In today’s beauty-driven world, women are taking extreme measures to enhance their appearance, often ignoring the risks involved. From invasive surgeries like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) to the rising use of unregulated skin-lightening creams, this article explores the alarming trends in beauty enhancement and their consequences.
What Is BBL and Why Is It Trending?
For many, the term BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) has become synonymous with achieving a curvier figure. Popular in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, this procedure involves transferring fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks, creating a more voluptuous silhouette.
Once a Taboo Practice
Plastic surgeries were once limited to corrective procedures in teaching hospitals, such as fixing cleft lips or performing mastectomies. Today, however, cosmetic surgeries like BBL have gained immense popularity, especially among socialites and influencers.
Risks Involved in BBL
Dr. Loretta Ogboro Okoh, a consultant and surgeon, warns of the potential dangers of undergoing such procedures:
- Immediate Risks: Excessive bleeding, severe pain, and bruising.
- Intermediate Risks: Scarring, lumps, and fat embolism, which can lead to life-threatening conditions.
- Long-Term Concerns: As time passes, gravity takes its toll, causing uneven fat distribution and drooping.
Recommendations
Dr. Okoh advises women to:
- Undergo comprehensive medical checkups before surgery.
- Choose certified professionals to minimize risks.
- Consider alternative methods like targeted exercises (e.g., squats) for natural results.
The Weight Loss Trend: Pills and Injections
Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, initially developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, are now being used for their weight-loss side effects. Nigerian socialites are particularly fond of these drugs, despite their high cost (up to ₦500,000 per dose).
Benefits
- Appetite suppression.
- Improved insulin production.
- Enhanced fertility through weight loss.
Adverse Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Potential thyroid-related complications.
- Unregulated use may lead to more harm than good.
Expert Advice
Dr. Okoh stresses the importance of adjusting diet and lifestyle, emphasizing fiber-rich meals and regular exercise to complement weight loss medications.
Skin Lightening: A Dangerous Obsession
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products. However, many of these creams lack regulatory approval and contain harmful ingredients like mercury.
Risks of Skin Bleaching
- Premature skin aging.
- Increased risk of kidney damage and cancer.
- Mercury poisoning, which can affect the nervous system and unborn children.
NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) urges consumers to avoid unregulated products and adopt safer, natural alternatives.
Tight Garments and Temporary Fixes
For women who cannot afford invasive procedures, tight-fitting garments and body shapers offer a temporary solution. However, excessively tight garments can cause health issues, such as restricted breathing and internal organ damage.
The Role of Self-Esteem in Beauty Choices
Dr. Ogboro Okoh emphasizes the importance of building self-esteem from a young age, advising women to focus on their inner qualities rather than external appearances.
Natural Beauty Solutions
Quincy Ayodele, a WHO-certified naturopathic practitioner, advocates for herbal remedies and natural approaches to achieve beauty goals. These methods not only improve physical appearance but also contribute to overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
The pursuit of beauty is not inherently wrong, but the methods used to achieve it should prioritize health and safety. Whether through exercise, natural remedies, or embracing one’s natural features, the journey to beauty should never compromise one’s well-being.
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