A woman in China died 10 days after laser treatments for spot and birthmark removal, raising concerns about cosmetic procedure safety. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
BEIJING (SCMP): A woman in China died 10 days after undergoing a series of laser treatments for spot and birthmark removal, raising significant concerns about the safety of cosmetic surgery.
The 27-year-old, identified by her surname Liu, was from Tianjin, a northern city in China. Her husband reported that she had numerous spots on her body, some of which were dark and large.
Liu had been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis and cafe-au-lait spots, necessitating multiple freckle removal procedures. She underwent nine laser treatments at Tianjin’s Jinmen Dermatology Hospital, a private clinic, after spending over 100,000 yuan (US$14,000).
However, Liu informed her doctors that her symptoms were worsening following the procedures. Her mother revealed that Liu had once halted treatment due to severe pain caused by uneven application of anaesthetic.
On October 21, during her 10th procedure, Liu experienced dizziness after anaesthetic cream was applied. Although the doctors quickly removed the cream, she went into shock, suffered convulsions, and experienced cardiac arrest.
Emergency services were called, and Liu was transferred to another hospital for urgent care, but she succumbed to her condition 10 days later.
Emergency doctors reported that Liu died from complications related to excessive intracranial pressure. Her body has been sent for a forensic autopsy, with results pending.
The cosmetic surgery industry in China has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by a combination of cultural shifts, economic growth, and the influence of social media. -- Photo: Shutterstock
Liu’s husband suspects that an excessive amount of anaesthetic triggered an allergic reaction that led to her death.
Staff at Jinmen Dermatology Hospital defended their procedures, stating that the anaesthetic cream was applied according to standard protocols and that allergy tests were available upon request.
The hospital director, Zhang, expressed regret over Liu’s death, stating: “We will take full responsibility if found at fault.”
In China, medical professionals who cause a patient’s death through negligence can face up to three years in prison and fines.
The incident quickly gained attention on mainland social media, with related topics amassing 58 million views on Weibo.
A woman on Weibo, claiming to be Liu’s friend, alleged that the hospital lacked adequate emergency care, resulting in a missed critical window to save Liu’s life.
One online observer commented: “If Liu hadn’t undergone the surgery, this tragedy might not have happened. Compared to health, beauty is insignificant.”
A woman is receiving a facial treatment at a cosmetic clinic to enhance her skin’s appearance. -- Photo: Shutterstock
Another emphasised the importance of respecting the deceased, stating: “Café-au-lait spots do not just affect looks; they can significantly impact one’s mental health. Liu wasn’t wrong to seek treatment; the issue lies with the hospital.”
A third commenter highlighted broader issues in the medical industry: “Private clinics often lack safety and reliability. Surgeries should be performed in reputable public hospitals.”
The cosmetic industry is fraught with medical disputes. Statistics indicate that only 12 per cent of 13,000 cosmetic clinics in China comply with legal regulations.
Reports of fatalities from cosmetic surgeries have emerged across the country.
In January last year, a 43-year-old woman in eastern China died due to medical negligence during a liposuction procedure.
In December 2020, a woman from southern China died after undergoing six cosmetic procedures within 24 hours. - South China Morning Post
