BBL!! Can a fat embolism still occur when the fat is grafted above the muscle?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons have suggested various measures to improve the safety of the procedure:1) No injection into the muscle.2) Fat should only be grafted into the superficial planes with the subcutaneous space considered safest.3) Use a large, blunt, single hole injection cannula and instrumentation that offers control.4) Avoid downward angulation of the cannula.5) Position patient and place incisions to create a path that will avoid deep muscle injections.6) Maintain constant three-dimensional awareness of the cannula tip.The complication of a fat embolism during liposuction and fat transfer is extremely rare. To avoid any complications, you need to select a board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Dear Brave100303,
every surgery has a risk of fat embolism. However, there is a higher risk if the fat is transferred in the muscle. 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

Fat embolism‘s are rare from cosmetic surgery and I’m more commonly associated with orthopedic surgery or long bone and pelvic fractures. It has been reported with the BBL. It can happen from liposuction and fat transfer in a new location but it is a very rare occurrence. It’s believed to be an increased complication when grafting deep into the gluteus muscle around the gluteal vein.

There is no procedure with zero complications.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD