Thanks to stars like Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and J.Lo, more women are learning to embrace their curves, and their derrieres in particular. The shift in focus from waif-like frames to more voluptuous figures has also sparked the surge in Brazilian butt lifts and other posterior-enhancing procedures. Unfortunately, though, some people are opting for cheaper black market procedures in lieu of consulting board-certified Miami plastic surgeons, unwittingly sacrificing their safety in the process.

“Though there is little data on the procedures or injuries they cause, doctors and authorities say they are seeing them more often. Online forums used to set up the illegal procedures have attracted thousands of responses,” The Associated Press reports.

To date, hospitalizations and fatalities attributed to black market butt injections have been reported in six states including Florida. The AP speculates that in many of these cases, women (and some men) wanted to experience the benefits of plastic surgery for their appearance and overall confidence, but could only afford black market alternatives.

One woman who underwent these illegal injections spoke up about the risks. Apryl Michelle Brown has suffered tremendously after receiving injections she later found to be industrial silicone from a home improvement store. She now operates a website dedicated to warning other prospective patients.

These days, men and women are freer than ever to improve their appearances however they see fit. However, as plastic surgery has become exponentially more popular, a growing number of opportunistic but underqualified individuals have flocked to this field to make a profit. That’s why it is so crucial to enlist the services of a board-certified Miami plastic surgeon to handle your procedure. Professionals like Dr. Christopher Craft have received years of training to help produce the best results with minimal risks.