Rapid recovery of fat embolism syndrome with acute respiratory failure due to liposuction

Liposuction is not a risk-free procedure and potentially fatal complications may occur, especially liposuction-induced fat embolism syndrome (FES). Here we report the case of a 29-year-old woman who developed FES suddenly during a liposuction operation in a cosmetic medical clinic. She was transferred to the hospital and achieved complete recovery within 11 days by comprehensive therapeutic strategies, including noninvasive ventilation (NIV), corticosteroids, albumin, diuretics and anticoagulation. Liposuction-induced FES is a life-threatening condition, which can be treated with complate recovery by comprehensive therapeutic strategies according to its pathophysiologic mechanism.