What are the statistics for fat embolism or mortality following liposuction per 100,000 patients?

Question

Contemplating getting lipo on my belly under local anesthesia following tummy tuck , however determining whether or not i want to risk my life

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fat embolism is RARE with liposuction its less than 1% and most often is a risk with fat transfer/grafting.  In 9 years of performing close to 8-10 procedures a week I have never seen this in real practice.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The answer is zero. Very rarely a patient can experience a pulmonary embolism after liposuction. Fat embolus syndrome occurs when there is a long bone fracture releasing micelles of fat into the blood.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Fortunately, the mortality rate following liposuction generally ranges between 3 and 20 per 100,000.   These numbers are estimates.   Fat emboli usually comes from long bone fractures.  However, if small blood vessels are damaged during liposuction, fat can potentially enter the blood vessel and travel to the lungs - a fat embolism.   Additional information is available via the link below from the FDA.

What are the statistics for fat embolism or mortality following liposuction per 100,000 patients?

Answers (3)

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