Can liposuction of a fat under the chin cause FES?

Question

Is kybella safer than traditional liposuction? Can liposuction of such a small area such as under the chin cause FES?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The pathogenesis of the fat embolism syndrome (FES) is the subject of conjecture and controversy.  Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a group of findings that arise from a single, unified cause: the escape of fat globules into the circulation (fat embolism). The ultimate resting places of those globules determine the specific manifestations of FES seen in clinical practice. When it occurs, it typically becomes apparent 24 - 27 hours after injury.   The good news is that there is a very rare chance for the occurrence of fat embolism during or after chin lipo.Most patients with FES recover fully without residual deficits. Mortality rate varies from 5% to 15% in various studies. However, older patients with numerous comorbid medical conditions, and diminished physiologic reserve have more terrible results. The fulminant form of FES displays as acute coronary pulmonale, respiratory failure or embolism, and prompting to death of patient inside few hours of injury.

William Groff, DO · Answer

I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you the risk for fat embolism after chin liposuction is extremely low. This procedure uses micro cannulas to remove the fat from the area, producing long-lasting results with a single treatment session. Kybella is also effective, but usually requires more treatment sessions and the results can take months to fully develop. Make sure you work with an experienced, board-certified doctor to ensure your procedure is both safe and successful.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Kybella can be used to remove unwanted fat under the chin, but my personal preference is to use liposuction.  Treatment with Kybella involves multiple sessions with significant swelling after each treatment.  The cost for Kybella is frequently more expensive than liposuction, and liposuction can be done in one procedure.  The occurrence of fat embolism after liposuction is not common and it would be extremely unlikely to occur in a small area, such as under the chin.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sparklejumpropekween,
Kybella typically takes 3 to 5 treatments to work. This is why I've stopped carrying Kybella in my office.  I recommend neck liposuction more often then any injectable procedure for the neck now. It provides superior results gives me more control over the area than any injectable.  It also costs about the same as what you paid for your first kybella session. The liposuction can be done under local while awake in the office and recovery is about the same as kybella.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Much more information is needed, such as a full set of facial photographs of the neck from all angles in addition to an in-person examination. It's very important to understand that there are two compartments of fat in the neck, above and below the platysma muscle. Liposuction can only accomplish removal of fatty deposits above the platysma muscle,  while a surgical neck lift is required to remove the fatty deposits below the muscle which also includes a platysma-plasty. As long as your skin tone is acceptable, no skin will be need to be removed.  Kybella is not very effective, And we do not recommend it in our practice

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Of all the things to worry about this is probably not one of them.well this has happened it is not frequent enough to be included in the general risk of Liposuction at risk. The cases of fat embolism from liposuction are unusual rare incidences.Probably more likely to be hurt in a car accident on the way home from the procedure.There is some risk with all surgery. If you are severely risk-averse then you should avoid having any unnecessary procedure. Kybella Is not something I offer or recommend.I performed over 7000 liposuction procedures in my career. I’ve never had a case of fat embolism. I’ve had three real complications  with liposuction patients. All of them were treated successfully with good final outcomes.Best, Mats Hagstrom, MD

Can liposuction of a fat under the chin cause FES?

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