The Real Danger of Doctor Negligence in Cosmetic Procedures

Every year, millions of cosmetic procedures are performed in the United States. These procedures range from minor procedures to major reconstructive surgeries.  In this article, the medical malpractice attorneys at MedMalFirm.com discuss the real dangers of doctor negligence in cosmetic procedures, as well as providing information you need to know if you have been injured during a surgical procedure.

Florida Case Heightens Concerns about Doctor Negligence

One case that is currently raising awareness to the potential risks of doctor negligence during cosmetic surgery is that of a Miami doctor accused of botching a number of cosmetic procedures.  Florida health officials began investigating the doctor after four separate patients came forward alleging they had been injured while under the doctor’s care.  All four injuries reportedly required hospitalization and treatment outside that expected from the cosmetic surgery.

What should have been routine procedures like liposuction or a “Brazilian butt lift” turned into weeks or months of additional hospital stays and treatment.  With one Brazilian butt lift procedure, Florida health officials stated that the doctor did not use the proper amount of local anesthesia and medications during the liposuction portion of the procedure, which contributed to excessive bleeding and complications.

According to the complaint, the four women underwent surgery in May 2015, within the same three day period.  Two of the patients reported tears to internal organs including the small intestine and liver, which caused blood infections.  One patient reportedly suffered respiratory failure and acute kidney failure.  After surgery, the doctor reportedly discharged the patients to local motels, which were not equipped to monitor them following surgery.  Two patients returned to his office the day following surgery complaining of pain, but were simply told to drink more fluids due to dehydration.  Another patient was found in her motel room in the overnight hours by her father who reported she was bleeding profusely.

The doctor at the heart of this ongoing investigation is not board certified in plastic surgery, and reportedly does not hold medical malpractice insurance.  It is unclear whether this information was provided to patients before they agreed to the surgical procedures.  If you have been injured during a surgical procedure and you believe that doctor negligence caused your injury, contact MedMalFirm.com to speak with one of our medical malpractice attorneys about your legal rights.

Cosmetic Procedure Rates on the Rise

One of the factors that makes the risks of doctor negligence more concerning is the fact that cosmetic procedures are being sought at a startlingly high rate.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported the following for 2015:

• The percentage of cosmetic procedures increased overall by 115 percent between 2000 and 2015
• In 2015, 15.9 million cosmetic procedures (minimally-invasive and surgical) were performed in the U.S.
• Since 2000, the number of popular procedures has increased dramatically, such as:
  • Buttocks lifts – Increased 252 percent
  • Breast lifts – Increased 89 percent
  • Upper arm lifts – Increased 4,959 percent
  • Lower body lifts – Increased 3,973 percent

Not only are the percentage increases startling, but so are the actual number of people undergoing such procedures.  Some of the most common types of cosmetic surgery performed in 2015, and the number of patients treated, include:

• Buttocks lift – 4,767
• Breast lift – 99,614
• Breast augmentation – 279,143
• Liposuction – 222,051
• Tummy tuck – 127,967
• Soft tissue fillers – 2.4 million
• Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) – 6.7 million
• Chemical peel – 1.3 million
• Microdermabrasion – 800,340

Like any medical procedure, cosmetic procedures are not without risk.  When there is the added threat of doctor negligence or lack of specific training, these risks increase exponentially.

Beware of Potential Red Flags

The ASPS cautions people considering cosmetic procedures to carefully select their healthcare professionals, choosing only highly qualified and trained experts.  Consider the following when choosing a plastic surgeon:

• Is he or she board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Does he or she have memberships to medical societies for plastic surgeons?
• Does he or she have education and training in plastic surgery?
• Does he or she have medical malpractice insurance?
• What sort of rating does the doctor and/or clinic have with the Better Business Bureau?
• What type of setting will surgery occur in? Hospital, clinic, in-office?
• Does an internet search yield positive or negative reviews?

These are just some of the questions that you may find it helpful to address before choosing a plastic surgeon.  Be aware of your surroundings and your instincts when visiting prospective doctor’s offices.  If you feel uncomfortable or something seems “off”, that may be a sign that you should look elsewhere.

Protect Your Legal Rights

Not only in Florida, but in every state, patients have a legal right to be treated in accordance with the standards of care and applicable laws.  When healthcare providers make mistakes, they may also be violating your legal rights.  Medical malpractice is a very serious problem, and unfortunately, it occurs far too frequently.  As the Florida case above suggests, doctor negligence in cosmetic procedures can have a deep impact on your life.

Even if you signed informed consent documents outlining the possibility of complications or side effects, it does not give your surgeon license to violate their duty of care to you.  If at any time you feel that you have received substandard care, it is important to talk to a doctor you can trust about any injuries you suffered and get treated right away.  It is also important to contact a medical malpractice attorney to determine if you have a case.

Whether you are concerned about care you have received, or have been injured due to medical malpractice or doctor negligence, it is important that you speak up and take action.  At MedMalFirm.com, we understand that you are going through a very difficult time, and we are here to offer you the support and guidance you need to protect your legal rights.  If you have any questions about medical malpractice, doctor negligence, or your rights as a patient, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. Fill out our online form, or call us toll free at 877-887-4850.