Fat detachment/separation 16 months post-op: Am I at risk of a blood clot? (photos)

Question

Hello, I had a BBL procedure 16 mths ago. I did my research to ensure my surgeon was board certified. My results were horrible. Today, I felt a sensation in my left buttock as if there was wet paper stuck to it. After inspection, I noticed a line of hyperpigmentation in the area and it seems that the fat detached from the skin and relocated under the gluteal fold region. I have discomfort when I sit. So, WHAT ARE MY HEALTH RISKS? a clot? embolism? or just deformity?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without seeing your preoperative photos, I would say that you have average good result after BBL. Unfortunately, one of the greatest mysteries of fat grafting is their unpredictable take (survival). Although we tell our patients that, generally speaking, between 50-60% of injected fat volume is going to survive within next 8-12 months, it is still unpredictable where and how much of fat is goint to be lost. Despite the fact that we inject the same amount of the fat in, lets stay, both butts, it may survive differently in each side and different areas. For that reason small asymmetries and uneveness may be seen as in your case. Consultation with your surgeon would give you an oportunity to discuss your options to correct current result. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CoachMJ25,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Posted photos good. After this long in time postop the risks for emboli no higher than the general population. The results need to be improved...by round 2 lipo/redo BBL under ultrasound guided removal in areas and re injections in other areas with my specialized taping methods. Fee $6,000. Best to virtual consult with...Also was your initial surgeon American boarded PS? Or a surgeon in a clinic?

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear MJ,
Sorry you're having issues with your BBL.
First, your photos are not great for comparison (pre-op pics with legs together facing away, and then each side picture along with post-op pics the same angles helps us diagnose the issues).
The change of sensation is rare, but not unheard of.  It may be from an irritated nerve or even a damaged nerve.  Sometimes mediations like Neurontin or Lyrica may help.
The fat, once placed and healed (after a few weeks) does not generally travel anywhere.  
There are no medical issues 16 months post-op.  The deformity is probably permanent although, I feel you have a nice results.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment on the outcome of a cosmetic surgical procedure we generally need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.
None of the symptoms you describe seem consistent with a serious medical problem like a blood clot or embolism.
I suggest following up with your provider.
Best, 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Fat detachment/separation 16 months post-op: Am I at risk of a blood clot? (photos)

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Fat detachment/separation 16 months post-op: Am I at risk of a blood clot? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: BBL issues

Answer: BBL issues

Answer: BBL results

Answer: BBL results

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.