Scared of a fat embolism; is there a risk with a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I seeing a lot of women are dying of fat embolism from getting a BBL. Another One just died 3days ago! So I changed my mind on getting a BBL I want to go with a tiny tuck now. SO WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF GETTING A FAT EMBOLISM WITH LIPOSUCTION AN TUMMY TUCK? I have a consultation the 1st week in April and I am super scared I think about it so much I can barely sleep at night.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

thank you for your question. Where is the fat emboli with my tummy tuck and liposuction is extremely low. Risk of fat embolism with fat transfer in a BBL procedure increases based on technique used by a plastic surgeon. Recent death in Miami after BBL procedure is an extremely unfortunate event; however, based on published report, it was not performed by a board certified and experienced plastic surgeon. It's best to have a thorough in person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss all of your treatment options. Best of luck!
Dr. Dhaval M.PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonChicago-Water Tower Place, Oakbrook, Hoffman Estates, Orland Park

Niki Christopoulos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your excellent question.  Fat embolism, while possible, is extremely rare with a tummy tuck with liposuction.  The increased risk that has been seen with a BBL is likely due to the fat transfer portion of the operation and the technique of the surgeon.  This being said, risks are an important part of the conversation with your plastic surgeon so make sure you see someone experienced and qualified.  A tummy tuck with liposuction does have risks of embolism, however pulmonary embolism not fat embolism.  These risks, however, are still quite low if you are in otherwise good health and your surgeon takes all the necessary precautions.  Best of luck!

David Stoker, MD · Answer

The risks of a fat embolism from a tummy tuck are extremely small, if there is any risk at all.  There is a risk of deep venous thrombosis, however, and your surgeon should take the appropriate precautions for you.  You lower the risk of your operation by not having the BBL at the same time as your tummy tuck.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Fat embolism is risk of BBL. However, there are other embolisms. Tummy tuck carries a risk of pulmonary embolism from blood clots. Pulmonary embolism is risk all surgeries.  It is not as common as fat embolism with BBL

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

Fat embolism with BBL is a real concern the exact way the embolism happens is controversial.  However fat gets into the blood stream and blocks the heart and lungs. Abdominoplasty alone does not have a very high risk of fat embolism but all surgery has a small risk of fat embolism and a  risk of blood clots. Your surgeon will use compression stockings to minimize the chance of blood clots. Some surgeons will thin the blood with medication to avoid clots.  Cosmetic surgery has real risks that is why it is important to choose your surgeon carefully. Trust your surgery to a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck, even with liposuction seems to cause little risk of fat embolisation. There are cases however of fat embolisation with fat transfer in BBL. With any procedure we must weigh risk to benefit, as in general BBL has been a safe procedure for most, but it is important to understand them so you can judge the worth it factor.

Scared of a fat embolism; is there a risk with a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (6)

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