18-Year-Old Hospitalized After Acid Injection During Cosmetic Nose Surgery in Tel Aviv

An 18-year-old woman is in intensive care at Ichilov Hospital after an acid substance was mistakenly injected into her airway during a cosmetic nose surgery at the private TLV Medical center in Tel Aviv. The incident occurred last Friday, and the patient’s family remains by her side as she struggles with severe pain and respiratory difficulties. Her mother, Sapir Maimoni, told ynet that her daughter is currently on morphine and breathing with oxygen assistance, with her condition described as moderate but uncertain regarding long-term damage.

According to the family, the acid was injected instead of an anesthetic or a harmless substance, causing internal and external burns extending to her vocal cords. The hospital claimed the error was due to a nurse dipping nasal tampons in the wrong substance, but the family insists the acid was directly injected. Emergency medical teams transferred the patient to Ichilov, where she was sedated and intubated for a day. A tiny camera was used to check if the acid spread further, but it was contained to the vocal cords.

The Ministry of Health stated the event was not reported as required and is now investigating the circumstances, with possible regulatory actions pending. The hospital apologized for the "rare human error" and said it is cooperating with authorities and the family. The Israeli Association of Plastic Surgeons expressed sympathy and support for the patient and medical staff, emphasizing the need to thoroughly investigate the incident to prevent future occurrences.

The patient had previously suffered a serious car accident two years ago and was exempted from military service; she was expected to begin national service soon. Her family fears the long-term impact of the injury but hopes for recovery. The police have opened an investigation into the case.