A 55-year old patient left with a severely deformed, 1-inch penis, is raising concerns over the rise of illegal surgery and unlicensed practice of health care in the U.S.
Nery Carvajal-Gonzalez, 48, has been accused of mutilating the victim by injecting his reproductive organ with fillers to make it appear bigger and thicker. The patient had complained about not being able to have sexual intercourse. But the surgery left him in a far-worst condition. “I feel no sensation when I urinate and I also suffer painful, spontaneous erections,” the patient said.
Botched Surgery
The police warrant revealed that the penis had retracted so far that it projected less than one inch from the patient’s body. “The victim’s penis was now incredibly small, yet very swollen and the skin around the shaft had been removed and was raw,” the police report stated.
Carvajal-Gonzalez is now charged with unlicensed practice of health care that caused serious injury and of practicing without a medical license. Mark Schreiber, 60, who lost his medical license in 2008, was also arrested in connection with the botched surgery. What does this incident say about illegal and life-threatening backstreet procedures?
Illegal Surgery: Unlicensed practice of medicine
A growing number of Americans are getting plastic surgery to enhance their appearances. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 15.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2014.
Many doctors offer to perform enhancement procedures at a fraction of the price of a registered surgeon. But soon after, the problems begin.
Experts say these cases highlight the need for patients to meticulously research a plastic surgeon’s credentials before going under the knife.
Some may be unaware of a practitioner’s unlawful status, but with the costs running into the thousands of dollars, many more are choosing cheap and illegal surgery.
Black Market Plastic Surgery
Seeking fuller lips, a larger bottom, and a bigger penis, but unable to afford expensive plastic surgery procedures, many citizens in the U.S. increasingly rely on services provided by the black market.
Success stories are rare. Many patients are ultimately left with scarred appearances and serious medical issues. Dionne Stephens an assistant professor of psychology at Florida International University who studies race, gender and sexuality in hip-hop culture, told Mint Press News the problem is when black market procedures are the only option a person can afford. That’s when the hope of having the body of your dreams kills.
The exact number of people in the U.S., who have undergone – willingly or not – illegal surgery, is unknown. However, Internet forums are flooded with people discussing getting the operations and detailing the risks involved.
What do you think of illegal surgery in the U.S.? Share your views in the comments section below.
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