Reversing the Damage — A Long Process

Fast forward to 2022, and Cardi B made the difficult decision to start removing those injections. She began by having 95% of the silicone taken out of her buttocks, acknowledging the risky nature of the procedure. Silicone injections can cause severe health issues, including fibrosis—a condition where scar tissue forms in the body—something Cardi herself experienced. During a candid Instagram Live session, she shared that her first round of removals was a “crazy process” and warned her followers against following in her footsteps.

However, the removal wasn’t a one-and-done situation. In January 2024, Cardi underwent yet another round of surgery to continue eliminating the remnants of those illegal injections. She also took the opportunity to address her fibrosis, further complicating her recovery.

A Cautionary Tale for Young Women

Throughout her journey, Cardi has been vocal about the pressures that young women face regarding body image and the lengths some may go to achieve the “perfect” figure. She’s been especially critical of the trend of influencers who undergo surgery and then attribute their results to rigorous workouts. Cardi has stressed the importance of being honest with her fans, making it clear that her curves weren’t built in the gym, but rather enhanced through surgery.

Her openness extends to her advice for those considering procedures like Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs). In a December 2022 Instagram Live, she urged her followers to get thorough medical checkups before going under the knife. Cardi highlighted the importance of having healthy blood levels and avoiding procedures if conditions like diabetes are present. Her message was clear: do your homework, and never compromise your health for aesthetics.

Balancing Beauty and Health

Cardi’s journey isn’t just about butt injections, though they are a significant part of it. Over the years, she’s also undergone breast augmentations, liposuction, and rhinoplasty, all of which she’s been open about. After giving birth to her daughter Kulture in 2018, she opted for liposuction to help get rid of what she called “extra skin” from her pregnancy. This post-baby surgery, however, led to some complications, including having to cancel performances because the healing process was more intense than expected.

Despite these experiences, Cardi has remained resilient. She’s made it a point to balance her desire for physical enhancements with the realities of what her body can handle, sharing both the highs and lows with her fans.