The popularity of Brazilian Butt Lift surgeries in Miami has cemented the Southeast as the glute-boosting capital of the U.S.

Why it matters: The BBL, which involves injecting fat into the buttocks to create an hourglass figure, is so prevalent and accessible in South Florida that patients fly in from out of state just to get it done.

By the numbers: Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that 50% of all butt augmentation procedures performed by ASPS surgeons in 2024 were done in the Southeast region.

Yes, but: South Florida also had the highest BBL mortality in the U.S as of 2023, according to a study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

By the numbers: There were 25 BBL-related fat embolism deaths in South Florida between 2010 and 2022, per the study.

• About 92% of the procedures were performed at high-volume, budget clinics that are often seen in local strip malls.
• The Florida Board of Medicine issued an emergency order in 2019 requiring surgeons to only inject fat grafts under the skin instead of in the muscle.

The intrigue: The BBL is "not just accepted but admired" in Miami, Dr. Bart Kachniarz, of Dr. K Miami Plastic Surgery, writes on his website.

• "Miami's diverse, cosmopolitan atmosphere creates a uniquely judgment-free environment for those pursuing cosmetic enhancements.

In some parts of the U.S., plastic surgery patients strive for subtlety, the Wall Street Journal reported.

• Not in Florida, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Norman Rowe, who operates clinics in Palm Beach, New York and New Jersey.
• "In Florida they want high-end results, and they don't care if someone goes, 'Oh, my God, you got a face-lift!'" Rowe told the Journal.
• "If that ever happened in New York, if one of my patients' friends said that to him, I'd be out of business."

Most patients in Florida favor surgery over minimally invasive procedures like Botox, he told the Journal.

• After President Trump won the 2024 election, Rowe says, requests for surgeries at his Palm Beach clinic skyrocketed.
• The majority of his requests were face-lifts, breast augmentations and an eyelid surgery called a blepharoplasty.
• "As soon as he won in November, there were people coming in wanting procedures done," Rowe said. "And they want more of an aggressive [lift]. They're more into looking chiseled, they want their jawline super defined."

Share story

The Miami Dolphins earned their first win of the season, defeating the New York Jets 27-21 on Monday Night Football.

The big picture: Despite ending a three-game losing streak, the team suffered a big loss when star wide receiver Tyreek Hill dislocated his knee after a catch in the third quarter.

• Hill smiled and waved to fans as he was carted off the field and taken to the hospital for evaluation, ESPN reports.

Game recap: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdown passes to Darren Waller in the tight end's season debut.

• De'Von Achane also scored a rushing touchdown.

What's next: The Dolphins (1-3) expect to learn more details about Hill's injury today, ESPN reports.

☕️ ICYMI: At least three Miami Starbucks appear to be closed amid a company restructuring plan, the South Florida Business Journal reports.

• 248 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami
• 826 Lincoln Rd. in Miami Beach
• 2981 NE 163rd St. in North Miami Beach

🧴 Cosmetics giant Galderma, the firm behind brands like Cetaphil, is leasing office space in Brickell for its new U.S. headquarters. (The Business Journal)F

🔥 The Miami Heat begin training camp at Florida Atlantic University today ahead of its first preseason game Saturday. (NBA.com)

• Practice is not open to the public. The Heat's regular season begins Oct. 22.

🙏 Heat general manager Andy Elisburg likely won't travel with the team this season as he recovers from health issues that required hospitalization and the amputation of part of his foot. (Miami Herald)

🏡 The Seminole Tribe of Florida is suing Lennar Homes and accusing the Miami-based homebuilder of building defective homes on tribal land. (The Business Journal)

🍽️ Brooklyn Chop House — which blends steakhouse dining and Asian-inspired cuisine — is expected to open Nov. 12 at the Moxy Hotel in Wynwood. (The Herald)

• It will replace Casa Madera, which closed quietly.

🏗️ A new $162 million bond will help fund revitalization and development projects in Overtown. (The Business Journal)

Padel is one of Miami's trendiest sports. So naturally, our city is hosting the final of a new amateur league.

Why it matters: If you've got skills, registration is now open for the USA National Team League, the country's first amateur league.

• The league will represent 40 cities on a national stage.

The intrigue: Padel courts have been sprouting up seemingly everywhere across Miami, from public parks to private health clubs and condo developments.

How it works: Amateur players of all levels will play on city-based teams and compete for the chance to play at Miami's National Finals in February.

• The league is open to active USPA members 16 and older.

What's next: Registration is open until Oct. 15, and local competitions will begin Oct. 20.

Full story

Remember the coin story Sommer wrote last week?

• Her friend Jake (a coin enthusiast and collector) sent her a few coins to start her collection!
• There's a few from the Dominican Republic (he knows her well), one from 1984 Mexico and another from 1963 Italy.