Dubai cardiologist warns of the dangers of ill-prepared cosmetic surgery

Speaking at his clinic, German Heart Centre in Dubai Healthcare City, Dr Klaus Kallmayer explained that cosmetic surgery is not a harmless procedure but can have serious or even fatal consequences, and decisions should not be taken lightly.

Media reports reached countries throughout the world when an Emirati woman underwent laser liposuction surgery at a Dubai hospital in November, 2007. At the end of the procedure, her heart stopped, cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain. Doctors resuscitated her but she had already slipped into a coma and died a few days later.

And, where the licenses of the plastic surgeon and other staff involved in this incident have been suspended, Dr Kallmayer believes more should be done to explain the dangers to potential patients and reduce risk by a thorough medical evaluation before surgery.

He said: 'This was not a singular incident. In fact, damaging and even fatal outcomes of cosmetic surgery happen on a regular basis, with many of the cases not reaching the public eye.'

'Cosmetic surgery is hugely popular in Dubai, particularly among the local population. The density of clinics offering cosmetic surgery in Dubai is now staggering, and these procedures are aggressively advertised in this region.

'At the same time there is very little awareness of the fact cosmetic surgery is not a minor procedure and should not be taken lightly.

'It remains surgery and these invasive procedures carry all the usual risks associated with surgery. General anesthesia alone carries a risk, however small, of severe organ damage, permanent disability and even death.

'When it comes to medically unnecessary surgery, carried out only to satisfy vanity, it should be the duty of every physician involved to make sure patients fully understand the substantial health risks and minimise these risks through a cardiovascular 'fit-for-surgery' check-up.

'Having personally visited one of Dubai's busier cosmetic surgery clinics, I was appalled to be informed the only preoperative 'cardiovascular test' performed there was to make the patient walk up and down a flight of stairs. Anyone completing this was considered fit for surgery, which is highly alarming.

'Before cosmetic surgery is even considered, the patient should undergo a thorough medical examination to rule out any conditions that would increase the risk of surgery. As cardiovascular complications are by far the most common cause of trouble, an examination of the heart, the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, rhythm and kidney function should be mandatory.'

Dr Kallmayer added:

'Many heart and circulation problems are hidden by a sedentary, unchallenging lifestyle and become exposed only when the cardiovascular system is under stress, such as in surgery.'

'Therefore, surgery is a common catalyst for life-threatening disasters like acute heart attacks, arrhythmias and severe heart failure.

'It does not take much to rule out increased risk before surgery. A thorough history, short physical examination, ultrasound examination of the heart, ECG and an exercise and lung function test are usually sufficient and can be provided by a cardiologist on an out-patient basis at short notice. For instance, at German Heart Centre, this takes less than an hour, with a full report included.'