Problems after a butt lift or butt injections

Overview

During a BBL, fat is taken from another part of the body and injected into the buttocks. If fat gets into a large vein, it can travel to the lungs (fat embolism), which can be deadly.

Some people get "butt shots" of silicone, oils, or other substances from unlicensed people, sometimes at homes or hotels. These substances can spread under the skin, cause hard painful lumps, infections, and skin death, and can block blood flow to the lungs.

Symptoms

Watch for these after a butt lift or injections:

• Red, warm, swollen skin
• Pain

Less common

• Fever
• Painful lump under the skin with pus
• Hard lumps or skin color changes
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion (emergency)

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Problems come from fat entering blood vessels, infection, or the body reacting to injected substances like silicone.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Injections by unlicensed people
• Non-medical silicone or other substances
• Procedures outside an accredited facility
• Large amounts of fat or filler

Possible complications

• Blood clot in the lung: Fat or silicone embolism
• Flesh-eating infection: Rare
• Sepsis

Diagnosis

Tell the doctor exactly what was done, what was injected, and where.

Questions you may be asked

• What procedure you had, when, and by whom
• What was injected

The exam

They'll check the buttocks, skin, breathing, and signs of infection.

Tests

Tests may include:

• Ultrasound or MRI: Find fluid, infection, or injected material.
• Chest scan: If there are breathing symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the problem.

Self-care

• Follow your surgeon's aftercare
• Don't get more injections to fix lumps
• Keep a record of what was injected

Infections need antibiotics and sometimes draining. Injected silicone can be very hard to remove and may need surgery. Lung problems are treated in the hospital.

Prevention

To stay safe:

• Only use a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility
• Never get injections at homes, hotels, or parties
• Ask exactly what will be injected

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Many problems can be treated, but some, like fat or silicone reaching the lungs, can be deadly. Fast care matters.

Getting ready for your visit

Be open about what was done; doctors are there to help.

What to bring

• Name of the clinic or person
• What was injected and how much

Questions to ask

• Can the injected material be removed?
• Do I need antibiotics?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Problems after a butt lift or butt injections