Medical experts have warned Nigerians against taking cosmetic surgery procedures lightly, noting that not everyone is medically fit for the surgery, the Punch reports.
The experts noted that cosmetic surgery could lead to death, warning that individuals with undiagnosed medical conditions such as hypertension, heart diseases, sickle disease and diabetes, could die from the procedure.
The health professionals who disclosed this exclusively to newsmen Healthwise said people desiring to have cosmetic surgery should research the procedure and the personnel, warning that they should also not believe everything they read on the internet.
An Associate Professor, at the Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, University Of Lagos, Bolaji Mofikoya, told journalists that people might also die from the procedure if it was done in a properly equipped facility with untrained personnel.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, plastic surgery includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures that enhance and reshape structures of the body to improve appearance and confidence.
Speaking further, Prof. Mofikoya also observed that poor patient selection could lead to negative outcomes while giving insight into the various risks associated with the procedure when perform on the buttocks, belly, and breasts especially when performed by quacks.
He urged people planning to go for cosmetic surgery to know their health status before embarking on it.
The don, however, said cosmetic procedures when done on the right person, by a trained professional team, in the right centre was usually safe.
The plastic surgeon explained, “Undergoing a cosmetic procedure should not be taken lightly. There have been rare instances where death can occur following cosmetic surgery and any other kind of surgery in Nigeria as well as all other countries in the world.
“This may be due to, an undiagnosed medical condition, procedures done in places not properly equipped, procedures by untrained personnel and poor patient selection. Poor patient selection means those who are not fit but want the surgery at all costs.
“Undiagnosed medical conditions that may be dangerous include hypertension, sickle disease, diabetes, and patients with heart disease.
“My advice to anyone seeking cosmetic procedure is to research the procedure, research the personnel (don’t believe everything you read on the internet!!).
“Find out about the facility, find out about the anaesthesia/anaesthetist staff, know about your health status, and ask the person if the procedure you want is suitable and safe for you. Please always ask questions, ask about recuperation times, and ask about the dos and don’ts after the surgery.
