When you see reports of patients who have died while or after undergoing plastic surgery, you may assume that they didn’t go to a real doctor. Unfortunately, there are all too many people offering cosmetic procedures who don’t have medical degrees or have very little experience or training with them. People are drawn to them by the lower prices they offer for what could otherwise be a very costly surgery.
Even when you have a board-certified plastic surgeon, some procedures are riskier than others. The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is considered the most dangerous procedure to have. This surgery involves moving fat from one part of the body into or near the posterior muscles to create a curvier shape (ala Kim Kardashian). Its medical name is “gluteal fat grafting.”
What can go wrong during a BBL?
So why is this surgery, which has become increasingly common, so risky, even at the hands of a legitimate plastic surgeon? (One survey found that 3% of plastic surgeons reported having at least one fatality.) There are at least two potentially dangerous elements to the procedure.
Injected fat can enter a vital heart artery near the injection site and block the flow of blood. This can cause a stroke or heart attack that can be fatal.
Injected fat can enter the bloodstream and cause a fat embolism in the lungs or other location that blocks circulation. That’s why patients should be made aware of the potential signs of a fat embolism so they can get immediate help.
Having a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this procedure (or whatever procedure you’re considering) can greatly minimize the risk of something going wrong. However, if you or a loved one is harmed or worse, it’s crucial to investigate the cause of what happened. By getting sound legal guidance as soon as possible, you can determine whether you have grounds for a medical malpractice suit or other legal action.