May 10, 2005

On your way to lipo clinic? Hold on
By Philip C. Tubeza
May 10, 2005
Page A19

BETTER hold your breath and tuck in that bulging tummy.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales yesterday called for a moratorium on cosmetic surgery after a woman died last week from complications after a breast enhancement operation.
Rosales said a moratorium should be imposed on cosmetic operations like liposuction while Congress discusses a bill that would set regulations for these popular procedures that sometimes lead to the "unfortunate loss of lives."

She said the moratorium would not include reconstructive surgery arising from accidents.
Rosales issued the call after entertainer Gleceria Tan died on May 5 after undergoing a breast augmentation operation.

"We have reason to believe that similar botched operations may have gone on in the past, even if they did not result in deaths," she said. "But we must look into the cosmetic and surgery business and find ways to ensure that those who go through these types of procedures are well aware of the risks they face," Rosales added.

Congress was interested to know what regulations are needed to ensure that cosmetic procedures are safe, the congresswoman said. Tan died on Thursday after she was rushed to the hospital from Wally's Facial Center, Barangay San Isidro, Makati City after she suffered complications.

Police were told that she had undergone a similar procedure last year at the same clinic. With Franco Emman von Cena, trainee