Content creator Lydia Wanjiru has candidly spoken about her experience undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), revealing the intense pain, emotional journey and risks that come with one of the world’s most talked-about cosmetic procedures.
In an interview with BBC Africa, Wanjiru described the reality of the surgery, warning that the recovery process can be far more difficult than many people expect.
Wanjiru painted a vivid picture of her recovery, making it clear that the process tested her physically and mentally. She explained that after the surgery, she struggled to perform even the simplest movements.
“You can’t stand straight, you can’t bend, you can’t sit, you can’t sleep,” she said, emphasizing how restrictive and painful recovery felt.
She added that the pain overwhelmed her to the point where she sometimes lacked the strength to cry.
By sharing these details, Wanjiru challenged the often glamorized perception of cosmetic procedures seen online.
She revealed that she had wanted a BBL for about five years, influenced in part by global celebrities who began openly discussing their cosmetic procedures.
“I’ve always wanted a BBL,” she said, pointing to how normalized such conversations have become over time.
The Brazilian Butt Lift surgery (BBL) is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgeries in the world, but also one of the most dangerous.Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Kenyan content creator, Lydia Wanjiru, about her decision to get a BBL.
Her decision became more urgent after she lost weight in August 2025. While the weight loss marked a personal milestone, it left her dealing with loose skin, something she found difficult to accept.
“The loose skin… I was like no,” she explained, describing the moment she decided to seriously pursue surgery.
She pointed out that she had not relied on the gym to lose weight in the first place, making her skeptical about using it as a solution afterward.
“People kept advising you, go to the gym… but how long?” she said, highlighting her frustration with what she saw as a slow and uncertain alternative.
She noted that complications remain common and that some cases have even resulted in death. These realities made her approach the decision with caution.
“A lot of people have developed complications from the surgery. It has even led to the deaths of some people,” she said.
Rather than rushing into the procedure, she consulted multiple surgeons before selecting one. She stressed that careful research played a key role in her journey
Wanjiru used her experience to highlight what she believes many people get wrong about cosmetic surgery.
First, she criticized the tendency to overlook a doctor’s qualifications and track record. She urged anyone considering surgery to prioritize professionalism and medical expertise.
Second, she addressed the issue of unrealistic expectations.
“You want an unrealistic size, and this is the most common problem,” she said, warning that chasing extreme results often leads to complications.