Life-Threatening Consequences of Unlicensed Beauty Procedures: A Tragic Case Study on Abdominal Liposuction Complications

After undergoing abdominal liposuction and scar removal at a spa, a 42-year-old woman experienced extensive bruising and necrosis around her navel and waist. She sought treatment at Hanoi Medical University Hospital two weeks later, where a computed tomography scan revealed diffuse subcutaneous tissue infiltration in the abdomen, flanks, and a collection of subcutaneous fluid.

The patient’s condition was described as complicated by Dr. Hoang Hong, head of the Department of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The skin around the abdomen, navel, and surrounding area were severely necrotic and infected. Dr. Hong emphasized that prompt treatment is crucial to prevent a life-threatening infection. The patient is currently undergoing comprehensive care and will undergo debridement to remove the necrotic skin, restore the abdominal wall and navel area when stable.

The Department of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery often sees cases of complications arising from beauty treatments performed by unlicensed establishments and inexperienced professionals. Patients have suffered punctures in the lungs, liver, intestinal perforations leading to peritonitis, cerebral embolism resulting in hemiplegia and aphasia, fascial necrosis of the abdominal wall, pulmonary embolism, organ embolism, and even death.

Dr. Hong advises individuals seeking beauty treatments to choose licensed facilities with well-trained doctors in cosmetic plastic surgery to prevent complications. It is essential to prioritize safety and expertise when undergoing cosmetic procedures to avoid life-threatening consequences like those suffered by this unfortunate patient.