Is fat embolism possible years later?

Question

I had a bbl done 16 years ago, and my left upper buttock was always larger, firmer, and rounder than the right side. With time and massage the left side has gone down pretty significantly, and now it more resembles the right side. I use a shiatsu machine to achieve this. My question is, am I putting myself in danger of fat embolism by performing these massages? My technique is quite aggressive and I am worried that somehow I could be dislodging fat that could enter my bloodstream.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While it is difficult to rule out any complication 100% your risk of this is very close to 0%. Fat embolism occurs when the fat is injected directly into a vein in the buttock area and goes directly into the lungs. Any fat that is still around after 16 years has incorporated and vascularized. Your body may break it down or remodel it, but it should theoretically be impossible for this to cause an actual embolus.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello intellectual 75804,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about the possibility of a fat embolism occurring years after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure, especially in the context of receiving aggressive massages.
It's important to clarify that a fat embolism, particularly in the context of a BBL, typically occurs during or immediately after the surgical procedure. This is because fat embolism is most often a result of fat entering the bloodstream during the fat transfer process.
To give you a better understanding:
Procedure and Risks: In a BBL, fat is harvested from one area of the body, processed, and then carefully injected into the buttocks. If fat is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it can travel to the lungs or brain, leading to a fat embolism. This risk is predominantly present during the surgery itself.
Postoperative Period: Once the fat is successfully transplanted and settles into its new location, it begins to integrate with the surrounding tissues. Over weeks to months, this fat becomes vascularized (new blood vessels grow into it), and it essentially becomes part of your body’s tissue.
Massage and Fat Stability: Regarding your concern about massages, it is highly unlikely that any form of massage could dislodge or mobilize this integrated fat to cause an embolism. Once the fat is established and healed in its new location, it is stable and not susceptible to being moved or dislodged by external manipulation like massage.
Fat Embolism Timeframe: The risk of fat embolism is confined to the time of surgery and immediately afterward, not years later. Once the transplanted fat is healed and integrated, it behaves like any other body fat and doesn't pose a risk for embolism.
It's always wise to have any concerns or unusual symptoms evaluated by a healthcare provider, but based on your description, it's extremely unlikely that your massages could lead to a fat embolism years after a BBL.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Have you ever heard of anybody having embolism from having massages?
I am not.
Blood clots can happen by themselves at any time, though some individuals are more at risk.
The most common reason to have a fat embolism is From, large bone or pelvic fractures, or if fat, is accidentally injected into a vein during a fat transfer procedure.
At this point you will not have a fat embolism unless you have another fat transfer procedure or are unfortunate enough to have major fractures.
I’m happy your outcome turned out well.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is fat embolism possible years later?

Answers (3)