Botched Liposuction Can Be Fatal

Any surgery carries some risk of complications, including cosmetic surgery. It is important for patients to understand the risks and benefits of any surgery in order to make an informed decision about their healthcare. Some cosmetic surgeons make it seem like there are few risks associated with common procedures but anytime general anesthesia is used or there is an invasive operation, there are risks of serious injury. 

Liposuction Risks 

Liposuction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S. The most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2018 were: 

• Breast Augmentation
• Liposuction
• Abdominoplasty
• Breast Lift
• Eyelid Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction “slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving your body contours and proportion.”

Risks associated with liposuction include cosmetic damage and more serious medical risks. Possible complications associated with liposuction include: 

• Contour irregularities
• Fluid accumulation
• Numbness
• Infection
• Internal puncture
• Fat embolism
• Kidney and heart problems
• Anesthesia reactions

Cosmetic Surgery Statistics

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery released its 2019 global survey on cosmetic procedures. The number of cosmetic surgeries continued to rise, increasing by 5.4% over 2018. The most common operation was breast augmentation with implants. Continuing to increase, the number of liposuction procedures increased 9% over the year before.  

The countries with the highest numbers of total surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are led by the U.S., which represents 18.7% of all total worldwide procedures. The top 10 countries for cosmetic procedures are: 

1. USA
2. Brazil
3. Mexico
4. Germany
5. India
6. Italy
7. Argentina
8. Colombia
9. Australia
10. Thailand

However, the rate of surgical procedures in Brazil is much higher than in the U.S. In 2018 in the U.S., only 4.5% of the population have surgical procedures. In Brazil, 7.1% of the population undergo surgical cosmetic procedures. Argentina is close behind with 6.5% of the population having surgical cosmetic procedures. 

Women account for the vast majority of cosmetic surgery patients at 87.4%, with men accounting for only 12.6% of all cosmetic procedures. The most common surgical procedure for men is for gynecomastia, treatment for enlargement of breast tissue. The most common surgical procedure for women is breast augmentation.

Liposuction Operation Fatal for Brazilian Model

Pamela Baris do Nascimento was a Brazilian model and actress. The model was an assistant host on a number of popular game shows. The model had undergone a number of cosmetic procedures, including treatment for varicose veins and liposuction. When she went in for her 3rd liposuction surgery, she suffered a fatal hemorrhage and died. 

The Green Hill Hospital in Sao Paolo did not report the death until 10 days after the model died. Police were investigating whether the fatal hemorrhage was caused by a punctured kidney or a punctured liver which happened during the liposuction procedure. 

Cosmetic Surgery Errors

Many people are hesitant to seek help after a cosmetic surgery error leaves them injured or scarred. Failure to properly inform patients of the risks involved in cosmetic surgery may be a type of medical malpractice. The skilled medical malpractice attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian fight to get compensation for injured patients. Contact our law office online or by calling (800) 529-6162.