Miami Plastic Surgeon Demand Dips After Patient Death

Miami, medical malpractice, pulmonary embolism”>

MIAMI, 2025-06-23 00:07:00

Miami Surgeon Faces Demand After Fatal BBL Procedure

A surgeon faces a state demand after a patient died during a Brazilian butt lift.

• A patient died during a Brazilian butt lift performed by Dr.Baotram Tran.
• The Florida Department of Health filed a lawsuit, potentially leading to the suspension or revocation of Tran’s medical license.
• The patient’s death was due to a pulmonary embolism caused by fat injected into the gluteal muscles.
• Florida law prohibits injecting fat into the gluteal muscles during a BBL procedure.

A Miami plastic surgeon is under scrutiny following the death of a patient during a Brazilian butt lift. the procedure, which involved fat transfer to the buttocks, led to a fatal complication, sparking a state demand that could jeopardize the surgeon’s license.

The central issue: What was the cause of the patient’s death during the Brazilian butt lift? The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, triggered by a fat fragment injected into the gluteal muscles, a practise prohibited in Florida due to the high risk of fatal embolisms.

Reader question:-What measures can patients take to ensure their safety when considering a BBL or other cosmetic procedures?

The Incident

Baotram Tran, a Florida-licensed physician as August 4, 2016, faces a lawsuit stemming from an incident on March 18, 2022, at Professional Plastic Surgery, located at 2299 SW 37th Ave.A 41-year-old woman underwent a surgery that included liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and back, a breast augmentation, and a Brazilian butt lift (BBL).

During the BBL, Tran allegedly injected fat into the patient’s gluteal muscles. Post-operation, while in recovery, the patient complained of breathing difficulties and became unresponsive. She was then transported to Mercy Hospital but was pronounced dead at 5:34 p.m. that same day.

Did you know?-BBLs have one of the highest mortality rates of all cosmetic surgeries. Patients should thoroughly research their surgeon’s credentials and experience.

The Lawsuit

The Florida Department of Health filed a complaint, asserting that Tran violated rule 64b8-9.009 (2) (f) by injecting fat into the gluteal muscles.The lawsuit seeks disciplinary action from the Board of Medicine,including potential revocation or suspension of Tran’s license,restrictions on her practice,an administrative fine,or a reprimand.

According to the lawsuit, a Miami-Dade Forensic autopsy revealed a clogged pulmonary artery caused by a 5 cm fragment of what appeared to be fat. The lawsuit emphasized that Tran “knew,or should have known,” that injecting fat into the buttock musculature is strictly prohibited.

BBL Procedures and regulations

A Brazilian butt lift involves liposuction to extract fat from areas like the abdomen and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance shape and volume.

Did you know? The Florida Administrative Code explicitly prohibits injecting fat into the muscles of the buttocks during a BBL due to the increased risk of a deadly pulmonary embolism.

Florida regulations stipulate that fat can only be injected into the subcutaneous space during BBL procedures, ensuring it does not cross the buttock fascia. Intramuscular or submuscular fat injections are strictly forbidden.

Prior Record

Before this complaint, Tran had no prior disciplinary actions on her record.

FAQ: Risks and Regulations in Aesthetic surgeries

What legal actions does plastic surgeon Baotram Tran face?

The surgeon faces a state demand that could result in the revocation or suspension of her medical license. She is accused of violating the administrative code by injecting fat into the gluteal muscles,a forbidden procedure that resulted in the patient’s death.

What regulations exist in Florida for Brazilian buttock lifting procedures?

In Florida it is indeed prohibited to inject fat into the muscles of the buttocks during a Brazilian survey. Regulations specify that fat should be injected only into the subcutaneous space to avoid risks of pulmonary embolisms.

patient Safety: navigating Cosmetic Procedures

The tragic case of dr. Baotram Tran underscores the critical importance of patient safety in cosmetic procedures. As the demand for surgeries like the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) continues to rise, understanding the risks and taking proactive measures becomes paramount. This section will delve into what patients can do to protect themselves before, during, and after undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Patient safety hinges on informed decision-making and thorough research. this includes carefully selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure, like a BBL. Thoroughly vetting a surgeon can dramatically improve your chances of a safe and triumphant outcome.

Pre-Operative Steps for Safety

before moving forward with any cosmetic surgery, patients should take these steps:

• Research and verify your surgeon’s credentials. Confirm they are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or an equivalent recognized board. This certification indicates rigorous training and adherence to safety standards.
• Investigate the surgeon’s experience. Inquire about the number of BBLs they perform annually and specifically ask about their complication rates. A surgeon with important experience is more likely to recognize and manage potential issues.
• Review before-and-after photos. Request to see a range of results to assess the surgeon’s aesthetic style and skill. Be wary of heavily edited photos.
• Schedule multiple consultations. Meet with several surgeons to discuss your goals, ask questions, and evaluate their communication style and approach to patient care.
• Understand the potential risks. discuss all possible complications with your surgeon, including the possibility of pulmonary embolism, infection, and scarring, especially if it is indeed a BBL procedure. Obtain written documentation of these risks.
• inquire and fully understand the facility. Ensure the operating facility is accredited by a reputable association, such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
• Discuss your medical history. share your complete medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, and allergies, with your surgeon.
• Follow pre-operative instructions. Adhere carefully to all instructions provided by your surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications, alcohol, and smoking prior to surgery.

During the Procedure: What to Expect

During the procedure, patient safety is dependent on several factors:

• Anesthesia. discuss the type of anesthesia with your surgeon and anesthesiologist and confirm that a qualified anesthesiologist will be present for the procedure.
• Monitoring. Ensure the operating room is equipped with the necessary monitoring equipment to track vital signs throughout the procedure.
• Communication. Feel agreeable communicating any concerns or discomfort to the medical staff during the procedure.

Post-Operative Care is critical

The post-operative period is a crucial time for recovery and minimizing complications.

• Follow all post-operative instructions. This includes any prescriptions, wound care, activity restrictions, compression garments, and follow-up appointments.
• Recognize the warning signs. Be vigilant for signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding, infection, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
• Attend all follow-up appointments. These appointments are essential to monitor your healing and address any concerns promptly.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol. Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption, as these can impede healing and increase the risk of complications.

What are the most common complications associated with brazilian butt lifts? The most serious complication of a BBL is a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. Other risks include infection, scarring, and asymmetry.

How can patients minimize the risks associated with BBLs? Patients can protect themselves by choosing a board-certified surgeon, closely following pre- and post-operative instructions, and being aware of potential complications.

What questions should I ask a prospective surgeon during a consultation?

Ask about their board certification, experience with BBLs, complication rates, facility accreditation, and post-operative care protocols. Also, inquire about their approach to handling potential complications.

What is the role of the anesthesiologist in ensuring patient safety?

The anesthesiologist ensures the patient’s safety by monitoring the patient’s vital signs, managing pain, and responding to any complications during the procedure.

What should I do if I experience a post-operative complication?

Contact your surgeon immediately and seek a medical evaluation. It’s vital to provide a detailed account of your symptoms and report to the surgeon immediately.