Letter To The Editor

I would like to respond to the widely reported death of a patient following liposuction in the media recently.

Cosmetic procedures are a fancy, a fashion, even a need in some professions. The booming middle class with disposable income and social media awareness and expectations are increasingly attracted to the array of available procedures.

With the high demand for cosmetic procedures, it is becoming ever so crucial that the man on the street is aware of the risks and unfavorable outcome of some of these procedures. We are extremely sad with the report of death following a cosmetic procedure and would like to advice the public to always walk the safe path and be aware of the risks involved.

A liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure where outcome is related to the service provider and surgical facility where it is carried out. In Malaysia, the Guidelines in Aesthetic Medical Practice (https://www.moh.gov.my) stipulate that it is only to be done by a surgeon in a hospital based practice.

The public is advised to be aware of bogus and unqualified practitioners and service providers who are illegally carrying out procedures and endangering the lives of unsuspecting patients. A simple check with the National Specialist Register (https://www.nsr.org.my/home.html) to verify authenticity of the surgeon will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the public undergoing liposuction and cosmetic surgery in general. A well informed society will ensure that these unnecessary problems are avoided in the future.

Dr Regunathan Villanayer
President
MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION OF PLASTIC AESTHETIC AND CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS
MAPACS