and about each other. We need to lift the stigma off of having a little booty or no booty at all because that is the root of the problem.
@nicoleblack5249 5 years ago

OMG I absolutely feel so much respect for the male doctor. As an American Black woman it frustrates me when everyone acts as if America is the only place where things are done right. The doctor featured here is honest about the ability to have a successful surgery in other countries as along as you can communicate and check credentials. I also appreciated that he respected what the procedure meant to her as a Black woman but lovingly disagreed with her need for it. I wish more doctors were this understanding, compassionate and HONEST.
@svnsknz 5 years ago

26 years old and she is a medical and cosmetic doctor??? Damn girl 💁🏾‍♀️
@WhitneyDeivory 5 years ago

She can take that money and hire a trainer & a chef. She’s a beautiful girl.
@changibbons 5 years ago

The Doctor at the end really lifted her confidence! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@latichina5 5 years ago

I can use that BBL money and go on a trip with my mom while I still have her. The lady is gorgeous and her body is feminine no need to be altered.
@HeyitsKimberlee 5 years ago

Body dysmorphia is real. Idk how she thought she needed a butt lift. I’m glad the doctor said the obvious as well. I just don’t get voluntarily having surgery. I’m not going under the knife unless it’s a health concern. To each their own 🤷🏽‍♀️
@maxwe6021 5 years ago

this is what instagram is doing to young women.
@TheActorscash 5 years ago

Dr. KREMER SAVED LIVES BY TELLING THE TRUTH ..
@kyaaaaaaa____ 5 years ago

SJ looked good still without the surgery like WTF! Social media is really destroying our self esteem... this is so dangerous
@nakiasimone 5 years ago

I love this. She was honest and vulnerable and open to criticism. In the end she chose to love herself more, which is beautiful. Brave girl for sharing. I hope this helps others to choose to love themselves more as well. 🙌🏾
@sarahjarrett8004 5 years ago

I love that since the doctor didn’t have anything to sell her he told her the TRUTH, that her body is beautiful and most women he has seen in the past wanted a body like hers
@simpleislandgirl95 5 years ago

Surgery paid in turn for an IG post. Wowwww
@kyradunston7624 5 years ago

The second woman has insecurities on high because her body was already curvy and she had butt.
@heheh92 5 years ago

I feel really sad for this girl that she felt she needed a BBL, I thought she was gnna have a flat bum, then she turns around and it has amazing projection! I was like wtf?! And SHE wanted a butt lift?! The Dr was 100% correct when he said, this is what the desired end result is for a lot of girls wanting a BBL. I'm glad she no longer wants it and hope she remains happy in her skin. She is very beautiful as she is. <3
@AltinaClarke 5 years ago

She seems to be well liked by the people she talks to, not everyone gets to have such a good trait