To Prevent Medical Malpractice, Florida Board Issues Emergency Order Limiting Brazilian Butt Lifts
Brazilian Butt Lifts are one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery in South Florida and people flock to our area to have the procedure performed. Unfortunately, as cosmetic surgeons pack their schedules to keep up with the demand, there has been an increase in medical malpractice claims. Our Miami medical malpractice lawyer explains more about the problem and steps the Florida Board of Medicine has taken to protect patient safety.
Rushed Brazilian Butt Lifts Result In Potentially Life-Threatening Complications
A rounded, hourglass shape is in high demand but diet and exercise do not always bring about the desired results. For those that want to increase the size and define the shape of their derriere, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) provides a solution.
Performed by cosmetic surgeons, a BBL is different from a butt implant, which relies on silicone similar to that used in breast enhancement. Instead, it extracts fat from one area of a patient’s body and deposits it into their buttocks. In addition to creating a more appealing back side, the fat used to get a fuller effect is often extracted from unwanted areas, such as the tummy, back, or hips.
When doctors began performing the procedure, it was generally safe and relatively inexpensive.
Unfortunately, as demand for BBLs has surged, patients are reporting an increase in problems. Among the most common complications include:
- Severe bruising in the area;
- Unsightly stretch marks;
- Uneven deposits of fat;
- Excessive blood loss during the procedure;
- Irregular heartbeat and pulmonary problems;
- Development of blood clots in the aftermath;
- Deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal condition caused by blood clots that travel through the body and to the lungs.
Florida Board Limits The Amount Of BBLs Performed
A June 2022 NBC South Florida investigative report revealed that nearly 20 women throughout South Florida have died as a result of receiving Brazilian Butt Lifts over the past five years. While state health officials tightened the regulations for performing the procedure in 2019, eight women lost their lives due to BBL complications in 2021 alone. Medical mistakes and errors on the part of doctors are the most common cause. These include:
- Failing to properly review patient medical history;
- Problems with anesthesia;
- Failure to properly monitor patients during the procedure;
- Anesthesia errors;
- Mistakenly injecting fat into muscles, increasing the risk of embolisms.
The Florida Board of Medicine determined that in their rush to satisfy demand for BBLs, doctors are performing too many procedures. Their heavy schedules make them more likely to make dangerous mistakes. To protect patients, the Florida Board recently issued an emergency order prohibiting cosmetic surgeons from performing more than three BBLs per day.
Reach Out To Our Miami Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Mistakes and errors on the part of cosmetic surgeons can have devastating consequences for patients. If you or someone you love was injured while undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift or other procedure. reach out to Pita Weber Del Prado. Call 305-670-2889 or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
scripps.org/news_items/7257-what-is-a-brazilian-butt-lift
nbcmiami.com/investigations/board-takes-action-following-brazilian-butt-lift-deaths/2776749/
