Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Question

I want to get lipo of my abdomin and flanks with a fat transfer only to my hips. I really want this done but I’m terrified because of the stories I’ve heard of fat embolisms, though I’ve mostly heard of them pertaining more to transfers to the butt, which I don’t want to get. Should I be worried? The surgeon I originally consulted with for a bbl said it was “totally safe” but I’m still concerned... I don’t wanna die just trying to get a cute figure lol

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Complications like this are rare. Keep in mind, fat transfer technique is important for successful fat transfer. I recommend water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. I combine with Sculptra (depending on area) to improve results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat embolism is a risk in any fat transfer. Transfer to the hips is a safer procedure than the buttock since it is easier to make sure you stay superficial to the muscles in the hip. The buttock transfer is safe too as long as the surgeon has experience and careful to remain superficial to the muscle. Discuss with surgeons who do a lot of these procedures. Good luck.

John V. Williams, MD · Answer

The complictations of Fat Transfer\Fat Injections have mostly been due to BBL. It has recently been shown that the reason for this complication is injection of fat into the buttoclk muscle. The fat under pressue leaks under the muscle tearing the large vessel of the lower buttock. The fat then enters the vessels and travels directly to the heart. Fat injection can be done safely by not injecting into the muscle and not injecing into the loweR buttock.
Knowing these principles Fat Injection of the hips can be done safely by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who  has experience in this.
A newer technique I use for fat injection is Power Assisted Lipo Filling to gve a more controlled even distribution of the injected fat.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Fat embolism is always a possibility in any plastic surgery procedure, not specially higher in fat tranfer to hips. There are protocols to follow before and after surgery to decrease this risk, but it does exist. So be sure to choose an experienced and high skilled plastic surgeon.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Answers (4)

Answer: Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Answer: Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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

Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Answers (4)

Answer: Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Answer: Are complications of high risk when it comes to fat transfer to the hips?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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