Many people wrongly assume that medical procedures that are considered to be cosmetic in nature are somehow safe or carry fewer risks than other surgical procedures. Sadly, for the family of one 18-year-old teen mother, the reality of exactly how dangerous so-called cosmetic procedures can be is all too real.
Last August the 18-year-old mother chose to undergo a breast augmentation procedure. While no complications presented during the actual procedure, the 18-year-old began experiencing problems roughly an hour after the surgery. The woman’s heart rate slowed dramatically and medical records show the anesthesiologist administered a prescription drug and performed chest compressions. She subsequently lapsed into a coma and remained in a vegetative state for weeks.
Thankfully, the young woman awoke from the coma, but the brain damage she suffered has left her unable to care for herself or her four-year-old son. The 18-year-old lives with her parents and requires round-the-clock care. She is emaciated and unable to feed or bathe herself. She is also not able to walk or talk. The young woman’s mother equates her daughter’s condition to that of a “helpless infant”.
Many questions remain unanswered as to what transpired on the day of the woman’s surgery. Both a surgeon and anesthesiologist were present and attending to the woman when she experienced complications. Few other details have been provided, but an attorney for the doctors contends the woman may have withheld important medical history information.
The woman’s family plans to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. This sad case proves that individuals of all ages can suffer complications during surgical procedures that may result in a brain injury and the effects of a brain injury are often devastating and life-altering. This young woman and mother will likely require 24-hour nursing assistance and care her entire life and her son will never truly know his mother.
Source: Miami Herald, “Homestead woman who fell into coma after cosmetic surgery struggles with new reality,” Maria Perez, Feb. 2, 2014New York Daily News, “Florida mom left brain damaged, unable to walk after cosmetic surgery: family,” Nina Golgowski, Feb. 4, 2014
