We frequently warn readers on our blog of the dangers of cosmetic surgery, especially the proliferation of discount plastic surgery centers here in South Florida and the possible risks of medical malpractice. A story from NBC Miami simply confirms what we have been saying all along. A woman who underwent the popular “Brazilian butt lift” has died in a South Florida clinic earlier this month. Her death is hopefully a reminder that those seeking cosmetic surgery should carefully review the credentials of the doctor about to operate on them.
Mother of 3
According to NBC Miami, the victim was 28-year-old Danea Plasencia, who was the mother of three children ages 1, 5, and 9. Plasencia had undergone the Brazilian butt lift at Mia Aesthetics, which is located at Southwest 72nd Street.
Police report that the doctor had finished the surgery when Plasencia began to show complications. In particular, she began to turn blue when she was moved to a stretcher. Plasencia was rushed to a nearby hospital where she later died.
Serious Procedure
The butt lift is a very popular cosmetic procedure. Doctors harvest excess fat from other parts of the body and then transplant it to the buttocks to create a perkier appearance. Plasencia’s cousin spoke to the media and reported that she had undergone a butt lift that left her hospitalized for 2 months. She also recounted how the surgeon had not fully advised her of the complications that could develop.
Over the past few years, at least a dozen women have died having Brazilian butt lifts performed. One study mentioned by NBC Miami found that patients were at least 20 times more likely to die from a butt lift than from any other plastic surgery.
Florida is Responding
Thankfully, our state has taken steps to regulate plastic surgery centers. In May, the Florida legislature passed a bill that limits ownership of these centers only to doctors. The law also makes it easier to discipline doctors and to keep them from operating if they do not have a clean record.
There still remains a lot of work to do to keep Floridians safe. Our state is a magnet for those who want low-cost plastic surgery, so more accidents are likely to occur, especially at our discount surgical centers.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury during a cosmetic procedure, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein today. One of our Miami medical malpractice attorneys can meet with you to discuss your case if you call 305-371-2692.