- CDC reports 93 American deaths from cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic between 2009 and 2022, with complications occurring during or after the procedures.
- 11 cases linked to fat embolism, particularly in Brazilian butt lift surgeries, while 7 deaths caused by pulmonary venous thromboembolism.
- CDC warns of risks in medical tourism and advises consultation with healthcare professionals before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery abroad.
Additional Coverage:
Dozens of American citizens have died after undergoing cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic over a 14-year period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Between 2009 and 2022, 93 Americans died after receiving cosmetic procedures in the Caribbean country. Autopsy reports were available for 20 of the cases, and in all of them, complications occurred either during or after the surgery, as stated in a report by the CDC published on Thursday.
Eleven cases were attributed to fat embolism, a condition where fat particles block blood vessels in the bloodstream. The CDC noted that these patients had undergone liposuction and a procedure called a “gluteal fat transfer,” commonly known as a Brazilian butt lift. The agency warned that fat embolism is a recognized risk associated with fat injections, particularly in gluteal augmentation.
Pulmonary venous thromboembolism, a sudden blockage in a lung artery, caused death in seven other cases. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute stated that following major surgery is a time when people are at higher risk of developing this condition. The CDC highlighted that risk factors such as obesity and multiple procedures during the same operation could have been prevented or minimized with improved surgical protocols and postoperative care.
The CDC also acknowledged that medical tourism, where Americans travel abroad for cheaper and quicker procedures, is becoming more popular. The agency advised U.S. citizens considering elective cosmetic surgery outside of the country to consult with their healthcare professionals about the risks of adverse outcomes.
In a separate incident last year, four Americans were kidnapped in Mexico during a trip that involved one member of the group seeking cosmetic surgery. Two of the Americans died during the ordeal.