Fat Necrosis After BBL Surgery

Fat transfer - otherwise known as lipofilling, lipomodelling or fat grafting - is a procedure whereby the patient’s own fat is removed and reinjected to sculpt or reshape different areas of their body.

Though the procedure has been around since the nineties, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure has gained attention in the media for cases where it has been performed negligently or has healed incorrectly, leading to dangerous and unwanted health issues, including skin and fat necrosis.

In this article, we will take a closer look at:

• What is involved in a fat transfer operation
• Why the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) have asked their members to stop offering the procedure
• Side effects and the risk of fat necrosis after BBL
• Symptoms of fat necrosis after BBL
• How to avoid fat necrosis after BBL

What is involved in a fat transfer operation

A fat transfer procedure involves removing fat from one area of a patient’s body - usually a place where there is excess or unwanted fat such as the abdomen or inner thigh - and then injecting it back into the body in order to smooth, enlarge or alter the appearance of a different area.

It is often carried out on the face to enlarge the lips, plump up cheeks or reduce the appearance of deep lines and grooves. Elsewhere on the body, it is commonly used on the breasts and buttocks.

There are three stages to the fat transfer procedure:

• The fat is removed through the use of thin cannulas
• The fat cells are washed and filtered
• The fat is injected back into the body

Depending on the area and volume of fat to be transferred, the operation can take place under local or general anaesthetic and can take up to two hours. Patients should expect to wait up to six months to see the final results of a fat transfer procedure. During this time, patients should make sure to follow the healing process, which should be explained in detail by their surgeons.

The particular risks of BBL

BBL - or buttock fat grafting - has received criticism from many medical experts due to its complications that many patients who have undergone the procedure have dealt with.

Despite following the same procedure as other forms of lipofilling, BBL is regarded as a highly dangerous cosmetic surgery. Complications following a BBL procedure have, according to BAAPS, “ranged from severe bacterial infections including MRSA and Pseudomonas, tissue dying (necrosis), scarring, wound ruptures (dehiscence) and abscesses – among others.”

In addition to this, 1 in 3,000 operations have resulted in the death of the patient, making it the deadliest cosmetic surgery currently available. Death from BBL is caused by the accidental injection of fat into large veins, which then travels up to the heart, lungs or brain.

The situation was brought to a head in 2018 when two British women died from the procedure. This media attention surrounding these cases caused BAAPS to call for its members to cease providing the operation in October of that year. In October 2019 BAAPS announced that they were launching a formal review into the safety and techniques of buttock fat grafting. However, in 2022, cosmetic surgeons were allowed to offer a 'lite' version of the BBL procedure, so the concerns of the wider medical community may go unresolved.

Fat transfer side effects and the risk of fat necrosis after BBL

Aside from the particular risks of BBL, other forms of fat transfer also have side effects and potential risks. In the days following their surgery, patients can expect to experience:

• Bruising and swelling
• Temporary numb feeling
• The appearance of small scars at the injection site(s)

While the above is normal and your doctor should discuss these with you prior to your surgery, there are also more serious side effects that can indicate that the procedure has gone wrong. These include:

• Fat necrosis - the death of fat tissue
• Blockage of a blood vessel
• Haematoma - the collection, or pooling, of blood under the skin
• Pneumothorax - when air leaks into the space between your lungs and chest wall
• Large and obvious scars
• Asymmetrical disfigurement or distorted appearance due to overfilling

What causes fat necrosis after BBL?

The most common causes of the death of grafted fat are:

• Physical knocks and trauma - even gentle bumps can cause wounds to heal improperly, thus trapping the dead fat inside the body
• Injury - even if the injury is not on the affected area, the body's healing process may cause the surgery wounds to heal less effectively
• Loss of blood supply - this may happen due to pressure being placed on the affected area, such as through spending long periods of time sitting down, or due to fat becoming lodged in the veins due to the surgeon's negligence

The symptoms of fat necrosis after BBL

Fat necrosis occurs when an area doesn't have the correct blood supply and then dies off, causing the area to turn black. The symptoms of fat necrosis after BBL include:

• Hard, round lumps under the skin
• Dimpled and uneven skin

These lumps are usually painless, but it is not unheard of for patients to develop painful fat necrosis after BBL. If you find that you are feeling significant discomfort due to your fat necrosis, you should seek advice from a medical professional immediately as it may be a sign of infection.

This can be particularly alarming to the patient if fat necrosis occurs in the breast as it can appear like tumours, but there is currently no link between fat necrosis and cancer.

As fat necrosis is a well-known complication of the fat transfer procedure, you should discuss the risk of developing the condition with your doctor ahead of your surgery.

How to avoid fat necrosis after BBL

The best way to avoid the risks of any surgery is to follow the healing process carefully and ensure that you are well-informed. However, you should be aware that even if you follow the healing guidelines, you may still see unwanted side effects from surgery. Your surgeon should provide you with instructions on how to care for yourself following your BBL surgery.

To ensure the best environment for successful healing after BBL, you should:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery
• Keep any pins and bandages in place until your surgeon deems them safe to be removed
• Take the first couple of weeks off work to rest

The healing process can take up to six months. During this time, you should avoid any exercise or activity that may put strain on the affected area, including running, stretching and heavy lifting. You should also be cautious about washing your wounds. You should avoid baths as these can breed bacteria. Instead, allow shower water to gently drain over the wounds and clean any soap from them. Your surgeon should inform you as to when you can safely wash your wounds.

What to do if you need help

If you have undergone any form of fat transfer and you believe it has gone wrong, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. For more information on how we can help, get in touch by calling freephone on 0808 159 3859 or using our enquiry form to request a callback.
 

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.