Cosmetic surgery, also known as plastic surgery, is any surgical procedure which enhances appearance. Cosmetic surgery may be elective, or performed for reconstructive or corrective purposes. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 11.7 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are available. The Aesthetic Society also reported a 450 percent increase in the number of cosmetic procedures performed from 1997 to 2007. Botox injections and liposuction were the most popular procedures in 2007.

Despite their typically voluntary nature, plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are not without risks and the potential for malpractice. In addition to the risks typically associated with surgeries – infection, blood clots and anesthesia complications, among others – there are many procedure-specific dangers associated with plastic surgeries. Breast augmentation, for example, can result in nerve damage, scarring or asymmetry. Liposuction can pose dangers including abdominal or organ perforation, internal bleeding and disfigurement. Less invasive procedures can similarly result in nerve damage, blistering or pulmonary embolism.

While adverse surgical outcomes are sometimes unavoidable, surgeons, other cosmetic physicians and their staff members may perform procedures incorrectly, fail to recognize the signs of potential complications or fail to properly monitor patients post-procedure. Additionally, some plastic surgery clinics do not have the equipment or staff necessary for handling surgical or post-surgical emergencies.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of plastic surgery negligence, it is crucial to consult with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, financial loss, emotional distress and past, current and future medical expenses. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Our dedicated trial lawyers can also help you deal with your insurance company, as well as the insurer of the other party or parties. The insurance companies have lawyers working hard to minimize their payouts; you need a medical malpractice attorney who will work just as hard for you.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to helping our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.