Do you have the risk of fat embolism with liposculpture? (photo)

Question

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Fat embolus has been reported with liposuction alone surgeries.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, California

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The risks of liposuction alone are fairly low (including infection, bleeding, seroma). Fat embolus is not a risk which is not commonly associated with liposuction alone. The actual incidence of fat embolus secondary to liposuction is 0.00001%.
Fat embolus is a very serious and known complication of fat transfer (which has been recently spotlighted in the media). While it is true, injection of donor fat into the infra-muscular plane (within the muscle) increases fat viability this does come with a significant increase in risk. There are large vessels deep to and within the muscle which can be inadvertently injected while grafting leading to a fat embolus. The consequences of such a complication are very serious and life threatening.
At the recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons Hot Topics, data from AAAASF (ambulatory surgical certifying body) was presented, suggesting that BBL/gluteal lipoaugmentation demonstrates a dramatically higher risk profile than other surgeries. The Aesthetic Surgery and Educational and Research Fund is convening a task force as well. The hope is that we will have more concrete guidelines for addressing these very serious complications.
That being said, the safest way to avoid fat emboli is to stay in the subcutaneous plane (at the expense of fat viability)and avoid the deeper muscular plane. If grafting of the deep plane is planned, surgeons should consider blunt cannulas, aspiration prior to injection. Using a supra-gluteal approach to minimize the risk of inadvertent intravascular injection has also been proposed.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Fat embolism can happen during with liposuction but is extremely rare. It can also happen at higher rates during fat transfer procedures, like Brazilian butt lifts.  Proper technique and judgment are important to prevent these complications. Make sure that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

I personally feel that all high volume liposuction cases and Brazilian butt lifts should be performed in a hospital setting. This makes the procedure more expensive, but for these types of procedures safety is paramount and should not be compromised. Your surgeon should be comfortable talking about his/her safety protocols and action plans. Be skeptical of any surgeon who says the surgery is risk free.

There is always risk in surgery, but reputable surgeons do everything they can to make surgery as safe as possible. Hope this helps.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Any surgery, specially under general anesthesia lasting more than one hour carry a risk of pulmonary embolism. Liposuction and fat transfer to the buttocks carry the risk of fat embolism, the risk factor is not known yet, 
Before undergoing surgery, the surgeon should take a history and physical examination and calculate your personal risk for pulmonary embolism.Fat embolism is a risk, regardless of technique and cannula size

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Yes there is a 1:100,000 risk of fat emboli with this procedure. However, with proper technique, proper cannulas, and conservative suction volumes, these complications can be minimized.

Do you have the risk of fat embolism with liposculpture? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Pulmonary embolism, fat embolism

Answer: Pulmonary embolism, fat embolism

Answer: Risk of fat emboli in liposuction discussed

Answer: Risk of fat emboli in liposuction discussed

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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

Do you have the risk of fat embolism with liposculpture? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Pulmonary embolism, fat embolism

Answer: Pulmonary embolism, fat embolism

Answer: Risk of fat emboli in liposuction discussed

Answer: Risk of fat emboli in liposuction discussed

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

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