Plastic Surgery and Medical Malpractice

Malpractice claims for complications associated with plastic surgery, also called cosmetic surgery, are on the rise as the procedures become more affordable to more people. Any type of plastic surgery can give rise to a medical malpractice claim, but some of the most common include the following:

  • Botox and collagen injections
  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast reduction
  • Eye lifts
  • Face lifts
  • Liposuction
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Tummy tucks

Medical malpractice lawsuits may stem from any part of the plastic surgery process from consultation up through to the recovery after surgery. Some common instances that give rise to plastic surgery include those related to anesthesia, surgical errors, adverse drug reactions, adverse reactions to collagen injections, and, in extreme cases, wrongful death.

It is important to note that even though plastic surgery is often elective, i.e., not medically necessary, the risks that accompany it are the same as those for other major surgeries. A patient must fully appreciate these risks, as well as have an understanding of what the potential benefits of the surgery could be, before signing an informed consent agreement; accordingly, if an adequate consultation with a medical professional has not occurred before the surgery, this could be a grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit as well.

If you feel that you have been injured during plastic surgery, now is the time for you to start building a potential case of malpractice. Specifically, you should do the following:

1. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer in your area for a consultation about your specific case. Remember that as with any personal injury lawsuit, there is a time frame within which you must file your complaint. If you go beyond the statute of limitations, your claim will be barred, so speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
2. Document your injuries that you would like to claim came from the plastic surgery; photographs are a good idea.
3. Speak to another doctor about correcting the damage — do this as your first step if the situation is urgent, of course.

If you feel like you or a loved one has suffered injury through plastic surgery procedures, contact a medical malpractice lawyer in your area today.