The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding the high number of deaths resulting from cosmetic surgery procedures in the Dominican Republic. According to the CDC, 93 U.S. citizens died from complications related to cosmetic surgery in the country between 2009 and 2022. The number of deaths has been increasing in recent years, with more than half occurring after 2018. The peak year for fatalities was 2020, with 17 deaths reported.
The majority of these cases involved liposuction, specifically gluteal fat transfer, also known as Brazilian butt lifts. Brazilian butt lifts have gained popularity in recent years, with over 40,000 buttock augmentations performed in the U.S. alone in 2020. However, experts have raised concerns about the rising rates of body dysmorphia, particularly among women.
It is worth noting that all but one of the patients who died from procedures in the Dominican Republic were women, with a median age of 40 years old. The leading cause of death was embolisms, which are blockages in the bloodstream caused by blood clots or fat buildup.
A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2020 found that the death rate from Brazilian butt lifts is approximately 1 in 15,000. Many of the patients who died had risk factors such as obesity and undergoing multiple procedures simultaneously.
The increase in medical tourism has contributed to the popularity of cosmetic surgeries performed outside the U.S., including in the Dominican Republic. The country has become a favored destination due to its proximity to the U.S. and its established American tourism industry. However, the CDC warns that infections frequently occur after cosmetic surgery performed abroad.
Experts advise individuals considering cosmetic surgery to discuss the risks with their regular medical professionals. It is essential to be aware that complications can occur not only in the Dominican Republic but also in other locations. Several cases have been reported of patients experiencing concerning and potentially deadly complications from cosmetic surgeries performed in various countries.
