Medical experts in Latin America are urging patients to verify clinic licenses and surgeon credentials before undergoing cosmetic procedures.
This warning comes as the region faces a rise in fraudulent aesthetic centers that bypass safety protocols. The risk is acute in Colombia, where the proliferation of clandestine clinics has led to severe medical complications and fatalities.
Recent reports indicate that three women died after undergoing aesthetic surgeries at two private centers [1]. These tragedies have prompted Dr. Fabián Sandoval, president of Clínica Emerson, and Dr. Carlos David Gutiérrez, a plastic surgeon, to issue specific safety guidelines for patients.
According to the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva, patients must confirm that a clinic is properly accredited and licensed by health authorities. Verification should extend to the surgeon's specific experience, and professional credentials to ensure they are qualified to perform the requested procedure.
Experts said that a comprehensive review of the patient's own medical history is a non-negotiable step before any surgery. This process helps identify pre-existing conditions that could increase the risk of surgical complications.
Beyond the initial operation, patients are advised to confirm the existence of strict safety protocols and a structured post-operative follow-up plan. These measures are designed to catch early signs of infection or failure, which are critical steps that are often missing in illegal clinics.
Medical professionals said that patients should be wary of false promotions and unrealistic pricing. Clandestine centers often use aggressive marketing to lure patients into facilities that lack the emergency equipment necessary to handle surgical crises.
“Three women died after undergoing aesthetic surgeries at two private centers.”
The rise of 'medical tourism' and the demand for affordable cosmetic enhancements in Latin America have created a market for unregulated providers. When professional societies and clinic presidents issue public warnings, it indicates a systemic failure in oversight where the speed of industry growth has outpaced the ability of regulatory bodies to shut down illegal practitioners.
