Plastic Surgery Malpractice
According to statistics presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13.1 million cosmetic procedures (surgical and minimally-invasive) and 5.3 million reconstructive procedures were performed by plastic surgeons across the United States. Some of the most common procedures performed include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, soft tissue fillers, tumor removal, laceration repair, scar revision and breast reconstruction.
With the ever-increasing popularity of plastic surgery across the nation, there are also growing concerns about malpractice and negligence in this specific field of medicine. Whether patients seek cosmetic surgery to improve or alter appearance or reconstructive surgery to restore form or function, they have the right to receive a standard level of care. Patients should not have to suffer from avoidable complications or from altogether shoddy work that fails to deliver the results promised.
Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery malpractice are serious offenses for which victims may take legal action in order to seek compensation and hold the responsible party liable for their negligence or wrongdoing. In addition to increasing awareness of plastic surgery malpractice and possibly helping others avoid the same fate, taking legal action against negligent plastic surgeons can help injured patients recover much-needed monetary damages that will help them rebuild and move on with their lives.
Types and Consequences of Plastic Surgery Malpractice
Reconstructive surgery as well as surgery to improve one's appearance are covered under cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. These procedures are complex and even a small error can have disastrous effects. Infection, permanent disfigurement, scarring, complications from anesthesia and death are all probable outcomes in the event of plastic surgery malpractice. The following are some examples of plastic surgery malpractice and how it may affect a patient:
- Negligent review of a patient's medical history, leading to a risky operation that causes complications or death.
- Mistakes or errors made during surgery, such as leaving something behind, perforating a nearby organ or even performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong body part.
- A poorly executed procedure, leading to later complications (implant leaks, disfigurement, nerve damage, etc.)
- Negligent post-operative care, leading to infection or excessive scarring.
- Anesthesia errors and malpractice, leading to permanent brain damage or even loss of life.
Learn more about your legal options in the wake of plastic surgery malpractice. Find a local medical malpractice attorney.