Fat embolism syndrome after combined aesthetic surgery.
Fat embolism syndrome is a rare complication that develops after extended soft tissue disruption by liposuction, in particular if combined with time consuming, multiple procedures. Early signs are non-specific and often not considered, so that diagnosis and correct management may be delayed. We report a case in which liposuction combined with other aesthetic surgical procedures caused a fat embolism syndrome in a 46-year-old woman, which was followed by multiple organ failure and the development of sepsis with perimammary abscesses. Extended liposuction of the abdomen and thighs, bilateral augmentation mammaplasty, and stripping of both greater saphenous veins were combined.
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. erbapaolo@hotmail.com
Paolo
P
Erba
Jian
J
Farhadi
Dirk Johannes
DJ
Schaefer
Gerhard
G
Pierer
D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects