Cosmetic surgery remains a popular method of enhancing one’s appearance, with more options than ever for patients. But going under the knife is always risky, regardless of the nature of the procedure. There are several different risks that patients should know about before they opt for surgery.
Unfortunately, not all plastic surgeons are the same in terms of experience and skill. Every year, approximately 13% of these practitioners face medical malpractice claims for poor work that causes harm to their patients. If you’ve been injured by a plastic surgeon in Central New York, it’s time to speak with the medical malpractice attorneys of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC.
Risks, Complications, and How to Address Them
Regardless of the type of procedure you want, it is imperative to your health that you have a full understanding of the hazards involved. These are potential problems and what you should do if you encounter them:
- Internal organ damage: Any form of surgery risks physical trauma to one’s internal organs. For example, liposuction can cause perforations or punctures when the surgical instruments come in contact with vital organs. These are potentially life-threatening injuries that will require additional surgery and monitoring for several weeks.
- Nerve damage: Many patients experience nerve damage after their cosmetic surgery procedures, with numbness and tingling being common. These effects may be temporary or permanent; up to 15% of women who have had breast augmentation, for instance, experienced permanent changes in nipple sensation. Medications and physical therapy are two potential treatment options.
- Infection: This remains one of the most prevalent problems in cosmetic surgery and may be due to unclean instruments or other sanitation issues. One particular complication is cellulitis, which occurs when bacteria enters the skin. Infection can be fatal if it is not properly treated and may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics for particularly severe cases.
- Scarring: Although many people choose cosmetic surgery for improving their aesthetic appeal, the procedure can ironically leave a patient with undesirable scarring. Patients may encounter problems as nerve endings grow back in the affected area, leaving them with itchy and painful skin. A doctor can perform revision surgery to mitigate the appearance of the scar.
- Anesthesia problems: Because many patients must undergo anesthesia for their procedures, there is a heightened risk of complications such as lung infections, strokes, and heart attacks. In some cases too much anesthesia can cause death. A doctor will need to place the patient on a regimen of proper hydration, nutrition, medication, and rest to ensure recovery.
Steps to Take If You Have Any Issues
After a cosmetic surgery procedure, you should follow your doctor’s instructions and monitor your own condition until you are fully healed. If you notice any complications such as the ones listed above, it is vital that you report them to your doctor for immediate medical attention. You should also take the additional steps:
- Make personal notes about your experience: Keep a journal to document any problems you encounter because of your surgery, including pain and bodily limitations.
- Save all records related to your procedure: This includes everything related to the actual surgery as well as documents pertaining to any post-operative care you receive.
- Consider a second opinion: There is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion from another medical professional, especially if you suspect your plastic surgeon did something wrong.
- Contact our experienced medical malpractice attorney: For patients in Syracuse and Central New York, our legal team is ready to advise you of your options for seeking compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
CDH Law is experienced with handling cases of medical malpractice involving cosmetic surgery. Reach out to us and get started with your legal matter today.