Kannada actress Chethana Raj dies at 21 after ‘fat-free’ surgery goes wrong

The death of 21-year-old budding Kannada actress Chethana Raj, reportedly due to a cosmetic surgery gone wrong, has put the spotlight on the dark underbelly of the glitz and glamour industry once again. Nose jobs, lip jobs and liposuctions have become commonplace over the years, as several women chase warped beauty standards. But such cases also expose the pitfalls of such plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery procedures.

The actress, seen in soap operas such as ‘Doserani’ and ‘Geetha’, is said to have been undergoing a fat-free surgery at a hospital when things went wrong after anesthesia.

What happened during the ‘fat-free’ cosmetic surgery

According to reports, Chethana underwent surgery on May 16 at Dr Shetty’s Cosmetic Centre in Bengaluru. She ended up experiencing some difficulty in breathing. The reason, as per some media reports, was fluid accumulation in her lungs.

Due to non-availability of an ICU in the hospital where she underwent the fat-free surgery, Chethana had to be shifted to another facility. However, she was declared brought dead.

While doctors reportedly tried to revive her through CPR for 45 minutes, it was in vain.

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Can a cosmetic surgery be fatal?

As per a medical blog on health risks associated to plastic surgery, by Manipal Hospitals, post-anesthetic complications can be a thing. A general anesthesia, which makes a patient unconscious, can sometimes lead to complications such as stroke, heart attacks, lung infections, and death.

Renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr Debraj Shome of The Esthetic Clinics, tells Health Shots that any surgery, including plastic surgery, raises the risk of loss of life.

“A lot of new techniques which reduce this risk have emerged in the medical indusry. But it still requires you, as well as the doctor, to be careful.

Also, read: Liposuction: Is this weight loss technique permanent?

Things to keep in mind before undergoing cosmetic surgery

Dr Shome suggests the following points you must keep on top of your mind.

1. Be inquisitive

Before diving straight into a cosmetic surgery, be fully aware of why and what procedue you want to undergo. Be frank about your concerns while talking to a doctor to be better informed about all possible risks.

2. Take relevant medication

You must follow a doctor’s suggestions to the T. If you are required to consume certain antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor, don’t be lax. You must also keep consulting your doctor for post-surgery medicines.

3. Consume ample liquids

While a cosmetic procedure of the face may limit chewing, liquid diets may be advised to you. You must follow it, as well as drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

4. Avoid smoking and drinking

It would be best to avoid smoking and drinking as it could also end up messing with your medication.

5. Be aware of your doctor’s credentials

Doing a thorough research on the doctor’s credentials and people’s past experiences will help you take an informed decision. Apart from that, always check for proper equipment in a medical facility to avoid any last-minute hiccups.