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Woman Dies From Cosmetic Surgery

Four days after getting a tummy tuck and liposuction at Elase Medical Spas and Cosmetic Surgery Center in Lake Mary, Rafaela Ortiz died from a pulmonary embolism, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Ortiz, a mother of two, was said to be in good overall health despite being borderline obese, according to the Sentinel. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says tummy tucks are the nation’s sixth most common cosmetic procedure, the Sentinel reports.

While surgical complications are relatively uncommon, when combined with another procedure such as liposuction an estimated one in 7,300 patients die, the Sentinel reports.

Originally founded in December 2006 as an independent grassroots publication dedicated to coverage of health issues in Florida, Health News Florida was acquired by WUSF Public Media in September 2012.