Painful mass in hip/glute 1 year after BBL - Is this a normal side effect?

Hello @Adriannaebm, thank you for your question. It is possible that the mass you are feeling on your left glute/hip area could be a side effect of your BBL procedure. Specifically, it may be fat necrosis caused by surgical technique, which can lead to lumps or nodules in the area. Fat necrosis is when fatty tissue dies and causes inflammation in the surrounding area. This can cause pain and discomfort during movement, as well as a tender sensation upon palpation. The 4cm mass you found on an ultrasound has likely been exacerbated by pressure from your sciatic nerve, resulting in more intense symptoms than would have occurred organically through necrosis alone. It's important to discuss the findings with your doctor - Depending on size and location of this mass, there is potential for surgical removal depending on individual needs and risk factors associated with operating near sensitive. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, meets your expectations, and takes into account what is possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Dear Adriannaebm,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

No posted photos or scan pics? Is the mass cystic like a seroma or solid mass? Only in operative ultrasound with either excisional removal, drainage or both with adding micro/nano fat grafts to help heal is indicated. Fees from $6,000+. Best to virtual consult with....

Most likely, this represents a fat necrosis from poor surgical technique injecting too much fat in a single area. Fat grafting needs to be done using techniques that stratified grafted fat with sufficient live vascular post tissue to not allow large accumulations of necrotic fat to accumulate. When large amounts of fat are injected into single area large areas of fat necrosis occur, and this usually presents the way you describe your symptoms. this is not typical when the procedure is done correctly. It is an indication of poor surgical technique.
I suggest following up with your plastic surgeon and have him or her address your concerns. Realistically, the only way to remove the mass is with direct to surgical excision.
Whether excision of the mass is indicated or not, it’s something you’ll need to discuss with your provider. To get more definitive confirmation of what the tissue mass represents consider getting either a more definitive radiological evaluation or having a needle biopsy done.
It’s highly unlikely this represents anything other than fat necrosis so spending more resources and understanding the ideology is probably not indicated. Most likely do you need to make a decision if it’s worth having the mass surgically exercised.
That is not something we can really help you with. Is that something you’re plastic surgeon and you need to discuss during in person visit.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD