I want to treat overly-aggressive thigh lipo with a fat transfer. Is this just as risky as getting a BBL? (photo)

Fat transfer to the buttocks has a higher risk than fat transfer to other locations because there are large veins near where the fat is often transferred. This can increase the risk of fat getting into and blocking the blood vessels. The blood vessels in the thigh are much deeper than where the fat is injected, and there are smaller amounts injected as well, which decreases risk.

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. Fat transfer to the thighs would not be as risky as a BBL and even a BBL is relatively safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. To achieve the results you want with fat transfer, you must have sufficient fat in another area of the body to serve as the donor site. Another option is Sculptra injections into the thigh, which could also enhance that upper leg contour. Your doctor should be able to customize your treatment plan to your needs based on your specific situation and desired results. 

Fat grafting to the thigh is very safe.  However, fat does not have much integrity and if what you have is a depressed scarred area, it is unlikely fat will correct the contour.  The overlying skin has to be able to stretch to allow the fat to expand the area.  Fat is the only option though, and so massage of this area to get it ready for grafting is recommended.  

Amaruki I appreciate your concern however fat transfer is a common procedure used to treat areas in which liposuction caused contour irregularities. BBL is a much more extensive procedure and carries higher risks. Discuss all options with a board-certified plastic surgeon to your area.  Good luck.

The problem with the BBL is that some surgeon place too much fat (1000cc +). The procedure in your case is very safe since you may need 100 cc of fat at most. 

Sorry for the results from liposuction on your thighs. Appears you are slender and might NOT have excess donor fat to transfer. Also risks in any fat transfer are real. Additionally, might consider the Renuva injections to stimulate your own regrowth of fat in those areas. Though quite expensive but easy to do in multiple sessions. Best to seek only in person consults with private practice boarded  PSs experienced in reconstruction using fat transfer or injection experience with Renuva. 

 First to address your concern. The answer is a straightforward no. We have not seen fat emboli from  fat transfer in areas other than BBL.  The gluteal region is different because of its anatomy and the temptation for doctors to graft into the muscle for better results. The gluteal artery and vein or substantial in size and can be injured with the cannula during a BBL.  of course it's possible to develop a fat embolism with fat transfer in other areas but to my knowledge this is not been a reported complication with the exception of the BBL  No to share the not so good news.  Fat transfer to correct excessive liposuction doesn't work very well at all.  The main reason for this is there is generally no longer sufficient host tissue to support the fat graft.  In order for the fat graft to survive that has to be viable tissue that has its own blood supply to support the grafted fat. This tissue was removed with the liposuction.  What's often left his skin over muscle.  You can't graft fat into the skin and grafting fat into the underlying muscle will not restore the contour irregularities from the previous liposuction.  You may find doctors who have not tried this enough times to still be supportive and excited that they can help you.  It's possible to get a small amount of that to survive.  That's because there is still viable tissue. The sub dermal layer and the muscle fascia cancer stain very small amounts of grafted that. My experience has been patients who want this will need multiple rounds of fat transfer using small amounts each time.  It's a very gradual process that inherently requires repeat treatments.  Sorry to be bleak but this is the truth of the physiology and nature of tissue transfer.  Doctors with sufficient experience will most likely agree with my opinion though no question others will be more enthusiastic and willing to do your procedure.  Setting expectations correctly before surgery leads to consistent high patient satisfaction since results can be delivered there consistent with what was promised.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD