18-year-old Stephanie Kublea died after cosmetic breast surgery. It appears she died from a rare condition called malignant hyperthermia, which can occur as a result of even properly administered anesthesia.
Although generally safe, her tragedy is an example of how even “routine” cosmetic procedures have risks, especially when general anesthesia is used.

Although it might not make a difference is some tragedies such as this one, it is always best to:
- Ask if your physician is board certified in their specialty.
- Ask how many times your physician has performed this procedure.
- Ask if the place you are having the procedure is an accredited surgery center.
- If the procedure is complicated or requires anesthesia or sedation, then ask if your physician has privileges at the local hospital.
- Above all, ask what the risks are of the procedure you are having. Death is fortunately very rare, but scarring, pain, and undesirable or unwanted cosmetic outcomes are common.
Related posts:
- Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Down The rush to cosmetics by physicians ranging from ER doctors...
- Dermatologists Perform More Cosmetic Procedures Than Other Specialties Need Botox? See your podiatrist today! Or your dentist! Or...
- Does Your Cosmetic Cream Eliminate Wrinkles? Or Alter Skin Collagen? Not unless it’s a drug. That’s not me talking, it’s...
- How Safe Are Procedures in a Doctor’s Office? 5 Tips to Stay Safe The (un)safety of cosmetic procedures is getting more media attention...

Hi there,
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Thanks a lot and have a nice day,
Eric
Hello,
I am the PR person at Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States; wanted to say hello— Have you seen the Wall Street Journal’s THE INFORMED PATIENT By LAURA LANDRO, “A Fresh Focus On a Rare Risk Of Anesthesia”? April 30, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB120950929636954247.html?mod=2_1566_le
This is a very disheartening story. How could it been diagnosed beforehand instead of following the money first.
Sad story
Thanks for sharing this with us.
SM