BBL, butt implants and blood clots: how likely are they for a healthy individual?

Question

Hi, I have researched a lot about fat embolism but I am aware of people who have passed away due to blood clots after surgery and am now very scared. I cannot find much information on the rates of blood clots/likelihood of them like I can for fat embolism. I am a healthy 31 y old who exercises, does not drink alcohol, and plans to quit vaping 2 months before my surgery. How likely am I to get a blood clot? Are they entirely preventable? Or is it luck of the draw who gets one and who doesn't??

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Blood clots after BBL are not common. However, if you have more than one risk factor for blood clots other than having a BBL, and lipo surgery, you may need Lovenox or something similar. Your plastic surgeon should be familiar with the Caprini assessment, and he or she should be able to determine if this is indicated.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Erb1989,
every surgery has possible complications and thromboembolism is one of them. But there are methods to reduce the chance of comolications. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Timothy M. Bradley, MD · Answer

.\First of all, Be aware that fat embolism is an entirely different entity than a blood clot, and how fat embolism occurs is an entirely separate discussion. There are several known risk factors of having "blood clots" following surgery, and generally blood clots involve general anesthesia. The likely hood is very low for a young, healthy individual with no pre disposing risk factors for developing blood clots if the routine precautionary measures are taken: anti-embolic stockings and pneumatic sequential compression boots being utilized prior to induction of general anesthesia. Depending on the procedure, the risks for "blood clots' also known as DVT vary, are very low in otherwise healthy patients who are properly selected for elective surgery, and no, DVT is not "entirely preventable". You did not state which procedure you were considering, but for instance, Abdominoplasty is one of the procedures associated with post operative DVT for a variety of reasons, there are various protocols developed to lessen the likelihood of post op DVT, all of which should be discussed with your surgeon. Breast augmentation is not a cosmetic procedure know for higher rate of post op DVT. Also, if the patient is out of bed and ambulates (walk) soon after general anesthesia, continues to do so for the first couple days after surgery and drinks plenty of fluids, the risk of DVT is diminished somewhat. I have all patients ambulate (walk) out of the recovery room after cosmetic surgery procedures; I do not allow staff to my patients to their cars in a wheelchair. Ask your surgeon how he or she prevents DVTs and what their experience has been with their patients developing DVT post operatively, which should help alleviate some of your concerns.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Blood clots happen but they are pretty rare an elective surgical procedures in young healthy people. There are stratus fied risk criteria for forming blood clots.

Women are slightly more likely than men, women are birth control pills are at higher risk, smokers are at higher risk, Age is one of the biggest risk factors.

Any history of previous blood clots definitely put someone at risk.

Almost all surgeons take some preventative measures to minimize the chance of this. The most common is sequential compression stockings during surgery.

For those of forming blood clots the majority do not end up with a pulmonary embolism and a blood clot simply needs to be managed medically.

Do you drive a car?

Life is full of calculated risks.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

BBL, butt implants and blood clots: how likely are they for a healthy individual?

Answers (4)

Answer: Blood clots from surgery

Answer: Blood clots from surgery

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.

BBL, butt implants and blood clots: how likely are they for a healthy individual?

Answers (4)

Answer: Blood clots from surgery

Answer: Blood clots from surgery

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.