Surgeons have advised Nigerians seeking surgical procedures to ask critical questions and confirmed physicians are certified before patronising them.
According to them, while no surgery is 100 percent risk-free, the patients can reduce to the bare minimum cases of botched surgeries by ensuring they ask relevant questions and double-check their surgeons are certified for the particular procedures they want to undergo.
The experts, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, maintained that though patients are protected under the law, they should always seek the service of a licensed medical practitioner.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, a Professor at the Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Bolaji Mofikoya, said to minimise risks, enhancement procedures require several preparations, including preoperative consultations.
Mofikoya noted that the majority of the discussions about the procedure, potential side effects, risks, and post-operative care should be done before the surgery.
“Let me be honest—sometimes, it’s not always that simple. In a few cases, patients may develop complications after returning home, and not all surgeons want to inherit another doctor’s post-surgical case.
“Yes, cases where patients experience complications such as infections, poor wound healing, or chronic pain. These cases require careful screening and proper preparation to minimize risks,” the don said.
The senior health professional, however, urged people desiring cosmetic surgery should research the procedure and the personnel and not believe everything they read online.
According to him, people might also die from the procedure if it was done in a properly equipped facility but with untrained personnel.
“My advice to anyone seeking cosmetic procedures is to research the procedure, research the personnel (don’t believe everything you read on the internet!).
“Find out about the facility, find out about the anaesthesia/anaesthetist staff, know about your health status, and ask the person if the procedure you want is suitable/safe for you. Please always ask questions, ask about recuperation times, and ask about the dos and don’ts after the surgery,” the cosmetic surgeon warned.
On his part, a Neurosurgery Senior Registrar at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Abass Ajayi, said it was important for patients to know their rights and demand quality treatment.
According to him, many people who had procedures botched abroad return to Nigeria for corrections.
“No surgery is 100% risk-free—not in Nigeria or anywhere else. Even abroad, complications arise. Every surgery carries risks, but complications are just a small fraction of post-surgery outcomes.
“Most of the time, before any surgery is done, the patient undergoes thorough counseling.
“With skilled hands, complications are minimised, and when they do occur, surgeons know how best to handle them.
“Nigerian surgeons are fully capable of performing these procedures. However, patients must ensure that they research and confirm that their surgeon is certified for their specific procedure.
“One must verify that the surgeon is not a quack before undergoing surgery. These are the key points to note,” the neurosurgeon said.
He, however, said in Nigeria, as long as a medical practitioner is certified and licensed to practice medicine, every patient is protected under the law.
“If a practitioner is not licensed, and a licensed doctor is involved, the patient has the right to report malpractice to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“If a procedure is botched and it is the doctor’s fault, the patient can report the case for mismanagement or negligence.
“There are various legal routes, including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, court proceedings, and regulatory bodies that oversee medical practice.”
