Chinese woman dies after laser treatment to remove blemish and birthmark

BEIJING (SCMP): The death of a woman in China 10 days after undergoing a series of laser treatments to remove blemishes and birthmarks has raised serious concerns about the safety of plastic surgery.

The 27-year-old, identified by the surname Liu, was from Tianjin, a city in northern China. Her husband reported that there were many spots on his body, some dark and large.

Liu had been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis and cafe-au-lait spots; this condition required multiple freckle removal procedures. He received nine laser treatments at Tianjin Jinmen Dermatology Hospital, a private clinic, after spending more than 100,000 yuan (US$14,000).

However, Liu reported to her doctors that her symptoms had worsened following the procedures. His mother explained that Liu once stopped treatment due to severe pain caused by the irregular administration of anesthesia.

During his 10th surgery on October 21, Liu experienced dizziness following the application of anesthetic cream. Although doctors immediately removed the cream, he went into shock, experienced convulsions and had a heart attack.

Emergency services were called and Liu was transferred to another hospital for emergency care, but he succumbed to his condition 10 days later.

Emergency doctors reported that Liu died from complications related to excessive intracranial pressure. His body was sent to forensic autopsy and the results are awaited.

The plastic surgery industry in China has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by cultural changes, economic growth, and the influence of social media. –Photo: Shutterstock

Liu’s husband suspects that excessive amounts of anesthesia triggered the allergic reaction that led to her death.

Jinmen Dermatology Hospital staff defended their procedures, stating that the anesthetic cream was applied according to standard protocols and that allergy tests could be performed optionally.

Hospital director Zhang expressed regret over Liu’s death, saying: “We will take full responsibility if he is found at fault.”

In China, medical professionals who cause the death of a patient due to negligence can face up to three years in prison and a fine.

The incident quickly attracted attention on mainland social media, and related topics were viewed 58 million times on Weibo.

A woman claiming to be Liu’s friend claimed on Weibo that the hospital lacked adequate emergency care, causing a critical window to save Liu’s life to be missed.

One online observer commented: “This tragedy might not have happened if Liu had not undergone surgery. Beauty is insignificant compared to health.”

A woman receives a facial at a cosmetic clinic to improve the appearance of her skin. –Photo: Shutterstock

Another emphasized the importance of respecting the deceased, saying: “Café-au-lait spots don’t just affect the appearance; They can significantly affect a person’s mental health. Liu was not wrong to seek treatment; The problem is in the hospital.”

A third commenter noted broader problems in the medical industry: “Private clinics often lack safety and reliability. Surgeries should be performed in reputable public hospitals,” he said.

The cosmetics industry is rife with medical disputes. Statistics show that only 12 percent of China’s 13,000 cosmetic clinics comply with regulations.

Reports of deaths from plastic surgery 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 plastic surgeries in 24 hours. – South China Morning Post