The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Review ­and Recommendations


 Superficial gluteal lipofilling (SGL) is a fat grafting procedure that is performed to correct a trochanteric depression and buttock deflation. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is gluteal lipofilling procedure traditionally associated with exaggerated appearance and intramuscular fat transfer. The risk of mortality from fat embolism in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) was previously reported as being 1:2500. The actual risk was later estimated to be nearer 1:15,000, which is similar to the mortality risk in abdominoplasty. There is increasing evidence regarding the safety of subcutaneous gluteal lipofilling. This has principally been related to new technologies, surgical techniques and training being developed to avoid intramuscular injection of fat. The efficacy and benefits of using intraoperative ultrasound scan has been demonstrated in guiding the subcutaneous placement of fat and avoiding inadvertent deep lipofilling. Other serious risks and complications must be considered in addition to mortality. These include hypothermia, sepsis, skin necrosis, and poor aesthetic results, as well as the much-publicised risk of fat embolism. Complications are better controlled and managed in strictly regulated healthcare settings. Patients seeking surgery at unregulated facilities or via medical tourism are deemed to be at higher risk of being exposed to these serious complications and/or inadequate subsequent management.