2024 Consensus Statement on Autologous Fat Grafting to the Buttocks
| ABCS
The goal of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is to deliver superior cosmetic surgery outcomes while upholding the highest safety standards. To that end, the ABCS strongly recommends all diplomates adhere the autologous gluteal fat grafting (Brazilian butt lift, or BBL) safety guidelines established by the state of Florida, which stipulate the following:
- Single Patient Focus: ABCS-certified surgeons are required to perform procedures, including liposuction for adipose tissue harvesting, exclusively on one patient at a time. They may not supervise non-ABCS physicians. However, those holding faculty positions in AACS-accredited fellowships are allowed to oversee fellow training.
- Re-injection Techniques: Surgeons are to use larger cannulas and it is highly recommended that ultrasound guidance be utilized for the accurate re-injection of harvested tissue. It is also highly recommended that all surgical fellows be trained and proficient at using ultrasound techniques for re-injection of fat.
- Prohibition of Intramuscular Injections: Intramuscular injections are strictly prohibited.
- Facility Ownership: ABCS surgeons owning facilities that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be supported by the ABCS.
Scientific studies confirm the safety of the BBL procedure when executed according to these guidelines; failing to comply with these guidelines is deemed unsafe and is against our board’s commitment to patient safety.
The ABCS trusts that diplomates in all states, territories, and countries will comply with these guidelines, significantly reducing the risks associated with this cosmetic procedure.
References »
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Luis Rios, Jr, MD , Varun Gupta, MD, MPH, Improvement in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safety With the Current Recommendations from ASERF, ASAPS, and ISAPS, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 40, Issue 8, August 2020, Pages 864–870, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa098
Mofid MM, Teitelbaum S, Suissa D, Ramirez-Montañana A, Astarita DC, Mendieta C, Singer R. Report on Mortality from Gluteal Fat Grafting: Recommendations from the ASERF Task Force. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2017 Jul 1;37(7):796-806. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjx004.
Pazmiño P. Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Grafting: A to Z. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2023 Oct;50(4):587-601. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2023.07.002.
Pazmiño P, Garcia O. Brazilian Butt Lift-Associated Mortality: The South Florida Experience. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023 Feb 3;43(2):162-178. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac224.
Vidal-Laureano N, Huerta CT, Perez EA, Earle SA. Augmented Safety Profile of Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Transfer: Retrospective Study With 1815 Patients. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2024 Mar 15;44(4):NP263-NP270. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjad377.
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