Surgeons reveal top causes of death during cosmetic surgery

Surgeons have cautioned that not everyone is medically fit to undergo cosmetic surgery, emphasizing the complex procedures involved.

Medical experts stress that cosmetic surgery should not be taken lightly due to risks during and after surgery. They warn that individuals with undiagnosed conditions like hypertension, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and heart disease face life-threatening complications, including death.

Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, senior health professionals advised individuals considering cosmetic surgery to research the procedure and the medical personnel involved rather than relying on online information.

An Associate Professor at the Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Bolaji Mofikoya, warned that even in well-equipped facilities, cosmetic surgery can be fatal if performed by untrained personnel.

Mofikoya explained that poor patient selection increases the risk of complications, especially in surgeries involving the buttocks, abdomen, and breasts.

He urged individuals planning cosmetic surgery to first assess their health and consult qualified professionals. While safe in the right medical setting, the procedure carries serious risks when done improperly.

“There have been rare instances where deaths occur after cosmetic surgery. This could be due to undiagnosed medical conditions, procedures done in poorly equipped facilities, surgeries performed by untrained personnel, or poor patient selection,” Mofikoya said.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons defines cosmetic surgery as procedures that enhance or reshape body structures to improve appearance and confidence. However, Mayo Clinic warns that people with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher), diabetes, or smoking habits face higher risks of complications such as blood clots and poor healing.

Breast Surgery

Mofikoya dismissed claims that breast augmentation or reduction causes cancer. However, he noted that:

Breast reduction surgery may affect nipple sensation and impair breastfeeding in some women.

Breast augmentation usually does not interfere with breastfeeding.

Complications may include excessive bleeding, tissue death, and infections.

Buttock Surgery

Patients undergoing buttock enhancement face risks such as:

Pain and swelling

High risk of infection

Fat embolism, a potentially fatal condition where fat enters the bloodstream and reaches the lungs

Mofikoya stressed that post-surgical care is critical, advising patients to avoid sitting or engaging in strenuous activities for several days.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Common complications include:

Bleeding and infection

Tissue death leading to wound breakdown

Excessive scarring in some individuals

Patients are often advised to undergo this procedure after childbearing to minimize risks.

Other Cosmetic Procedures

For surgeries on the arms, back, or face, complications generally stem from anesthesia risks and the surgical procedure itself. Implants, in some cases, may shift over time, requiring revision surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery-Related Deaths in Nigeria

In June 2022, a Nigerian lady known as Crystabel died from complications following plastic surgery at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Clinics in Lagos. Reports indicate that she suffered excessive bleeding post-surgery, which was initially dismissed as “normal.”

Similarly, in 2020, Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, a Lagos-based cosmetic surgeon, was arraigned by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) after her procedure allegedly led to the death of Mrs. Nneka Onwuzuligbo.

Psychological Impact of Cosmetic Surgery

Renowned psychologist Prof. Fagboungbe Oni cautioned against the increasing demand for plastic surgery, attributing it to societal pressures and self-image dissatisfaction.

“Some women believe their friends get more attention because of their voluptuous bodies, while others feel insecure about their appearance. This psychological factor drives the demand for cosmetic surgery,” Oni explained.

A 2018 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that patients undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures simultaneously faced higher risks, especially those with a high body mass index or longer surgical times.

Final Advice from Experts

Mofikoya urged individuals considering cosmetic procedures to:

Research the procedure and the surgeon’s qualifications

Verify the credentials of the medical facility and anesthesia staff

Assess personal health status before undergoing surgery

Understand recovery times and post-surgical restrictions

He emphasized that while cosmetic surgery can be safe under the right conditions, rushing into it without proper medical evaluation can be life-threatening.