Matory wasn't the first doctor to lose a patient after tumescent liposuction. After reviewing dozens of other deaths, the medical board ordered a voluntary moratorium on removing more than 8 - 10 pounds of fat outside a hospital. These are procedures that are done on patients who do not have medical problems. These people are absolutely healthy. And what we're finding is that these healthy people are dying.
Many doctors believe the danger lies in taking out large amounts of fat at one time.
But plastic surgeon Joseph Hunstad, who's removed as much as 28 pounds, claims tumescent liposuction can be done safely. With a good relationship with the anesthesia personnel and with the plastic surgeon having significant experience in that area. But he does admit the procedure can be dangerous if done by the wrong doctor, something Del Junco agrees with. The consumer needs to know that a medical license allows a doctor to do anything he wants. One week he can be an internist and the next he can be a cosmetic surgeon.