Terrified of developing fat necrosis and abscesses after BBL.

The risk of infection and abscess increases with the amount of fat that is transferred. Although there is a small risk of complications anytime you have surgery, it's important that you make sure that these risks are acceptable to you and that you minimize risks by choosing your surgeon carefully. Make sure they are a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the procedure that you are considering. Good luck with the procedure never hesitate to reach out to your surgeon with your specific questions.

I think that fat necrosis and abscesses are certainly rare, but this will increase with the amount of fat transferred.

Thank you for your question. Development of fat necrosis, abscesses, and blood clots to the legs and lungs have been reported in cases of Brazilian butt lift procedures. The plastic surgery society is performing ongoing research looking at the complications, causes and measures to take to avoid, as well as treat, them. The most important aspect of undergoing an elective cosmetic procedure is communicating with your plastic surgeon so that if a potential complication does arise after a procedure, your surgeon is notified right away so that you can be properly cared for. I am available to my patients 24/7 in case anything unforeseen arises that needs to be taken care of immediately.

There are risks with every surgery, but necrosis of tissue is not that common with BBL especially with smaller volumes and healthy patients.  Best of luck.

I recently help write a paper on improving safety in butt lifts.  I guess I am concerned about you leaving California and going to Florida in light of everything that just went on in Florida.  I understand cost considerations as well but I have taken care of butt lift patients who have traveled for surgery and had complications like necrosis.

If we all went through life worrying about disastrous things that's happened one time then we probably wouldn't want to leave our house.
When assessing risk for surgery the magnitude of complication it's to always be put into context with the frequency.
Massive tissue necrosis can happen when too much fat is grafted at the same time.
This can cause something called compartment syndrome.  The pressure from the grafted fat is so high it collapsed the tiniest blood vessels called capillaries. When diagnosed early the process can be stopped by releasing the pressure.
The importance of having direct access to your surgeon can not be overstated enough. 
If your having a conservative Brazilian and this complication is extremely unlikely.
BBL is considered one of the more risky procedures in cosmetic surgery.
The most serious complication we worry about as plastic surgeons is usually not tissue necrosis  but fat embolisms.
Regardless, the chance of having a serious complication after a BBL is highly unlikely.
Looking at pictures of the worst complications just before surgery is like a child watching a horror movie. 
The law requires us to obtain "informed" consent prior to surgery.
This means we need to explain the complications that can happen from each procedure. 
Ideally this is done in person with your plastic surgeon who can explain and reassure his or her patients keeping them from running to realself in a state of panic. 
Have faith, relax and enjoy the journey.
Let the excitement of great results set the emotion of your upcoming procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD