Brazil – Alexandre Yomatsu de Paula Okumoto’s journey with severe acne began at the tender age of 15, profoundly impacting his self-esteem. Despite trying various treatments from creams to lasers and antibiotics, Okumoto found little relief from the scars left behind. Turning to aesthetic procedures like diamond and Mediterranean Sea peelings, alongside microneedling sessions with hyaluronic acid, provided some respite, yet his skin never fully regained its original state. The psychological toll of societal beauty standards, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, further fueled Okumoto’s pursuit of aesthetic enhancement.
Reflecting Okumoto’s experience, thousands of Brazilians annually seek aesthetic treatments, driving Brazil to the second-highest rate of plastic surgeries globally, following the United States. Data from the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) indicates that out of 1.5 million surgeries performed annually, 57% are aesthetic. The allure extends beyond borders, attracting over 100,000 foreigners yearly for procedures ranging from botox to fat reduction treatments.
However, this burgeoning market also raises concerns. A recent tragedy in São Paulo highlighted the risks associated with invasive procedures performed by unqualified individuals. Following a phenol peeling at an upscale clinic, 27-year-old Henrique Silva Chagas tragically passed away, sparking investigations into the clinic’s practices. Such incidents underscore the critical importance stressed by dermatologists like Carolina Marçon, who advocate for invasive procedures to be exclusively performed by trained medical professionals.
Authorities have emphasized that treatments involving physiological or anatomical changes require careful evaluation and follow-up, underscoring the need for rigorous oversight in aesthetic practices. The Regional Medical Council of São Paulo (Cremesp) has condemned non-medical personnel conducting such procedures, citing significant risks to public health.
In response to these challenges, Marçon urges prospective patients to consult certified specialists before pursuing any aesthetic intervention, emphasizing the need for thorough research into clinic credentials and patient testimonials. The allure of quick fixes advertised on social media platforms often masks the risks posed by underqualified practitioners, as evidenced by tragic incidents like Chagas’. The lure of affordability should not compromise patient safety, warns Marçon, cautioning against treatments offered at unusually low prices.
As Brazil’s appetite for aesthetic enhancements continues to grow, so too must awareness of the risks involved. The tragic loss of young lives serves as a stark reminder of the importance of informed decision-making and prioritizing safety in pursuit of beauty ideals.
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