“For patient safety, a rhinoplasty should be performed under general anesthesia, with intubation, which protects the airways and allows the management of serious complications, such as allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock, or respiratory depression.” Thus Skerdi Faria, specialist in Anesthesia and resuscitation, CEO of the Keit clinic, Italian aesthetic surgery in Tirana, Albania, comments to Adnkronos on the case of the death of 22-year-old Agata Margaret Spada, in a clinic in Rome – which he had seen on TikTok – for undergo a rhinoplasty procedure.
Unfortunately, even for issues such as surgical interventions, choices are made based “on advantageous prices in promotional videos on social media”. Even if it is a very pop operation, ”it is always a cosmetic surgery procedure – underlines the expert – There is a tendency to underestimate the fact that it is an operation with possible risks and the aesthetic aspect is emphasized, it is believed to be something more than a procedure at the beautician, instead it is surgery. Of course, there are operations that can be performed in the clinic - removal of moles, lipomas, small localized liposuctions or blepharoplasty – but rhinoplasty is a complex operation and requires adequately equipped facilities”. The choice between total and local anesthesia, with sedation, “depends on the complexity of the operation and the structure in which it is performed – explains Faria – The ideal procedure, in the case of rhinoplasty, involves total anesthesia, which guarantees greater safety and a continuous control of the respiratory tract and management of complications, associated with sedation and local anesthesia which, containing adrenaline, reduces bleeding and facilitates the operation. An operation performed only under local anesthesia reduces the cost by 30 times, but increases the risks which become even more serious when performed in outpatient clinics, in facilities that are not equipped to deal with complications which, unfortunately, do happen.”
A “major surgery operation, such as rhinoplasty – clarifies Faria – requires a clinic with equipped operating rooms, intensive care and a post-operative stay to monitor the patient’s recovery and intervene in case of emergency. Of course, there are social media, I’m also on these platforms – he reflects – but checks must also be carried out because the best surgeon alone cannot save a person in difficulty due to a reaction to the anesthetic or sedation”, as would have happened to Margaret. The advice is to “verify that there are equipped operating rooms in the facility, a post-operative hospital – lists the expert - You must then ask for detailed information on the anesthesia used and the availability of intensive care and”, “be wary of low-cost offers found on social media without a thorough check of the facility’s safety”.
How can patients differentiate between reputable aesthetic clinics and those that may compromise their safety?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Skerdi Faria, Anesthesia Specialist and CEO of Keit Clinic
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Faria. The tragic case of Agata Margaret Spada has raised a lot of concerns regarding rhinoplasty procedures, especially in clinics that may not prioritize patient safety. What can you tell us about the best practices for conducting such surgeries?
Skerdi Faria: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a tragic situation, and it serves as a wake-up call. Rhinoplasty, while popular, is still a complex surgical procedure that ought to be conducted under proper medical standards. For patient safety, I strongly advocate that rhinoplasties be performed under general anesthesia with intubation. This method protects the airways and is crucial for managing serious complications—whether they be allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock, or respiratory depression.
Time.news Editor: There seems to be a growing trend where patients choose clinics based largely on price, often marketed glamorously on social media. How dangerous is this trend, in your opinion?
Skerdi Faria: It’s quite alarming. When patients make decisions based solely on promotional pricing or flashy social media ads, they often underestimate the risks involved. While rhinoplasty might be viewed as a cosmetic procedure akin to a visit to the beautician, it’s still surgery. The aesthetic appeal should not overshadow the need for a proper medical environment equipped to handle potential complications.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that rhinoplasty is often mixed in with simpler procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia. What distinguishes rhinoplasty as requiring more specialized care?
Skerdi Faria: Rhinoplasty is a multifaceted operation that requires more than just basic surgical techniques. It involves manipulating the structures of the nose, which is intimately connected to the airways. Poor outcomes can lead to significant physical and psychological repercussions. While minor surgeries—like mole removals or small liposuctions—can be performed in a clinic setting, rhinoplasty demands a well-equipped facility that can address any surgical complications that may arise.
Time.news Editor: Given the high level of interest in cosmetic surgery, especially among younger individuals, how can we better inform potential patients about the risks involved?
Skerdi Faria: Education is key. There needs to be a clear communication about the nature of these surgeries, emphasizing that they are not without risk. Informational campaigns that utilize evidence-based practices can help demystify the process and make patients aware of the importance of choosing experienced professionals and accredited facilities. It’s essential for patients to ask questions and understand what their options are, including the anesthesia techniques that will be used.
Time.news Editor: what steps can the aesthetic surgery community take to ensure a higher standard of care?
Skerdi Faria: I believe the aesthetic surgery community must advocate for stronger regulations that ensure that clinics meet certain safety and operational standards. Professional training must also be prioritized; all practitioners should be well-versed in potential complications and emergency response procedures. Additionally, collaboration with anesthesia experts can enhance patient safety during these procedures. The goal should be to create an environment where beauty enhancement does not compromise health and safety.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Faria. Your insights are not only informative but crucial for sparking a wider conversation on patient safety in cosmetic surgery.
Skerdi Faria: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope we can advocate for change together.