She dies after cosmetic surgery in a private clinic in Westmount

Cosmetic surgery turned into the worst nightmare for a mother, who finally died several days after an operation complication, in Montreal.

The woman in her 40s had had surgery on the 1^er last November, at the EspaceMD private clinic in Westmount. Out of respect for his loved ones who are going through difficult times, The newspaper does not reveal the identity of the deceased patient.

According to our information, the surgery involved liposuction and a transfer of fat to the breasts. For some reason, the woman’s condition deteriorated during the operation.

When the paramedics arrived, she was not in cardiorespiratory arrest, but she was “really not well”, according to our sources.

The mother of the family finally died at the Montreal General Hospital on November 13. The surgeon who operated on her is the owner of the clinic, Dr.^D Sandra McGill.

An experienced doctor

She has over 15 years of experience in the field. She declined our interview request on Wednesday.

“Being bound by professional secrecy, we are not authorized to communicate to you any information whatsoever in connection with patients who have or have not been treated at our clinic,” wrote Stéphanie Garand, director of the clinic, by email.

On its website, we read that the clinic is “at the forefront [et] is the most modern and technologically advanced of its kind in Montreal.”

“Our facilities […] comply with the most demanding standards, particularly in terms of safety. You can therefore be certain that your safety and comfort are our top priority.

Several plastic surgeons contacted by The newspaper are shaken by this death, even if these operations always carry risks.

Often, complications arise from surgeries performed abroad, where medical standards are less stringent. Moreover, this story is reminiscent of the death of Micheline Charest (see below).

Two major risks

According to specialists, the two main risks of complications during cosmetic operations are clots (blood or fat) and anesthesia. In many cases, plastic surgeries can be done under localized sedation.

However, according to a plastic surgeon contacted by The newspaper, several cases of sedation caused complications in 2022 in Quebec. The doctor is convinced that this is related to the hiring of respiratory therapists, rather than anesthesiologists (who are doctors).

“The only reason to have a respiratory therapist is to pay less,” he said on condition of anonymity. But, it’s more than cowboy. We are putting patients at risk. »

too brave

Although respiratory therapists have the right to perform light or moderate sedation, under certain conditions, the risks are real if the situation degenerates (cardiorespiratory depression, excessive dose, etc.).

“They become too brave, they think they’re anesthetists,” says the surgeon, who always makes sure to hire a medical specialist.

The College of Physicians of Quebec declined to say whether the trustee will look into this case. On Wednesday, the coroner’s office had not opened an investigation.

“We will make the necessary checks to determine if a coroner is required,” we wrote by email.

OTHER DEATHS DURING COSMETIC SURGERY

Micheline Charest

The co-founder of the production company Cinar died at the age of 51, in 2004, after cosmetic surgery in Montreal.

She had difficulty breathing during the operation, but the medical team was slow to call emergency services.

The coroner concluded that it was a “preventable accident”.

Valerie Castonguay

The 25-year-old died in 2008 while undergoing nose correction surgery in Montreal.

The young patient had developed a pneumothorax and died within hours in hospital.

The coroner blamed the surgeon and his team for not meeting standards in the recovery room.