Botched: When Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Go Wrong

Each year, about 14.6 million Americans undergo some type of plastic surgery procedure. Most people who have cosmetic surgery expect to have perfect results. However, this is not always the case as problems can sometimes occur. In fact, twenty percent, or one out of every five people having cosmetic surgeries, are dissatisfied with the results. Unfortunately, when a cosmetic surgery is botched, it can be difficult to correct the mistake, which can cause someone to be self-conscious and feel even worse than before the procedure. Here are some of the common errors that can happen in cosmetic surgeries and what to do about them, along with the importance of using a highly trained and experienced personal injury lawyer to represent you.

Errors in Cosmetic Surgery

In addition to leaving you with physical defects, a botched cosmetic surgery can affect you emotionally and sometimes lead to conditions that can be life threatening. For example:

• You can have a significant amount of scarring and/or skin that hangs at the surgical site.
• Some people are left with facial disfiguration, bruising and skin abnormalities.
• Infections can occur while being in a hospital.
• Others may develop pneumonia, suffering from poor postoperative care.
• Excessive bleeding is another problem.
• Paralysis can occur when a surgery damages a nerve, resulting in a loss of feeling.
• There are instances when a surgeon performs a procedure on the wrong side of a client’s body.
• Other cases entail surgeries that were not necessary and without consulting the client.
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications.
• Tragically, sometimes there are brain injuries, and some errors are even fatal.

Considerations and Warnings

• First, try not to stress as this can only lead to worse physical and emotional problems.
• Talk with your plastic surgeon to find out how the error can be fixed.
• After the healing process is complete, if you are still unsatisfied with the results, discuss other options with your surgeon.  Some plastic surgeons do not charge for revision surgeries, but there may be charges for anesthesia and for a facility for the procedure.
• If you find that communicating with your surgeon is impossible, you may need to take legal action.

How Cosmetic Surgery Lawsuits Can Be More Difficult Than Other Medical Malpractice Suits

People who have suffered from botched cosmetic surgeries usually must deal with issues that are different than those involved with other malpractice lawsuits.

• As plastic surgery is typically done for aesthetic reasons and not because of an illness, some jurors may not be as sympathetic to victims of botched cosmetic surgeries.
• Additionally, since cosmetic surgeries are generally elective procedures, they may not be covered by your insurance policy. 

That is why you need a skilled and experienced attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.  If you have been injured because of medical negligence or because of the irresponsibility of someone else, please contact us at Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC online or call (270) 444-0406 today.