A 31-year-old woman experienced cerebral infarction due to fat embolism after undergoing abdominal liposuction and fat grafting at the Nguyen Anh Cosmetic Institute. The patient started showing symptoms of lethargy, slow contact, inability to speak, and weakness in the right arm and leg approximately 45 minutes after the surgery on June 1. She was immediately transferred to Military Hospital 175 for emergency treatment where she was diagnosed with a large left hemisphere cerebral infarction caused by fat embolism following the surgery. Currently, her condition is critical and she is receiving active treatment.
On June 5, the Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, Tang Chi Thuong, announced that the cosmetic clinic where the procedure took place had been granted a medical examination and treatment operation license by the Department on November 3, 2023. The Department Inspectorate ordered the clinic to cease medical services temporarily until further investigation into their professional activities and personnel participation is completed.
Cosmetic doctors have warned that liposuction can lead to severe complications such as drug shock, anaphylactic shock, poisoning, fat embolism, and even death if not managed promptly. Fat embolism often occurs during liposuction procedures due to prolonged operation, damage to blood vessels, dilation of microvessels, and fat cells entering the bloodstream. In some cases, these fat cells may travel to the brain, causing a stroke, or to other vital organs leading to heart failure or respiratory issues.
Abdominal liposuction is considered a major surgery and should ideally be performed in a hospital setting with a standard operating room and an anesthesiologist present to monitor the patient’s vital signs. Patients should undergo comprehensive health checks and testing before undergoing liposuction to ensure their safety. It is strongly advised against having abdominal liposuction procedures done in beauty salons due to the potential risks involved.