A scary loophole in a New York state law allows physicians other than board-certified plastic surgeons to perform cosmetic operations without anesthesia or nursing assistance, New York City TV news station PIX-11 reports.

According to the outlet, Dr. Ayman Shahine is a gynecologist who runs a round-the-clock “plastic surgery mill” in Midtown Manhattan, promising to transform women’s bodies in exchange for large amounts of cash. According to one patient, the doctor uses only local anesthesia even when performing major operations.  

Another woman says she paid the doctor $6,000 for a liposuction procedure that left her with lumps and bumps in her abdomen and an uneven waistline. 

Board-certified Florida anesthesiologist Hector Vila told PIX-11 that it’s important for patients to conduct due diligence. 

“Office-based surgery suites that do significant operations should be accredited,” Vila told the station. “Surgical offices are trying to do the bigger operations by skirting around the rules by using large doses of local anesthesia, doing multiple surgeries. Those large doses of local anesthesia can result in toxicity … There [have] been deaths here in Florida.”

If you are considering exploring your cosmetic surgery options, it’s important to do your research because your health, looks and even life are on the line. It may be tempting to save money by opting for less expensive treatments, but remember that if it seems too good to be true then it probably is!

Christopher Craft Cosmetic Surgery is an accredited operating facility with the private office of board-certified plastic surgeon Christopher Craft, M.D. Rest assured knowing that your treatment under Dr. Craft’s care will be top-of-the-line. As an experienced and reputable expert in his field, he can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.