A 24-year-old woman who died after undergoing a breast enlargement surgery has prompted calls to regulate the plastic surgery industry in Hong Kong.
The woman, surnamed Leung, underwent breast augmentation surgery on Apr. 30, 2010, at obstetrician Dr. Bernard Wong Kar-mau’s clinic.
After being given an anaesthetic, Leung had breathing problems but could not be taken to a hospital as the ambulance crew lacked a mask to help her breathe. The equipment arrived 45 minutes later and Leung was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she died 11 days later. The death was ruled a misadventure and Dr. Wong was not charged.
The mother of the deceased broke down in court after learning the verdict of the judge, calling out for justice at the unfairness of the judgement after waiting three years for the results.
As the court points out, it seems off that the breast enlargement surgery was done in a commercial building rather than a hospital, performed by an obstetrician rather than a plastic surgeon, and done without an anaesthetist on-site.
Until the Medical Council sets out stricter guidelines to regulate the industry, stay wary of cosmetic procedures.
Source: HKET
Photo: Aesop, Flickr
