Why Choosing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon May Save Your Life!
June 14, 2017
Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center
ANOTHER PLASTIC SURGERY PATIENT DIES IN FLORIDA
Earlier this month there were reports in the news of deaths in South Florida either during or following cosmetic surgery procedures. A 30 year old woman came to Florida from Chicago for her cosmetic procedure; she stopped breathing while on the operating table. The procedure she was having done has not been revealed at this time. However, the medical center in Doral where the procedure took place has 3 previous complaints filed for seriously injuring patients while having Brazilian butt lift and liposuction performed.
This was the third death in just over a year for out of state patients traveling to the Miami area for cosmetic surgery.
NON-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS PUT PATIENTS AT RISK
The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal has reported that for every 100,000 outpatient cosmetic surgical procedures, 2 patients usually die within a few days after their surgery. While that number is considered infinitesimal, the number jumps to an unacceptable ratio of 1 in 11,000 when non-certified plastic surgeons are taken into account.
All surgeries come with some risk and possible complications, and some are unavoidable even under the best conditions. Doctors who practice cosmetic surgery who are not board certified do not have the extensive training for medical care in different emergency situations that can arise during and after surgery.
PULMONARY EMBOLISM REQUIRES EXPERT TREATMENT
The Journal also published a study that shows 13 out of 23 deaths were caused by pulmonary embolisms making it the most common cause. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that clogs an artery in the patient’s lungs which if not managed immediately may result in death. Additionally fat can cause an embolism, for example, fat transfer during a Brazilian butt lift.
Treating a pulmonary embolism takes great skill as it can happen very suddenly. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have received extensive training in treating surgical emergencies such as these which may need anti-coagulants or if necessary surgical intervention.
CHECK YOUR ANESTHESIOLOGIST’S CREDENTIALS
Anesthesia overdose is another cause for plastic surgery death. Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. teams up with Dr. Randy Gaynor who is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, assuring his patients of the utmost in safety for their surgery. Some non-certified plastic surgeons may not use highly trained anesthesiologists putting their patients at further risk. Using the wrong combination of drugs can be lethal as in one case where a patient died 12 hours after surgery due to being given a lethal dose of narcotic drugs during surgery followed by Oxycontin pain pills.
Dr. Gaynor consults with all patients before surgery taking their medical history and getting information about all previous surgeries. He explains what they can expect before, during, and after surgery. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions about concerns they may have.
Another risk for surgery are patients who are not in good health, especially any heart or lung conditions. Patients may be required to get clearance from their primary care physician or cardiologist.
As an additional safeguard, check that your surgeon has hospital privileges at a nearby hospital in case of an emergency. Dr. Delgado has privileges at Novato Community Hospital that is adjacent to his office and only a short gurney ride down the hallway from his private “Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center.”
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
It can’t be emphasized enough that when choosing your cosmetic plastic surgeon that you confirm that he or she is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and check with the state medical board to see if there are any outstanding complaints on file. It is your health and your life, be safe and choose wisely! Do your homework!
Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and has been practicing since 1989; view his many before and after pictures of some of his surgery patients here. Call (415) 898-4161 now to discuss any cosmetic concerns you may have.
