CDC warns emerging cosmetic procedures could pose fatal health risks

The CDC has warned that modern cosmetic procedures or surgeries done across countries might risk people's health.

Experts state that cosmetic procedures are very common and always in trend when it comes to beauty or lifestyle upgrades.

People risk their precious lives to get a breast implant, plastic surgery, different sorts of piercings, or even transplants, but they never realize how it may compromise their health.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Tuesday that many Americans suffered serious complications, including bacterial infections, and in some cases it may be fatal after traveling within the ‌country and abroad for cosmetic procedures.

The agency also cited a study published in its Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, which reviewed more than 2,100 reports from 2014 to 2024 of U.S. residents who traveled for cosmetic procedures, including liposuction and breast augmentation.

CDC report analysis:

The study identified 21 reports involving about 145 patients who experienced adverse outcomes, including infections, associated with both domestic and international surgery centers and clinics.

Four of the reports involved patient deaths, the agency said, adding that one domestic and one international investigation found significant lapses in environmental cleaning, personal protective equipment use, hand hygiene, and surgical equipment reprocessing.

"More and more people are getting medical procedures outside the United States, but there are risks," said Kiara McNamara, a CDC nurse epidemiologist and the lead author of the study.

U.S. residents often travel to Mexico and Canada, as well as countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean for medical tourism, according ‌to the CDC's website.

The study showed post-surgical infections were found in 20 reports, including 12 suspected or confirmed cases of bacterial infections.

Usually it happens when people commonly seek medical care abroad owing to lower costs, culturally familiar providers, or procedures unavailable or unapproved in the United States.

The agency urged stronger surveillance, closer collaboration between healthcare providers and public health agencies, and more proactive patient education to spot complications early and help prevent them.

The CDC has issued urgent warnings tied to counterfeit cosmetic injectables and dangerous medical tourism, as unverified procedures can lead to paralysis, fungal meningitis, severe infections and even death

Common treatments for which residents travel include dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility care, transplants and cancer.