25 Seoul Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Clinics Caught Dumping Fat and Blood Down Drains

Human fat and waste blood left over from liposuction procedures ended up in sinks and toilet bowls at clinics across Seoul, according to city investigators.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civil Affairs and Judicial Police Bureau said it identified 25 plastic surgery and dermatology clinics that violated medical-waste disposal rules. Authorities booked 25 people and sent the cases to prosecutors with a recommendation for indictment.

The investigation began with an analysis of the Allbaro waste-management information system and hospital websites. Officials selected 120 facilities for scrutiny, including 112 plastic surgery and other medical clinics and eight waste collection and transport companies. They carried out on-site inspections and follow-up investigations from January last year through July this year.

The 25 clinics allegedly disposed of human fat and waste blood from surgery in sinks or toilets. Investigators also found violations involving the way medical waste was stored and the length of time it was kept. Blood, bodily fluids and used needles require separate management because they can cause secondary infections. Tissue waste, including human fat, can decay quickly at room temperature, creating foul odors and additional infection concerns.