Brazilian Butt Lifts Surge, Despite Risks

The procedure has the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic surgery, but many women are undaunted.

The perfect body, in Diana Dayyani’s estimation, belongs to a cartoon character. Not just any animated character, not Wilma Flintstone or Betty Rubble, but a rabbit. Jessica Rabbit. “I love that hourglass look,” said Ms. Dayyani, 23, of Houston. “The small waist, the nice, beautiful hips.” Ms. Dayyani was so enamored with Ms. Rabbit’s physique that in April she decided to acquire it for herself. She enlisted the sculptural assistance of Dr. Patrick Hsu, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston. He suggested a breast reduction ($7,400) and a gluteal enhancement, or Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), for $9,190 plus anesthesia and facility fees.