Plastic surgeon Dr. Bryce Cowan explains the risks associated with the fat grafting procedure that patients should be aware of before undergoing the procedure. Although serious complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of the various potential risks. Grafted fat cells need to survive in their new environment, and this doesn’t always happen, even though the survival rate is much higher in recent decades with improved technique. This is considered one of the risks of the procedure. When the fat is resorbed and die, multiple applications may be required.
Another risk is infection at the surgical site, or disruptions with the nerves. Bruising and hematoma clots are also another risk, although with the use of blunt tip cannula this risk is now very small. More serious risks include damage to the abdominal wall or internal organs during the harvesting process, although these cases are extremely rare. At the recipient site, with sensitive areas like the eyelids, damage can also occur.
As a whole these types of risks are extremely low in the hands of a skilled surgeon, however, it’s imperative to understand that risks are always present in any surgical procedure.
