Ella Nanda Sari Hasibuan (30), a woman from Medan, died after undergoing a liposuction procedure at WSJ beauty clinic in Depok on 22 July 2024. Ella was in critical condition after her blood vessel burst, and she died on the way to the hospital.
Chronology of the incident
Ella departed from Medan on the morning of 22 July 2024 and arrived in Jakarta via Soekarno-Hatta Airport at around 9am. From the airport, she went straight to the WSJ clinic in Depok using an online transport service. Upon arrival at the clinic at around 11 a.m., Ella underwent an initial examination by the doctor on duty.
The liposuction procedure began at around 1.00 pm after Ella signed a medical consent letter. During the procedure, a serious complication occurred when Ella’s blood vessel burst, causing severe bleeding. This caused Ella’s blood pressure to drop dramatically. Subsequently, she lost consciousness.
Doctors and clinic staff attempted to administer IVs and other emergency medical measures but failed. Ella was then rushed to Bunda Margonda Hospital using the clinic’s ambulance at around 2.30pm. However, on the way, Ella was declared dead by the hospital medical team.
Police Investigation and Action
Depok Metro Police Chief Commissioner Arya Perdana said his office was investigating the exact cause of Ella’s death. The investigation includes checking the licences of the doctors who performed the procedure as well as their competence in performing the medical procedure. The WSJ clinic has been temporarily closed for further investigation, and a number of clinic staff have been questioned.
In addition, the police are also working with the Depok City Health Office to ascertain whether the WSJ clinic meets the operational and medical safety standards set by the government.
Family Response
Ella’s family is devastated by this incident. Okta Hasibuan, Ella’s brother, said they would report the incident to the authorities to ascertain the cause of Ella’s death and prevent similar incidents in the future. The family also expressed their disappointment with the WSJ clinic for not being transparent in providing information about Ella’s cause of death.
Okta also urged the public to be more careful in choosing a beauty clinic and ensure that they choose a reputable place with competent medical personnel. The family hopes that this incident will serve as a lesson for all parties and not be repeated in the future.
Risk and Complications of Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove fat from certain parts of the body. The procedure comes with several risks and complications that every prospective patient should consider. These risks include:
- Infection: The risk of infection may increase if the procedure is performed in a non-sterile environment or if the surgical instruments are not completely clean.
- Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the procedure, especially if there is damage to major blood vessels.
- Swelling and Bruising: The area undergoing liposuction will usually experience swelling and bruising post-surgery.
- Pain: Patients may feel pain in the operated area for a few days to weeks after the procedure.
- Skin Discolouration or Sensation: The skin in the operated area may experience changes in colour or sensation, including numbness or hypersensitivity.
- Scarring: Surgical procedures may leave scarring, especially if not performed with proper technique.
- Body Contour Deformity: Unsatisfactory or asymmetrical results may occur if fat is not removed evenly.
The Importance of Medical Competence
Dr Tompi, a prominent plastic surgery specialist and singer, emphasises the importance of medical competence in any surgical procedure. He states that surgical procedures, including liposuction, must be performed by competent and experienced medical personnel to prevent fatal errors.
Dr Tompi also added that patients should ensure that the doctor who will perform the procedure has adequate certification and experience. Patients should also seek information about the clinic’s reputation and ensure that the facility has an official operating licence.
Pre-Procedure Consultations
Before undergoing a liposuction procedure, it is very important for patients to have a thorough consultation with a specialist. This consultation includes an evaluation of the patient’s overall health condition, medical history, aesthetic goals, and possible risks and complications. The doctor will also provide information regarding recovery and aftercare.
Patients should be honest about their medical history, including allergies, current medical conditions, and current medications. This is important to reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
Safe Liposuction Procedures
To minimise risks, liposuction procedures should be performed by a licensed and experienced surgeon in a medical facility that meets safety standards. Selection of a licensed medical facility, thorough pre-operative preparation, proper surgical procedure, and close post-operative monitoring are important steps in ensuring a safe procedure.
Health Perspective
Ella’s death due to the liposuction procedure highlights the importance of choosing reputable medical facilities and competent medical personnel. The public should be more careful in choosing a beauty clinic or other medical facility, ensuring that the clinic has an official licence and experienced doctors. Education on the risks and benefits of each medical procedure is also crucial to increase patient awareness and safety.
In addition, it is important for the government and health authorities to tighten supervision of beauty clinics and ensure that they comply with established operational and safety standards. This can prevent similar incidents in the future and protect patient safety.
Photo credit: IST
Have a pressing question for a doctor? Medical Channel Asia has launched a community forum page where you can get questions answered by a medical specialist. Visit the community forum here.
