Do surgeons use different techniques or tools to prevent a death from happening from a fat embolism?

transfer the fat only into the space above the muscle to avoid the deep veins. Go to a surgeon experienced in the procedure. Best

The take-home point is that traditional methods of transfer of fat into the gluteal muscles should be abandoned in favor of fat transfer though large cannula to areas directly visible beneath the skin to reduce the risk of fatal fat emboli and patient deaths.

Yes, the technique is absolutely important in preventing a fat embolism during a fat transfer to the buttock procedure. Watch this brief video for more information.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Dear purplefrogs214,
death after BBL surgery is very rare but there are reported cases. Surgeon should avoid injecting fat in muscles in order to prevent fat from getting into big blood vessels. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question. Fat embolism is a risk of BBL but a small one with appropriate techniques.  You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Best is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Fat embolism during a BBL generally occurs if the fat injection is done in a deeper plane; either into the muscle or below the muscle.  Current protocols call for only subcuteneous placement of the fat above the muscle.  In the safer plane a fat embolism should not occur.

Yes absolutely there are several things that can be done to dramatically enhance the safety of a BBL.  #1 is to not overinject.  Overfilling with fat or promising a super high number isn't safe.  #2 is to never inject from the "bottom up" which avoids injuring the vessels.  #3 is only using pure fat that has been cleansed and purified.  Sorry I should say first and foremost you should only see a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.  Most of the deaths have occurred as a result of "cosmetic" surgeons or worse doing surgeries they shouldn't be doing.  

Hi purplefrogs214,Thank you for your question! In order to eliminate the risk of fat embolism, I use a blunt tip cannula and always inject the fat above the muscle. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who specializes in this procedure.Best of luck! 

Yes, there is a task force in place that is actively studying stats and ways to be safer when doing this procedure. All board certified plastic surgeons receive updates with their latest recommendations. It is now "illegal" in the US to purposely inject fat in to the gluteus fascia or muscle. When fat is injected in to the muscle is when you are at risk of developing a fat embolus. I have not had any deaths in my practice and I do a large number of BBLs. 

Limiting fat injection to the superficial space above the muscle reduces the risk of fat embolism.