Letters to the Editor, July 11, 2014

I write as a retired professor of plastic surgery at Chinese University.

The cause of death of Lee Ka-ying, who died last month after undergoing liposuction at a private clinic, is still under investigation.

Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man should not be pressured into making premature decisions that do not reflect the realities of cosmetic surgical practice locally.

The Medical Council of Hong Kong has been made aware of critical deficiencies in the performance of cosmetic surgery following the inquests into the deaths of Lam King-fong and Zoey Leung Kwan.

Ms Lam died during liposuction surgery in 2003 at the clinic of plastic surgery specialist Dr Franklin Li Wang-pong in Tsim Sha Tsui. Ms Leung, who died in 2010, was being operated on by Dr Wong Kar-mau, who is a specialist, albeit in obstetrics and gynaecology. In the latter case, a coroner ruled the death as a case of misadventure, but said the events that led to her death raised questions that should be considered by regulatory bodies.

There is no recognised speciality of cosmetic surgery or aesthetic medicine in Hong Kong, nor is there any formal, hands-on training in cosmetic procedures for locally trained plastic surgeons or dermatologists. They have to learn their skills in cosmetic procedures in the same way as non-specialist experts who are general practitioners.