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Report on Mortality from Gluteal Fat Grafting: Recommendations from the ASERF Task Force
M Mark Mofid1,2, Steven Teitelbaum2,3, Daniel Suissa4
1University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA.
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Gluteal fat grafting carries significant risks of fatal and nonfatal pulmonary fat embolism. Avoiding deep muscle injections and specific cannula techniques can reduce these serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Procedures
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Gluteal fat grafting is a rapidly growing aesthetic procedure globally.
- Pulmonary fat embolism is a known, serious complication.
- A task force was formed to investigate this complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the incidence of fatal and nonfatal pulmonary fat embolism from gluteal fat grafting.
- Provide recommendations to mitigate procedural risks.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous web-based survey of 4843 plastic surgeons.
- Confidential interviews with surgeons and medical examiners.
- Analysis of autopsy reports and accreditation facility data.
Main Results:
- 198,857 cases reported, with 32 fatalities and 103 nonfatal pulmonary fat emboli.
- 3% of surgeons reported a patient fatality; 7% reported at least one embolism.
- Deep muscle injections significantly increased embolism risk.
Conclusions:
- Gluteal fat grafting has higher mortality than other aesthetic procedures.
- Avoid deep muscle injections, small cannulae (<4mm), and downward cannula direction.
- Further research is needed to enhance procedural safety.
