A fourth woman has died at a Santo Domingo plastic surgery clinic, causing it to shutter its doors after a probe by the Dominican government.
The 23-year-old woman was the second in recent months to die at a Dominican plastic surgery center. This center, run by Dr. Edgar Contreras, had been the subject of three prior investigations.
Medical tourism may be on the rise, but so are its accompanying complications and risks. Although many tropical destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean tout themselves as safe for medical care, there has been an increase in the number of severe side effects and infections for cosmetic surgery patients.
A recent news release from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control highlights the issue.
As of February, a total of 19 cases of rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterial (RG-NTM) surgical-site infections have been confirmed in five different states. These states include New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
All of the patients were female ranging in age from 18 to 59. The most common surgeries they underwent were abdominoplasty, breast implants and liposuction.
Although enhancements and procedures may be cheaper in these countries, they do come with significant risk and real dangers. Many of the 19 women mentioned above had to undergo countless hours of surgeries and treatments to regain their health. These surgeries totaled thousands of dollars, and more importantly, took a real toll on their overall health.
If you are interested in undergoing a medical cosmetic procedure, especially this pre-summer season, consult a board-certified surgeon with ample experience and skills.
If you are located in the Nashville Tennessee area, The Lett Center offers a range of plastic surgery procedures including injections, chemical peels and body reconstruction. Visit our website for more information or to schedule a consultation.