It’s a dangerous situation: Patient describes her experience in South Florida hotel being used for plastic surgery recovery
A Hidden Reality
After undergoing plastic surgery, some patients are sent to recovery centers for special care. But we found some recovery centers are operating in hotels. 7’s Heather Walker investigates.
A Hotel in Miami
On a sunny July afternoon, travelers are checking into this Miami hotel, and so are patients. Labresha Green, a recovery patient, shared her story with 7 Investigates. "In the hotel, there’s a lot of girls in there, on different floors," she said.
The Reality of Recovery
Our camera captured patients being picked up and dropped off. Many still in surgical gowns and bathrobes. Others with extensive bandages. Some with medical drainage bags filled with fluid. "They’re doing a lot of stuff at the hotel, but they don’t have any space left, and it’s probably because most of them are girls coming for plastic surgery," Labresha said.
A Costly Experience
Labresha came to Miami for a Brazilian butt lift and tummy tuck last summer. The surgical coordinator at her doctor’s office told her she had to book her post-surgical care with a specific company at a local hotel, and it wasn’t cheap. "Two hundred dollars per day. They want you to go to that hotel. So, yeah, a lot of money," she said. Money Labresha knew she had to pay because she would not be able to take care of herself for several days.
A Difficult Recovery
Labresha says despite a promise for 24-hour care, getting help from her caretakers was difficult. "I was asking her could take my blood pressure or if she had like a thermometer or something, and they said ‘No.’ Every time I asked it was like ‘No, we don’t have it,’" she said.
A Growing Concern
We found hotels also being used as recovery centers in Broward County. A New Jersey woman sued her plastic surgeon after being "diagnosed with life-threatening sepsis and impending multisystem collapse." The lawsuit claims the doctor failed "to recognize a serious infection brewing inside her body" even though she had paid the doctor for an "upcharge premium package" in a Fort Lauderdale hotel. Her attorney, Chris Russomanno, fears most patients don’t understand the risks of these post-operative hotel stays. "It’s just a constant turnover and turnover of different women coming in with open wounds, JP drains. It’s a dangerous situation in my eyes," he said.
A Legal Gray Area
It is perfectly legal for a hotel to rent rooms to people recovering from plastic surgery, but a company like the one Labresha was told to hire that has several patients at the same hotel could be a problem. Chris Nuland, a lawyer and lobbyist for the Florida Association of Plastic Surgeons, says facilities caring for multiple patients should be licensed and inspected. "They are at the very edge and may be in fact skirting the law because home health agencies are designed to do just that. They are to take care of you in your home," he said.
Conclusion
Labresha’s experience is just one of many stories of patients being sent to hotels for recovery. While it may be legal, it raises concerns about the quality of care and the risks involved. As consumers, it’s essential to do your research and ask questions about the post-operative care you’ll receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it legal for hotels to rent rooms to patients recovering from plastic surgery?
A: Yes, it is legal.
Q: Is it safe for patients to recover in hotels?
A: It depends on the specific situation and the quality of care provided.
Q: What are the risks of recovering in a hotel after plastic surgery?
A: The risks include infection, poor care, and a lack of follow-up medical attention.
Q: How can I ensure I receive proper post-operative care?
A: Research the facility, ask questions, and make sure you understand the care plan.
