Removal of fat necrosis from BBL?

Question

3 years ago I did a BBL. I developed a fever which was eventually controlled after 6 weeks. Culture showed no bacterial growth. I since lost 12 lbs and I feel a hard ball size of a golf ball. How would a doctor go about removing? Can the ball be removed only? Or surrounding fat will also be removed leading to a visual dent size of a orange. Don't know if I should leave it alone or remove it. Can it be an infection that somehow my body formed capsule? Fat transfer only, no implant

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The dead fat hardened by calcium must be removed in total through an incision in the skin, much like a cyst or a tumor is removed. If the removal is extensive, reconstruction with additional fat grafting may be necessary as well. Thus, the issue of fat necrosis requires an expert skill set to create the optimal result. The goal is both optimal removal of the dead fat while sparing any living adjacent tissue to minimize the overall defect and allow for the best possible reconstruction. Return to the plastic surgeon who performed your BBL for an evaluation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear QnMari,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Significant amount of grafted fat resorbs, dies and, in some instances, leave deep scars and cyst filled with oil. Larger one are visible and palpable and may need treatment. It would be in your best interest to discuss this issue with your surgeon. Sometimes cyst may be aspirated if close to surface or scanned with ultrasound and aspirated by radiologist. You may also leave it alone and do some over-grafting in that area if there is visible deformity. Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You need to follow up with the plastic surgeon who did your procedure it. He or she is responsible for the outcome of your surgery.

If by chance that Dr. is far away and then traveling for postop appointments as part of what you sign up for when you’re traveling for the elective procedure.

You can also have consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons but at that point you’re responsible for paying for the care including the consultation.

Typically the only realistic option for ASL fat necrosis is direct surgical excision which will leave it as small to moderate size scar. Depending on how much fat necrosis and what the tissue around it looks like it may or may not leave a defect.

Only the area off at the cross is it south needs to be removed and no surrounding tissue.

At this point it is no longer infected or highly unlikely to be so.

Significant fat necrosis comes from poor surgical technique during the procedure.

Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Removal of fat necrosis from BBL?

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Removal of fat necrosis from BBL?

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