The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that 18.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2019. This statistic includes both extensive surgical procedures and cosmetic minimally invasive procedures. With a total cost of $16.7 billion, patients should be satisfied with their results. However, a botched plastic surgery can still happen.
What are the Most Common Types of Plastic Surgery?
During the 2010’s, there was an increase in some of the already very popular procedures. For example, breast augmentations increased by more than 40%, buttock lifts by more than 200%, and upper arm lifts by a whopping 5,000%.
The top five surgical procedures were:
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
- Facelift
Some of the most frequently requested procedures are also some of the most common to end in litigation. In an analysis of cases involving plastic surgeries, breast surgeries accounted for 34% of the cases examined while liposuction accounted for 18.3%.
The analysis also showed whether the patient or physician was ultimately favored. It appears that the type of procedure done could be a determining factor in who received support. While litigation involving body contouring frequently resulted in favor of the doctor, poor results from breast augmentations shifted in favor of the patient.
Minimal and Non-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures
The five most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedures include:
- Botulinum toxin type A
- Soft tissue fillers
- Noninvasive fat reduction
- Nonsurgical skin tightening
- Skin care and treatments
It is very important to remember that there are many minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed by individuals who hold no medical license. This could mean that a state’s medical malpractice laws would not apply. In those scenarios, be sure to contact an attorney licensed to practice law in your state because they will be able to inform you of your legal rights.
How Common Are Bad Plastic Surgeries?
It is not easy for a patient to receive compensation for medical malpractice, especially when the surgery performed was elective and cosmetic.
Although many may not take the complaints of someone with botched cosmetic surgery seriously, grounds for medical malpractice can be based on serious, life-changing complaints. These can stem from anesthesia complications, post-surgical infections, negligence, and even procedures that were performed by surgeons who were not licensed.
How to Prove Medical Malpractice in a Bad Plastic Surgery Case
Proving medical malpractice in cosmetic surgery cases can be more difficult than other types of medical malpractice. Plastic surgery has many sub-specialties, which can make it more difficult to find an expert witness to establish the medical standard of care.
While there is data showing that surgeons are more likely to win medical malpractice cases, there are also jury rewards in excess of $1 million for successful claimants.
When to Hire an Attorney for Bad or Botched Plastic Surgery
If you are suffering from a bad plastic surgery, you may have a right to compensation. An attorney who is an expert in medical malpractice will give you the best chance to receive that compensation. Click here to get in touch with an attorney for your case today.