Many different types of medical procedures exist today, ranging from cosmetic enhancement to life-saving treatments. Some of these procedures must be undertaken to ensure continued wellness, while others are optional choices to achieve personal goals. But whether you’re having your prostate removed to stop cancer or Lasik to improve vision, all medical procedures come with potential danger. The medical staff responsible for surgery may be trained professionals, but even trained professionals can make mistakes.
A New York woman recently paid a visit to the Dominican Republic hoping to get a more affordable cosmetic surgery than she could find locally. A tragic turn of events saw the 28-year-old dead in the operating room from what doctors claim was a massive pulmonary embolism. Since the tragic death, questions have arisen about the incident, with the woman’s family members wondering whether there was some sort of negligence or medical malpractice on the part of the surgeon. While this death is an extreme case, this is not the first time someone has experienced side effects from cosmetic surgeries in the Dominican Republic.
Between March of last year and March of this year, more than 19 women from five states reported serious infections after visiting the Dominican Republic for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction or breast implants. In addition to serious injuries or death, righting the wrongs of these cases of medical malpractice can often require additional surgeries, which means more money and more chances of complications. It’s also worth noting that such cases do not only occur in the Dominican Republic but can also happen throughout the U.S.
No matter where you go to have a surgery performed, whether it’s a foreign country or New York, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. If medical malpractice or negligence on the part of a physician can be proven, the injured individuals can potentially receive compensation for their injuries.
Source: Epoch Times, “New York Mother’s Death Highlights Risks of Plastic Surgery Tourism,” April 6, 2014