A leaked report has revealed scary new details about surgery in Australia with Cosmetic Surgeons.
The ABC has uncovered leaked information from a report conducted by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC). The ABC has revealed that women undergoing breast implant procedures at The Cosmetic Institute (TCI) were given dangerously high doses of drugs that can cause cardiac arrests. The report, conducted over the last 12 months, has revealed that at least six patients suffered potentially life-threatening complications while getting breast implants, including rapid heartbeat, seizures and cardiac arrest.
ABUSE OF ANAESTHETICS
The ABC stated that the report concluded that high doses of anaesthetics used at the clinic appear to be to blame. “Adrenaline was used routinely (in combination with local anaesthetic agents) … at well above the accepted upper limit of safe dosage,” the report found. It also found the clinics “placed the health and safety of members of the public at risk”.
THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALIFICATIONS
The highly critical report found patients were being given high doses of anaesthetic cocktails, to the point where they were “under a general anaesthetic”, despite the fact the clinics are only licensed to provide “conscious sedation”. The patients had not given consent to be placed under a general anaesthetic. “TCI’s consent procedures were inadequate — as patients are being placed under either deeper sedation or general anaesthetic with no consent provided for this,” the report found.
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
Merrilyn Walton, a professor of Medical Education, Patient Safety at the University of Sydney, told the ABC that the findings were “extremely worrying”. Professor Walton said she was very concerned that patients had not given proper, informed consent. “If doctors are honest about the level of drugs they’re using, they would have to expose the serious risk these women face during this procedure,” she said.
“I can’t imagine anyone would consent to having these procedures done in such circumstances.”
The report also found doses were not being adjusted for individual patients’ size and body weight.
Many qualified Australian Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, as well as the general public, are still waiting for the ‘Cosmetic’ surgeons to be held accountable for their actions.
HOW IS TCI IS STILL OPERATING?
According to Sydney surgeons, TCI have now moved their surgeries to Private Hospital spaces – with one source stating that TCI had bought a hospital in Queensland to have full control over their operations to make future clients feel ‘safer’ about having their surgery in a hospital, although not much has been said to have been done about their operating practises aside from the change in venue.
WHAT ABOUT THE CHEAP OPTIONS FOR IMPLANTS WITH PLASTIC SURGEONS?
Unfortunately, the main difference between pricing is the cost of living in Austalia as opposed to Thailand – this does not in any way diminish the standards that are kept in Thailand. In fact, all our hospitals have International safety accreditations and as many of our clients will tell you, the standards kept in our Private Hospitals are sometimes higher than those in Australia. The cheaper options now offered in Australia under properly qualified Plastic Surgeons are a direct reflection of the thousands who have chosen to go abroad for surgery. This does not mean that you are getting the same product for your money.
Your surgeon may be well qualified, however, you will most likely have day surgery – meaning you will go home the same day, even after a General Anaesthetic. To also keep costs ‘competitive’, your implants will most likely not be top grade. You have a similiar amount of follow ups as you would with your surgeon in Thailand, although you won’t have around the clock care for the first 2 days after your surgery, which is crucial. A source has also revealed that another company offering ‘discounted’ breast augmentation surgery in Australia, is only being able to achieve the discounted price by using trainee surgeons. This fact has not been promoted in their advertising, only that your surgeon will be a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. This again, is disappointing that important information is not being given to those considering surgery.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SURGERY
Breast augmentation surgery is popular, however you must also assess the serious risks of having surgery and whether it is right for you. Take the time to research the actual surgery itself and the complications that can arise. It is also important to research what you should do before and after your surgery (such as stopping smoking and drinking alcohol), as well as taking your surgeons advice. For more on Breast Augmentation surgery click here.
WE WON’T SACRIFICE YOUR SAFETY FOR DISCOUNTED SURGERY
Since our birth in 2006, our main focus has always been client safety. Your priority should ALWAYS be your procedure – not your holiday. Our dedicated team of Australia’s most experienced Medical Travel professionals ensure we are able to offer competitive prices, without compromising the quality of your procedure or care. We only offer:
- Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
- Fully Internationally Accredited Hospitals
- Surgery performed under General Anaesthesia, with multiple procedures being given extra aftercare in an ICU or CCU unit.
- A minimum 2 night stay in a Private Ward Room
- ONLY the highest quality breast implants (Mentor, Allergan and Silimed)
- Luxury hotels in the safest areas (especially great for lone travellers) with the most helpful staff.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE SURGICAL ASSESSMENT
If you have any questions about your surgery, we’re happy to help.
