Plastic surgery is indeed surgery. That means it’s crucial not to trust any procedure to a doctor who’s not a board-certified plastic surgeon. It’s best to choose one who has done a lot of the particular procedure you’re having and to research their record of success with the procedure as well as their overall record.
Even when you take these precautions, it’s important to understand that some types of plastic surgery are riskier than others. A procedure that’s become increasingly popular in recent years known as “gluteal fat grafting” is widely agreed to be the riskiest of all. Most people call this procedure a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). In one survey of plastic surgeons, 3% reported having at least one BBL patient die.
The surgery involves taking fat from one part of the body and putting it into or near the posterior muscles. People do this to create a curvier shape made popular by celebrities like Kim Kardashian.
What can go wrong?
First, there’s a vital heart artery near the site where fat is injected. If the fat gets into this artery it blocks blood flow, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Second, if that fat enters the bloodstream, it can create a fat embolism in the lungs or somewhere else that can block blood circulation, which can be dangerous or even fatal. Since this may not happen immediately, it’s crucial for patients to be informed of signs to watch for so they can get immediate medical help if they experience them.
If you have been harmed or lost a loved one due to a plastic surgery error or unintended outcome, it’s crucial to find out what happened and whether the surgeon and/or other parties bear responsibility. A good first step is to get experienced legal guidance.