A Cautionary Liposuction Tale: Underground “Lipo Clinics” Still Happening

Underground “Lipo Clinics” Still Happening | Dr. Shaun Parson

A Cautionary Liposuction Tale: Underground “Lipo Clinics” Still Happening

Liposuction has, for the first time, overtaken breast augmentation surgery as the most-performed procedure on a global scale. It is also one of the most popular procedures at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, often paired with tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and other surgeries. It’s paramount that, for any surgery, you find a reputable surgeon who is board-certified, specializes in the surgery you want, and has an array of before and after photos in their gallery. Unfortunately, many people are still seeking out ways to get surgeries on the cheap, which can have fatal consequences.

Recently, a mom of two in Colombia died after getting liposuction in an underground clinic located in an apartment complex. According to reports, Rosalba Rodriguez was introduced to the “surgeon” by her best friend. The apartment complex is registered as a police tax office, and thus far reports are showing that the “surgeon’s” husband is a police officer. Rodriguez passed away on May 18, and since then the property has been completely vacated. Her cousin, Milena Camargo, told the media that “they [the “clinic”] did not have the appropriate licenses and permits to perform the procedure.”

Rodriguez’s friend is said to have encouraged her to get the surgery, saying that it was safe and “much cheaper” than going to a certified surgeon. Milena says her cousin was “deceived and manipulated due to her innocence and poor education level.” She explains, “She was unable to discern the situation after her best friend introduced her to the surgeon—named only as Katia who performed liposuction on my cousin.”

Surgery is a Serious Undertaking

Just hours after Rodriguez arrived at the apartment, her best friend called Rodriguez’s cousin to tell him she was admitted to a hospital. She died shortly thereafter and now her family is looking for answers. Milena told the media, “We spoke with the security guards at the complex and they told us that they [the “surgeon’s” team] took out several heavy bags and boxes and put them in a white car parked in front of the complex.” She adds, “We know that her husband is a police officer and he has delayed the investigation process.”

Plus, allegedly administrators of the complex authorized removing absolutely everything. Milena says that they don’t know where the woman who performed the surgery or her accomplices are. The local councilor, Gloria Diaz Martinez, made a statement that they are aware a woman named Katia performed liposuction without complying with medical standards and without having the proper qualifications. Martinez is urging authorities to do everything they can do investigate the death as a “matter of urgency.” She says, “I want to make a passionate appeal to the authorities to find the whereabout of this woman and her accomplices and above all, to make them pay.” She, as well as others, believe that Rodriguez’s body was carried out in a bag to be transported to the hospital.

Cosmetic Surgery Travel Trend

Traveling abroad to get cheaper plastic surgery is nothing new, but (thanks in large part to social media) this practice has increased in recent years. One of the most well-known examples includes traveling to Turkey to get veneers. There are reputable surgeons around the globe, but ultimately if a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It goes without saying that if a procedure is being performed outside of a reputable clinic, it is incredibly dangerous.

Even in the United States, it takes research to find a reputable surgeon. Anyone with a medical degree can legally perform some surgeries in the U.S. You need a plastic surgeon who is board certified, who has years of experience performing the surgery you are interested in, and who can offer multiple testimonials and before and after photos. This is the first step in ensuring a good, safe experience with results you will love and it begins with a consultation. If you are interested in liposuction or other in-demand surgeries, Dr. Parson is a leading expert in surgical fat removal. To find out more and schedule your consult, contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center by calling the office during business hours or filling out the online contact form.