Airsculpt and BBL using a thinner 2mm cannula - is this a safe method?

Question

Looking at BBL options online, I see some clinics using Airsculpt for BBLs.. is this safe? As of 2020, ASERF/ASAPS/ISAPS recommends using a cannula that's at least 4mm to reduce the risk of bending and accidental fat embolism. Airsculpt promotes using a thinner 2mm cannula though... is this a safe method?

Carey Nease, MD · Answer

I currently work at AirSculpt in Nashville and we inject fat with a 3mm cannula and also use Ultrasound guidance to confirm that the fat is being placed in the correct, safe tissue plane, above the muscle layer. I do not know anyone who uses a 2mm cannula to inject fat into the buttocks. Sometimes fat is removed with a thinner cannula, like in the neck and jowls. Hope that helps!

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Energetic64761, 
Thank your for your concern! This is a most relevant topic for those wishing fuller, firmer buttocks. Below you will find the link to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Standards for BBL. Please continue your research and learning and due diligence about BBL standards to reduce complications of buttock fat grafting. Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon well experienced in Safety and Performance of the Brazilian Butt Lift; ie liposuction contouring for the harvest and fat grafting of the buttock region. While the tools used to perform the procedure(s) are important, it is primarily the skill, understanding, techniques, care, training, staff, available emergency access and environment of safety the Surgeon promotes of critical importance to diminish complications. So, NO, it is not the Airsculpt 2mm cannula that provides safety; it is the Surgeon you chose to perform your procedure that reduces the risks of complications.  
I hope this is helpful. All the best!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’ve never heard of a single plastic surgeon having a cannula bend causing a fat embolism ever.
The suggestions given when the safety guidelines were put out we’re not scientifically proven but were based on assumptions. 
I suggest you have an in person consultation and discuss this directly with the surgeon who’s going to do your procedures.
There are far more important things to consider then what cannula is being used.
You’re looking at a tree and missing the forest.
In the end there are only two variables that matter.
Your candidacy for the procedure and the skill and experience of the surgeon.
Generally speaking risks of serious complications for both Liposuction and fat transfer are small.
Especially compared to things we often take for granted like driving a car.
A fatality for an average driver is one in 10,000 per year.
Surgery has some risks involved. Then one single thing patients should be most concerned about is being left with poor outcomes.
Highly risk averse people should probably skip cosmetic surgery.
If you’re interested in having this procedure and the best way to move forward is to have multiple in person consultations first and foremost get an accurate assessment and secondly begin to vet plastic surgeons to find out who can deliver the most consistent quality results. 
To get a quality assessment and have the ability to vet individual providers you need in person consultations.
When in doubt slow down wait and schedule more consultations.
Elite by the sculpture has a very strong track record for quality work with very low complication rates.
I do recommend in person consultations and recommend people avoid virtual consultations whenever possible
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Airsculpt and BBL using a thinner 2mm cannula - is this a safe method?

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Airsculpt and BBL using a thinner 2mm cannula - is this a safe method?

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Everything you need to know about AirSculpt

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