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Gluteal fat transfer is safe when fat is injected only under the skin. A meta-analysis of 22,151 patients reported 3.58 % minor complications and 0.04 % pulmonary embolism. Since the 2017 recommendations, reported mortality dropped from 1 in 3,448 to 1 in 14,952 cases.
- 22,151 patients
- 3.58 % minor
- 0.04 % embolism
- Subcutaneous plane
How safe is gluteal fat transfer?
It is safe when the plane under the skin is respected, and recent studies show it with figures.
A meta-analysis of 38 studies and 22,151 patients (Plast Reconstr Surg 2026) found minor complications in 3.58 % of cases.
| Complication | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minor complications (total) | 3.58 % |
| Seroma | 2.03 % |
| Contour irregularities | 2.29 % |
| Pulmonary embolism | 0.04 % |
Source: Plast Reconstr Surg 2026.
What is fat embolism and why does it happen?
It is fat entering the bloodstream when it is injected into the muscle and large veins are injured.
The ASERF task force analyzed 198,857 cases and concluded that deep muscle injection was the main risk factor.
What changed with the 2017 recommendations?
The technique changed: inject only under the skin, with suitable cannulas and without pointing the tip toward the muscle.
With these measures, reported mortality went from 1 in 3,448 in 2017 to 1 in 14,952 in 2019 (Aesthet Surg J 2020).
What else lowers the risk?
Besides the right plane, image guidance and a complete assessment help.
- With ultrasound guidance, major complications were 0.02 % vs 0.08 % (2026 meta-analysis).
- Plastic surgeons experienced in the technique.
- Assessment of general health and stable weight.
Is it safer than injectable fillers?
Yes compared with modeling substances: fat is your own tissue, while biopolymers and oils are high risk according to COFEPRIS.
Myth and fact
Myth: “Fat transfer is very dangerous.”
Fact: With injection only under the skin, mortality dropped to 1 in 14,952 (Aesthet Surg J 2020).
Myth: “Every complication is serious.”
Fact: Most are minor, such as seroma or irregularities (Plast Reconstr Surg 2026).
Myth: “Injecting into the muscle gives a better result.”
Fact: It raises the risk of embolism (ASERF 2017).
Want a procedure with the safe technique?
In the assessment we explain the injection plane and how we protect your safety.
Book an assessmentFrequently asked questions
What is the most common complication?
Contour irregularities (2.29 %) and seroma (2.03 %) (Plast Reconstr Surg 2026).
How common is embolism?
0.04 % in the meta-analysis of 22,151 patients.
Why inject only under the skin?
Because deep muscle has large veins; avoiding it reduces embolism (ASERF 2017).
Can the fat be reabsorbed?
Yes, part of it is reabsorbed and the result settles over months.
Keep reading
Downloadable quick guide. The safety figures of gluteal fat transfer in one image.
Download infographic (PNG)
Sources
- Elsaftawy A, et al. Gluteal augmentation with fat grafting: systematic review and meta-analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2026. PubMed
- Mofid MM, et al. Report on mortality from gluteal fat grafting. Aesthet Surg J. 2017;37(7):796-806. PubMed
- Rios L, Gupta V. Improvement in Brazilian Butt Lift safety. Aesthet Surg J. 2020;40(8):864-870. PubMed
- COFEPRIS. High-risk modeling substances. gob.mx