Fat Embolism Fatalities Following Liposuction/Injection in Los Angeles County (2010-2018)

One complication of autologous fat transfer into the buttocks (cosmetic injection of fat into the gluteal region) is inadvertent fat embolization. In 2015, our office published a case of macro fat/adipose tissue embolization following fat transfer surgery. Between 2010 and 2018, we had six additional cases of macro/micro fat embolism that caused death. Professional associations and plastic surgeons have recommended ways to avoid fat embolism during fat transfer. In our experience, the risk of fat embolism has decreased in Los Angeles in recent years. Our office has had only one case since 2018 where an unlicensed individual performed the procedure. However, fat embolism is still possible in cases where professional recommendations are not followed. We recommend that the evaluation of possible fat embolus cases include full autopsy with gluteal dissection, microscopic examination of intravascular fat, review of medical and anesthesia records, including whether ultrasound was used during fat grafting, toxicological examination of specimens taken as close to the time of arrest as possible, and anesthesiology consultation.