Kosin Med J.  2024 Sep;39(3):169-178. 10.7180/kmj.24.126.

Fat embolism syndrome: a review in cosmetic surgery

• Kim H
• Seo BF
• Evans GRD

• KMID: 2559404
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.24.126

Abstract

The growing popularity of cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and fat grafting has been accompanied by a rise in associated side effects. Among these, fat embolism syndrome stands out as a potential complication that sometimes has critical consequences. It is important to recognize that fat embolism affects organs through distinct mechanisms from those involved with other types of embolisms. Early diagnosis is crucial. Unfortunately, no effective treatments have been established for this condition. Therefore, starting with a more detailed categorization of diagnoses, developing new treatment methods for each subtype is essential.

Keyword

Embolism; Fat; Ischemia; Hemorrhage

Figure

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  Fig. 1. The lung of a rabbit with experimentally induced fulminant-acute fat embolism syndrome, showing variable-sized small and large fat globules in the vessels of inter-alveolar septa with no remarkable change of the alveolar septa (Sudan Black B stain, ×100).

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  Fig. 2. The lung of a rabbit with experimentally induced subacute fat embolism syndrome, showing many variable-sized black fat globules in the lung and some vascular spaces with diffuse hemorrhage in intra-alveolar spaces (Sudan Black B stain, ×100).

Reference

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