Cosmetic surgery is on the rise in Argentina, which is sometimes performed without any supervision, a reality highlighted by the recent death of an Argentine actress suspected of dying from side effects of this type of surgery.

Silvina Luna, who was 43 at the time of her death, appeared on the Argentine version of “Big Brother,” and the blonde, blue-eyed woman later launched a career that combined modeling and TV shows.

In 2011, Luna underwent surgery to increase the size of her buttocks, but she suffered from infections, complications, hypercalcemia, and kidney failure that left her hospitalized for weeks for a transplant, but she died at the end of August.

Her family’s lawyer, Fernando Borlando, said in early September, following an autopsy on her body: “No one can tolerate this amount of synthetic material in the body,” noting that he saw “how many solid materials appeared mixed in.” Human tissues were extracted from the body.”

Anibal Ludogi, the surgeon who operated on Luna, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2022, but was acquitted. He was banned from practicing his profession for five years after being accused of “malpractice” with four patients. Silvina.

After the death of the actress, other cases treated by Ludogi, who became famous as a “celebrity surgeon” 10 to 15 years ago, began to appear in public and were regularly hosted on television programs.

20 percent increase in 5 years

In August, former dancer Mariano Cabrarola died aged 49 of acute kidney failure and a heart attack. He, in turn, underwent surgery on his buttocks, which was performed by Ludogi, accusing the dancer of “injecting him to death.”

Polymethyl methacrylate was found to be responsible for the deaths of two former small screen stars.

Although this expensive material is allowed in plastic surgery, it is recommended only in certain quantities (teeth or artificial joints). It is currently sold in Argentina.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse, the Buenos Aires-based plastic surgeon, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had received previous patients who said Lodoki’s organs were “hard as stone, and the needle would break when injected.” in it.”

Silvina Luna’s case, which has sparked widespread sympathy in the country, has exposed some of the weakest aspects of the plastic surgery industry in Argentina, long considered the center of plastic surgery in Latin America along with Brazil and Colombia.

“There has been a 20 percent growth in plastic surgery in recent years,” pointed out Edgardo Beskert, president of the Plastic Surgery Society of Argentina.

One of the reasons for this high rate is the peso’s exchange rate against the dollar, which foreigners benefit from.

Biskert emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic and social networks have “changed the equation”.

He added: “Many people spent their days in isolation, using the internet and looking at themselves in the mirror for long periods of time.”

He continued, “Social networks and phones that incorporate image-altering technology that can create face changes without undergoing surgery have created a huge desire among people to resemble altered images.”

Similarity to the “altered image”.

Maximiliano Gil Miranda, a surgeon who has been practicing the profession for 22 years, told Agence France-Presse that he has seen many patients show his picture and wish to resemble it. He had to patiently explain to them that this was not possible and that the “ideal” image was subject to change.

He pointed out that after successful rhinoplasty patients are reassured that all is well, but taking a selfie in a certain way distorts the shape of the nose compared to a normal photo. He said: “Things have become difficult to control…”

The expert confirmed that prices in the field have fallen by making plastic surgery “accessible to all social classes”. On the other hand, “lower-paid physicians are more interested in learning this more lucrative specialty.”

Plastic radiologist Carolina Marilouis told the agency that improved techniques and products are becoming increasingly available, “encouraging many people who are not experts in the field to get into it, maybe train in it.”

It specializes in monitoring and evaluating potential complications of previous cosmetic surgery.

She said: “My schedule is busy and with the media covering cases of plastic surgery, people have become more aware of it and are demanding ultrasounds to detect the nature of the product. injected into their bodies.