Leading plastic surgeons in Nigeria are raising alarm over the increasing number of unqualified practitioners offering risky cosmetic procedures, including buttocks and breast enhancements. The surge in failed cosmetic surgeries has led to severe complications and even deaths.
Recent reports highlight a troubling incident involving a 36-year-old woman named Abiola, who died after a buttocks enlargement procedure at an unlicensed clinic in Lagos. This case underscores the dangers posed by practitioners lacking proper qualifications.
Experts emphasize that cosmetic surgeries require extensive training and specialization. Professor Titus Chukwuanukwu from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, stressed that becoming a certified plastic surgeon involves over a decade of rigorous training, including medical school, housemanship, and specialized residency. He criticized the influx of untrained individuals performing complex procedures and called for urgent regulatory reforms.
Professor Oluwatosin Odunayo from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, echoed these concerns, noting that improper training and misleading marketing by unqualified practitioners exacerbate the risks. He highlighted that legitimate plastic surgery training spans around 12 years, including undergraduate study and residency.
Both experts criticized regulatory bodies for their inadequate oversight and enforcement, which has allowed the proliferation of unsafe practices. They advocate for stricter certification processes, better enforcement of existing regulations, and enhanced public awareness to protect individuals from the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures.
The surgeons urge the public to thoroughly verify the qualifications of any practitioner before undergoing cosmetic treatments and advocate for stronger legal measures to curb the activities of quacks in the industry.
