Case reveals unilateral visual loss due to scleral penetration during autologous fat transfer, suggesting improved post-operative vigilance.
Cosmetic tourism and facial aesthetic procedures are increasing in popularity worldwide, with patients often seeking low-cost interventions abroad. Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is commonly performed for periorbital rejuvenation and carries a risk of rare but severe ophthalmic complications. We describe a case of unilateral visual loss following periorbital AFT, in which the underlying mechanism was scleral penetration leading to vitreous haemorrhage, retinal incarceration, and extraocular muscle entrapment. Surgical management with pars plana vitrectomy restored partial vision, although motility restriction persisted. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of retinal incarceration caused by cosmetic AFT. This case highlights the need for careful technique, thorough patient counselling, and vigilant post-operative follow-up in cosmetic tourism.
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Alsafi et al. (2025) studied this question.
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