KUALA LUMPUR: Most of the plastic surgery advertisements on social media are put up by unlicensed parties, cosmetic surgeons have warned.
Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons (Mapacs) president Dr Regunathan Villanayer said complications from botched surgeries could lead to permanent deformation, infection, sinus problems and even death.
He said the number of botched surgeries by unlicensed surgeons was alarming.
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"At least 126 (post-)surgery complications have been treated by our members in the past 18 months.
"The victims initially went to unlicensed surgeons.
"When complications occurred, they came to us," he told a press conference organised by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong at Wisma MCA here on Friday (Oct 27).
Dr Regunathan said he believed the figure was just the tip of the iceberg, as many others were too ashamed to speak of their ordeal.
He said these victims sought the services after seeing advertisements on social media.
"Most of the advertisements on plastic surgery on social media (are for) unlicensed surgeons," he said, advising the public to get treatments from licensed practitioners.
"With unlicensed surgeons, the procedures are usually done in unregistered premises such as private houses, hotel rooms or massage centres.
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"The practitioners' names are not displayed and the surgeons do not follow procedures such as wearing gloves and using proper sterilisation.
"Furthermore, the products used are not specified and the prices for the unlicensed surgery are either too high or too low,” he added.
Dr Regunathan also reminded the public not to be lured by cheap fees on the advertisements.
"Our members have to impose a fixed fee. It is not possible to increase or reduce the price very much.
“When complications occur, the patients need to go for remedial surgery and end up spending more," he said.
He urged anyone who wished to seek out such services to check the doctors’ credentials via the association website (https://mapacs.co) or with the Health Ministry.
Chong said he received at least 10 complaints of botched plastic surgeries.
"The victims are often enticed by advertisements of cheap cosmetic surgery on social media.
"These 10 victims came to see us (and) there are more who contacted us but are too ashamed to come forward as their faces were disfigured," he added.
Chong said his department would help the victims by recommending proper surgeons for remedial surgery.
"However, it is better to prevent such cases by not seeking the services of unlicensed surgeons.
"We hope the public will be wary and more mindful in the future," he said.
