Liposuction associated fatalities in Istanbul from a forensic perspective: An autopsy study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure with persistent fatal risks.
• Forensic analysis is vital for understanding liposuction-related mortality.
• Identifying complications and causes of death is key to improving safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a forensic pathological analysis of liposuction-related deaths.
• To identify specific complications, causes, and patterns in fatal outcomes.
• To inform strategies for reducing liposuction mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 35 autopsied fatal liposuction cases (2022-2024).
• Systematic evaluation of autopsy, histopathology, demographics, and toxicology.
• Focus on complications, procedures, and patient characteristics.

Main Results:

• Pulmonary thromboembolism (65.7%) and fat embolism (68.6%) were leading causes.
• High BMI, multiple procedures (abdominoplasty, mammoplasty, gluteal fat grafting), and gluteal fat injection were significant risk factors.
• Intraoperative deterioration occurred in 5 cases, all involving gluteal fat injection.

Conclusions:

• Fatal liposuction complications have multifactorial causes.
• High BMI, combined procedures, and gluteal fat transfer increase mortality risk.
• Improved preoperative assessment, safety protocols, and postoperative monitoring are essential.