[MIAMI, FLORIDA] This past March, a tragic incident occurred in Miami, Florida, when 26-year-old Welderlis Rosa, a police officer from New Orleans, Louisiana, died due to complications after undergoing a 'Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)' procedure during her birthday trip. This event has once again raised public awareness about the safety of cosmetic surgery, particularly the risks associated with BBL procedures.

Buttock Augmentation Surgery Claims a Life 

According to reports, Ms. Rosa underwent a BBL procedure at a hospital in downtown Miami on March 19. This surgery involves liposuction from various parts of the body and injecting the fat into the buttocks. It was confirmed that Ms. Rosa paid $7,495 (approximately 10.3 million Korean Won) for the procedure.

Three days after the surgery, Ms. Rosa informed her family about the procedure. However, less than 24 hours later, on the morning of March 23, a friend staying with her at a short-term rental in Miami found Ms. Rosa unconscious and attempted CPR, but it was already too late.

Police investigations revealed that Ms. Rosa's cause of death was pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot. This was determined to be not unrelated to the cosmetic procedure. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, and in severe cases, it can lead to death due to respiratory distress and hypoxia. Specifically, fat embolism, which occurs when fat cells enter the bloodstream during fat grafting surgery, is considered a major cause of death in BBL procedures.

Hospital's Lackadaisical Response and Patient's Suffering 

It was reported that Ms. Rosa was discharged from the hospital just one hour after her surgery. However, when she visited the hospital for a follow-up appointment the next day, she complained of extreme pain. After returning to her accommodation, it was reported that her blood pressure dropped, and she experienced difficulty breathing. Even more shocking is the fact that Ms. Rosa sent a text message to another friend stating something to the effect of, "I think I have complications." This suggests that Ms. Rosa was already aware that something was wrong with her body.

In response, the plastic surgery clinic has reportedly maintained its stance that "all procedures for pre- and post-operative safety were complied with." However, it will be difficult for them to avoid criticism for not taking appropriate action despite Ms. Rosa's complaints of extreme pain and suspected complications.

Risks of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) 

BBL is a popular procedure among those seeking to increase buttock volume and improve overall body contours. However, this procedure is known to have a very high mortality rate compared to other cosmetic surgeries. In the United States, some reports indicate that BBL-related mortality rates are more than 20 times higher than other plastic surgeries. This is primarily due to the high risk of severe complications such as fat embolism.

In addition to fat embolism, BBL procedures can be accompanied by various side effects, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and skin necrosis. Particularly, if the practitioner's skill level and the hospital's safety system are inadequate, the risk of complications increases significantly.

Recommendations for Safe Cosmetic Surgery 

Ms. Rosa's tragic death serves as an important lesson for anyone considering cosmetic surgery. It's crucial not to be swayed simply by price or promotions, and to meticulously review the following:

Verify the Medical Team's Expertise and Experience: Confirm that the performing surgeon has sufficient expertise and clinical experience in the relevant field. It's advisable to thoroughly check if they are a board-certified plastic surgeon and their experience with similar procedures.
Hospital's Safety System: Check the hospital's overall safety system, including the presence of an anesthesiologist for emergencies, availability of emergency equipment, and recovery room system.
Sufficient Consultation and Information Gathering: Before the procedure, consult thoroughly with the doctor to obtain accurate information about your health status, expected results, and potential side effects.
Avoid Unreasonable Procedures: Avoid aggressive procedures that are not suitable for your body. Procedures that aim for excessive changes in a short period can be particularly risky.
The unfortunate death of Welderlis Rosa once again reminds us that cosmetic surgery is not just a beauty treatment but a medical procedure that can directly impact one's life. Safety must be the top priority, requiring a responsible attitude from both patients and medical institutions.