Severe fat embolism after autologous fat grafting in vaginal tightening and breast augmentation surgery

Abstract

Autologous fat grafting has become increasingly popular in the field of aesthetic surgery because of its biocompatibility and low donor site morbidity. However, some fatal complications may occur following the surgery. We herein describe a woman who developed severe fat embolism after autologous fat grafting for vaginal tightening and breast augmentation surgery. The patient developed symptoms of dyspnea and hypoxemia. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography showed multiple filling defects in the bilateral pulmonary arteries and branches with a maximum size of approximately 1.2 × 0.7 cm. Fat embolism was assumed to have occurred by injection of fat directly into the vessels around the vagina. Further research is needed to elucidate the anatomical mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

Fat embolism: the hidden murder for trauma patients!

“… Patient discharged on hospital day 30 with regained cognitive function. Dhooghe et al 2022 27 Facial fat graft N/A N/A Autopsy N/A Death Uz et al 2020 28 Buttock Hyaluronic acid filler injection -agitation/altered mental status -low O2 saturation -decreased respiratory sounds Chest CT: bilateral ground-glass opacities and pleural effusion Brain CT: multiple millimetric hypertense foci Enoxaparin and methylprednisolone Discharged after 20 days in the hospital Wang et al 2020 29 Liposuction and fat injection -hypoxemia -tachycardia -respiratory acidosis Chest CT: multiple filling defects bilaterally and patchy shadows CT findings Anticoagulants and steroids, oxygen therapy Patient discharged after 18 days in the hospital. Meng et al 2020 30 Hit by a car (no fracture) -unconsciousness N/A Autopsy N/A Death Lee et al 2020 31 Autologous fat grafting -hemiparesis -hemisensory deficits MRA: acute occlusion of right middle cerebral artery …”