How long after a BBL could a fat embolism occur?

Question

I am debating a bbl but am obviously worried about a fat embolism. When would I be "in the clear" of not having a fat embolism? Is a fat embolism more likely in thin (small buttox) patients? Thank you so any information !

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fat embolism is the most serious potential complication of a BBL procedure. It is strictly an operator or surgeon surgical misadventure. Lethal fat embolism happens in the operating room and is lethal within minutes when fat is injected into the major pelvic veins or these veins tear and allow fat to travel to the heart and/or lungs. Minor fat embolism can happen within 24-48 hours, and this is usually not fatal.Fat embolism is not related to patient size or amount of fat injected. Death were reported with as little of 200 cc of fat injected.Since this problem was brought to national and international awareness, the Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) set up strict  guidelines in carrying out this very popular procedure. A study based on a survey was published by the Society, which turns out to be wrong. This was based on multiple non-scientific assumptions and it quoted 1:3,000 deaths from this procedure. New, actual studies are in the process of being published (in the US and internationally) which show that the risk of death is 1:13,000, which is much less than dying from a tummy tuck!See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It can occur in skilled hands but is most likely in large volume transfers.  The incidence is very low however it can be fatal to those involved.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon prior to moving forward, and if the reward is not worth the risk rethink your options.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Beautyresearch,
generally speaking, the risk is higher when you don't move much, so in first few days after surgery. Once you start moving more, the risk is lower. 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

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

should’ve had embolism happen it would be during the procedure most likely during the fat injection.Fat emboli have happened from Liposuction without a fat transfer but with that procedure is highly unlikely.The symptoms will begin to present shortly after surgery it will most likely worsen dramatically over the next few days or weeks or even months.I’ve only managed one patient in my career with a fat embolism and that young man was in a car accident with a pelvic fracture that caused his fat embolism.His condition deteriorated fairly rapidly but he was kept alive in the ICU for six weeks before he died. My practice has been devoted exclusively to Liposuction if I transfer for over a decade.I’ve been doing fat  transfer procedures for over 20 years.I’ve never had a patient developed this complication and I don’t know any provider who’s had a fat embolism in one of their plastic surgery patients.Using very crude technique is most likely one of the major contributing factors to this very unfortunate complication.One single provider in Florida who was not trained in plastic surgery managed to have four fatalities from fat embolism‘s in hispractice alone. This was one of the incidences that caused the review this procedure.That provider has since lost his license.I believe the incidence of this complication is far far lower when properly trained surgeons do their work using good surgical technique.Risks in life cannot be eliminated but can be reduced by eliminating or minimizing high-risk behavior.Statistically driving is a very high risk activity.People seem to do that nonchalantly including while talking on their cell phones on a regular basis.I also see lots of people taking high risk COVID-19 behavior. Perhaps they are young and will not die from the disease but they are increasing the risk of loved ones including parents and grandparents dying.For those highly risk averse this may not be the best procedure.When good technique is used by properly trained board-certified plastic surgeons I believe the chance of this complication will eventually be shown to be far lower than has previously been described.I suggest approaching the topic from a non-emotional perspective.  Perhaps easier said than done.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

How long after a BBL could a fat embolism occur?

Answers (4)

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