DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend wants to get a Brazilian butt lift, better known as a BBL. It seems like everybody is doing it these days. I did some research and saw that it’s basically a form of liposuction. A lot of people get it, but it worries me. First of all, there’s nothing wrong with her body. More than that, it is actual surgery. My friend has a number of health issues. I just think it’s irresponsible for her to do elective surgery when there could be complications. She’s considering going out of the country to do it, too, so that it can be more affordable. How can I discourage her from a surgery that seems to be frivolous and dangerous? -- No BBL
DEAR NO BBL: You have a right to your opinion, and so does your friend. If she wants this surgery, it is her choice to get it -- or not. However, your concern about her health is legitimate, not just your personal opinion about whether the surgery is a wise aesthetic choice. Do encourage your friend to go to her doctor and get evaluated based on her health conditions to see if she is eligible for the surgery. She can be checked out stateside before she goes to another country for the procedure. Further, she should be sure that wherever she wants to do the surgery has a solid reputation. There are excellent facilities in other countries, but she would need to research them.
After that, leave her alone. Don’t guilt her about her choices. You can state your opinion once, but leave it at that.