As the stigmas associated with plastic surgery have begun to die down, the number of people receiving elective reconstructive surgery each year has increased. Plastic surgery is not covered by most health insurances—unless considered medically necessary, like rhinoplasties for deviated septums. These can be, depending on the procedure, quite pricey.
So what do you do when you pay thousands of dollars for an expensive procedure only to end up with aches and pains? With the help of your dedicated Mesa personal injury lawyer, the answer is to file a claim.
When Is Plastic Surgery Considered Medical Malpractice?
Plastic surgery, though mostly elective, is treated the same way as any other medical procedure. When you enter the operating room, there is a certain quality expectation of the doctors, nurses, and hospital. If they fail to meet the expected standard of care and you are a victim of negligence at your doctor’s hands, you are eligible to file a claim for medical malpractice. Damages are owed for reconstructive surgery to fix the mistakes as well as compensation for any other physical or emotional damage.
However, there are also cases where your botched plastic surgery is not considered medical malpractice. Examples where you are likely not eligible to file a claim include:
- General unhappiness about the aesthetic results of the surgery
- Feelings of regret
- Experiencing predicted levels of pain and post-procedure discomfort
If you feel you are a victim of negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Arizona has a two-year window to file for medical malpractice, and it is advisable to begin the process as soon as you recognize the warning signs.
3 Signs Your Plastic Surgery Has Gone Wrong
There are many ways your cosmetic surgery can go wrong. Your doctor may have ignored your allergies chart, operated with infected tools, or you were given too much or too little anesthesia. It may take a couple of days, but the human body does a good job of alerting you to any potential problems. Three warning signs to look out for include the following:
Lingering Pain
A certain level of discomfort is expected when in recovery. Post-operation will often require the patient to take it pretty easy, and your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication. However, if your pain is severe or goes far past what your doctor described as standard, this may indicate something is wrong.
Paralysis
If you find yourself temporarily or permanently unable to move the parts of your body that were operated on, it is vital to have yourself checked out by a doctor immediately. Have your surgical records on hand to show your doctor so they know what exactly to look out for. Paralysis can be a sign of nerve damage.
Excessive Bleeding
Typical side effects of cosmetic surgery can include sensitivity, puffiness, and bleeding. Your doctor will inform you of what to expect before and after surgery so you know what is normal. Excessive bleeding, or bleeding that does not stop after the predicted date, may be a sign your body is not handling the procedure as expected. It may also be a sign of medical malpractice. Losing too much blood can be dangerous, and it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.
Is Your Botched Plastic Surgery a Result of Medical Malpractice? Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney Today
You trust your surgeon to provide you with a certain level of care. When this trust is broken and you are left with severe medical complications and piles of hospital bills, you can feel lost and betrayed. Feller & Wendt has a team of compassionate and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers that are here and ready to help you begin the process of healing.
We will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, use our contact form or call us at (480) 702-2277.
