Explained: 'Liposuction' Surgery That Raised Question On India's Unregulated Cosmetic Industry

The recent death of Kannada actress Chethana Raj, who died on May 16 after undergoing cosmetic procedures at a private clinic in Bengaluru, raises significant concerns about the medical ethics of these health centers that violate protocols.

According to reports, Chethana, who was being body-shamed, underwent 'fat-free' surgery without informing her family. The deceased's relatives filed a complaint against the clinic where the cosmetic surgery was performed, accusing that the private clinic breached regulations by not acquiring their consent prior to the surgery and also that the treatment was performed in an ICU with inadequate infrastructure.

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According to reports, there was a collection of fluid in her lungs following the procedure, and she was moved to Kaade Hospital, where attempts to revive her were made for 45 minutes without success.

Varadaraju, her father, told NDTV, "They performed this surgery with no precautionary measures." The practitioners should have recommended surgical procedure only if there was a genuine requirement for fat removal. Before she was taken into the procedure, her friend signed the permission slip."

What is fat reduction surgery?

There are 2 types of fat reduction surgery: bariatric liposuction and cosmetic liposuction. The purpose of bariatric procedure is to bring down weight while also treating weight-related abnormalities or comorbidities.

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It is suggested when diet and lifestyle have failed to manage a person's body mass or when an individual has serious health issues of obesity and overweight. Certain practices restrict the amount of food one can eat, whereas others work by decreasing the body's uptake of nutrients. Some procedures perform both functions.

According to reports, while bariatric procedures have many advantages, all types of weight-loss procedures are huge interventions with major potential complications. In addition, to better guarantee the long-term progress of bariatric surgery, a person must make permanent healthy lifestyle changes to one's diet and engage in physical exercise.

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It is regarded as an option for those with a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or above (extreme obesity) and major weight-related medical issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or serious sleep disturbances. Even if an individual is severely overweight, they are advised to follow certain medical directives before undergoing any such surgical process. To see if a person qualifies, they must go through a thorough screening process.

Liposuction, a fat removal method

Liposuction, on the other hand, is a fat elimination technique used in cosmetic procedures that is more directed at aesthetic purposes. Cosmetic fat discharge surgery is performed using local anaesthesia, whereas bariatric surgery is performed using general anaesthesia. In both situations, pre-operative assessment must be very comprehensive in order to avoid challenges later on.

According to MedicalNewsToday, in this sort of surgical intervention, fat is eliminated through a hollow device identified as a cannula. This is placed beneath the skin. The cannula is subjected to a strong, high-pressure vacuum.

According to the Mayo Clinic, liposuction decreases the quantity of fat cells in a particular region. The quantity of fat removed is determined by the appearance of the area as well as the amount of fat.

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As long as an individual¡¯s body mass remains stagnant, the resulting contour adjustments are usually long lasting.

After liposuction, the skin conforms to the fresh contours of the treatment area. The skin will emerge as soft and supple. If one's skin is thin and lacks elastic properties, the skin in the treatment area may appear loose.

Liposuction does not enhance cellulite dimpling or other skin condition abnormalities. Similarly, liposuction does not eliminate stretch marks. Regardless of the risk and pain, liposuction remains among the most widely known cosmetic procedures in the world.

Risks involved in fat removal surgeries?

According to health experts, the most common challenge in cosmetic fat removal treatments is embolism, or the creation of blood clots, which can be fatal. In the situation of bariatric surgical procedure, the process carries a 2% complication rate, which is considered low.

There are two kinds of complications. One is caused by anaesthesia, which can result in pulmonary clots and, in extreme situations, a heart attack. Sleep apnea can be listed under other complications.

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The 2nd type of complication is caused by a staple-line leak or bleeding, that generally begins with fever and nausea and can be fatal if there is an uncontrolled and severe blood loss.

While a patient can be discharged within 2 days of bariatric procedure, a strict 21-day follow-up is necessary to guarantee that there's no staple-line loss.

Nonetheless, for cosmetic or bariatric surgical procedures, a detailed pre-operative examination is required. For instance, if a patient with lung infections is operated on without adequate preparation, water can accumulate in the respiratory system.

Unregulated cosmetic industry of India

India lacks adequate regulations to control the use of specific techniques and practices for cosmetic procedures. There are only a few methods in place to prevent the use of clearly damaging methods. Private clinics offering uncontrolled cosmetic procedures and beauty quick-fixes to achieve the 'good-look' are expanding across the country, particularly in cosmopolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

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According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's (ISAPS) ¨C a professional association for board-certified aesthetic cosmetic surgeons ¨C international survey report, the top 5 surgery initiatives preferred by patients are breast implants, liposuction, eyelid procedure, rhinoplasty, and abdominoplasty. Botulinum toxin methods, hyaluronic acid methods, laser hair treatments, nonsurgical fat reduction, and photo rejuvenation are among the most popular nonsurgical methods.

According to the ISAPS 2020 survey, India performed a sum of 5,24,064 cosmetic surgeries (surgical and non-surgical).

Meanwhile, dermatologists in the country have appreciated the latest Delhi High Court ruling so only qualified specialists and surgeons can perform hair restoration procedures. They claim that the moment the concept of profit enters the picture, "patients become customers."

According to Moneycontrol, there is an unregulated industry of "aesthetic surgeries¡± which enables any Herbal and Homeopathic practitioner and even clinic attendants to conduct surgeries at a much lower cost.

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