Lawsuits Resulting From Cosmetic Surgery Malpractice
About two million cosmetic surgeries are performed in the United States every year, and while most patients are happy with their results, some suffer serious injuries when the surgeon and the medical team they trust provides substandard care, causing harm.
Like any surgery, cosmetic or “plastic” surgery carries some risks, which include infection, anesthesia complications, blood clots, scarring, and tissue or nerve damage. Specific procedures also pose certain risks for patients. Here are some of the most common risks resulting in lawsuits for cosmetic surgery malpractice:
Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, but when performed improperly, it can result in injuries from severe fluid loss, swelling that does not resolve, severe bruising that can lead to additional complications, scarring or pitting of the skin, and numbness in the treated area. In severe cases, these injuries can lead to permanent loss of function in a limb or even death.
Rhinoplasty
A “nose job,” if improperly performed, can cause lifelong problems with nosebleeds, difficulty breathing through the nose due to damage to the nasal passages or sinuses, or numbness in and around the nose that leads to a loss of the sense of smell or other complications.
Breast Augmentation
Problems with early silicone implants caused them to be removed from the market and replaced with saline, gel, and silicone in a different design. Nonetheless, problems with implants have not vanished. They can include broken or ruptured implants, implants that “migrate” due to improper placement, or hardening of the implant or tissue surrounding it.
The goal of cosmetic surgery is to help a person feel more comfortable and confident in their own body. When malpractice occurs, the person may be left with serious discomfort or pain, as well as other permanent disfigurements or disabilities they never anticipated having. If you’ve been injured in cosmetic surgery, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer who can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. Contact Berger Lagnese & Paul, LLC today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.