Florida teen death highlights the dangers of teen plastic surgery
Stephanie Kuleba, a Florida teenager and high school cheerleader, died after breast augmentation. She died of malignant hyperthermia, a rare reaction to anesthesia, after her operation. This incident brings new attention to the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States.
Kuleba’s death has brought attention to the growth of plastic surgery among teens considering that there were about 400,000 breast augmentation surgeries done in 2007. Nearly 8,000 of these were performed on women 18 years old and below, as reported by WPTV in Florida.
Dr. Richard D’Amico, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) said that what happened to Kuleba can happen in any surgery, on any part of the body, in any setting.
ASPS also reports that the number of people getting plastic surgery to enhance their appearance is increasing steadily in all age groups. There were 12 millions plastic surgery procedures in 2007 and a greater number is expected this year.
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) also notes that the United States has a notable increase (17%) in the number cosmetic surgery procedures for men done last year.
With this kind of trend going in the country, it is best to really be careful in choosing the plastic surgeon who will perform the procedure. Also, if the surgery is going to be performed in an outpatient setting, the surgical facility should have the necessary accreditation from a government agency as well the necessary equipments to ensure safety.

