A Port-Harcourt based lady Christabel was confirmed dead in a Lagos hospital from complications after cosmetic surgery, fuelling speculations it could have been a case of medical miscalculation.
Christabel’s friend alleged on Twitter she complained of bleeding after the surgery but the doctor assured her it was a normal post-surgery symptom.
Here are five things you should know about your doctor before undergoing cosmetic surgery:
1. Verify the competence of your surgeon: This would determine your safety and outcome of the surgery. Also ensure he is legally registered under the Nigeria Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon (NAPRAS) to perform a plastic surgery. This association is an umbrella body for trained and certified plastic surgeons as well as trainees to guarantee your safety and competence. The association has a varied list of certified plastic surgeons in Nigeria and to ensure your surgeon has had an extensive training specifically in plastic surgery.
2. Find out if your surgeon has operating privileges. These privileges are granted to surgeon based on recommendations by their peers/ colleagues.
3. You should look out for accreditated ambulatory facility: should a problem arise; this would give you an assurance that your surgeon have all the life support, capabilities, training and equipment to see to life threatening situations.
4. Ask questions on your surgeon’s anesthetist: It is very important to find out your surgeon uses a trained, registered and certified anesthetist as it is one of the riskiest aspects of cosmetic pro surgery.
5. Lastly ask about your recovery and how long it would take to return to your usuals.
