How many cases of fat embolism have there been after fat transfer?

Fat embolism is much more of a concern with fat injections in the buttocks. The down side of fat transfer to the breasts is that most of the fat does not survive. I have answered many realself questions from women complaining that all the fat went away after a year

Dear Philosophical620255,

fat transfer to breasts is safe since fat is transferred under the skin and not in the muscle. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Hello, fatty embolism is a complication that is not frequent in the transfer of fat that is done to the buttocks, the blood vessels in that region are much larger and if the fat is put in the muscle there is that risk, there are surgeons who put the fat in the muscle and have not had this complication, in the breasts the blood vessels are much smaller, and the truth is that so far there is no report of fat embolism by transfer to breasts

Fat embolism is a rare but potentially serious complication that can occur with any fat transfer procedure, including autologous fat grafting to the breasts or other areas of the body. A fat embolism happens when fat particles enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, brain, or other organs, causing blockages that can lead to severe complications.It's important to note that specific statistics on the incidence of fat embolism after fat transfer procedures may not be readily available or consistently reported. The occurrence of fat embolism can depend on various factors, including the technique used, the patient's health status, and the plastic surgeon's skill and experience.To minimize the risk of complications, it is crucial to choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who follows proper surgical protocols. Additionally, patients should disclose their complete medical history during the pre-operative consultation, and plastic surgeons should carefully evaluate the patient's suitability for the procedure.While fat embolism is a potential risk, it is considered rare, and many fat transfer procedures are performed successfully without such complications. Nonetheless, individuals considering fat transfer or any cosmetic surgery should be aware of the potential risks and benefits and discuss them thoroughly with their chosen healthcare provider.

The risk of fat emboli from fat transfer to the breast is very low, especially using micro-canulae to transfer the fat and solution to constrict blood vessels during the transfer. The risk is higher in the buttocks, less than 1%, especially if fat is placed inside or under the muscles for large volume.