Denver Plastic Surgeon Comments on Recent Liposuction Study

DENVER, CO, November 16, 2012 (Press-News.org) In light of recent research into deaths following improper administration of anesthesia during liposuction, Denver liposuction specialist and founder of Campanile Plastic Surgery (http://www.campanileplasticsurgery.com), Dr. Frank Campanile, is calling for better guidelines on the use of anesthesia during cosmetic procedures. A frequent advocate of patient safety, Dr. Campanile's concerns were amplified after a recent study revealed that the absence of anesthesia training requirements for cosmetic surgeons has led to several deaths.

The study, "Are State Regulations for Liposuction Preventing Deaths? The Case of Los Angeles County" by Drs. Selma Calmes and Daniel Augustine, revealed that improper administration of anesthesia during liposuction procedures has been responsible for nine deaths in Los Angeles since 1996. Only one of the cases involved a trained anesthesiologist, while in the remainder of cases, a cosmetic surgeon not properly trained in anesthesia techniques administered the deadly dose.

"These deaths are especially tragic because they were completely preventable," says Dr. Campanile. "Anesthesia plays an important role in liposuction and many other cosmetic procedures, and it's imperative that those administering it be properly trained and certified."

Anesthesiologists accompany plastic surgeons during procedures because of their extensive experience and training in anesthesia. They must pass strict educational requirements, including a minimum of an undergraduate degree and four more years of medical school. Following that, they must have a minimum of three years of residency. Only then is an anesthesiologist able to earn accreditation.

"Any surgery always carries risks, but those risks can be mitigated with the proper training. My practice is founded on the principle of safety first," Dr. Campanile notes. "Before undergoing liposuction, I encourage patients to research the surgeon's background and have a clear understanding of the anesthesia technique that will be used and who will administer the anesthesia."

In addition to checking for credentials, patients are also encouraged to get to know the entire team that will be performing the operation. Feeling comfortable with everyone involved is important to a successful, safe surgery.

"I hope to see more rigorous safety standards for all cosmetic procedures," says Dr. Campanile. "But until that day comes, patients need to protect themselves by doing their research, asking questions, and choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon who is focused on safety."

Campanile Plastic Surgery (http://www.campanileplasticsurgery.com) was founded in Denver by Dr. Frank Campanile, a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has over 15 years of plastic surgery experience. Dr. Campanile completed advanced training in hand and microsurgery and is the former Chief of Plastic Surgery at the Lee Memorial Health Systems. The practice specializes in breast and body contouring, including procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Patients of the practice also can benefit from some of the latest medical spa procedures, such as BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers.