Failed Cosmetic Surgery Leaves Patients Suffering

In 2018, there were more than 4.3 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures performed in the U.S. Breast augmentation continues to be the number one cosmetic surgical procedure, with more than 1.8 million procedures. It seems so common that many people overlook the dangers. Plastic surgeons have a responsibility to inform patients about the dangers and risks involved in cosmetic procedures. 

With the increased demand in cosmetic surgery, surgical enhancement, and plastic surgery procedures, there may also be an increase in the number of surgical errors and mistakes. Unfortunately, unsuspecting patients can be left disfigured or deformed after a botched operation.

Plastic Surgeon Malpractice Lawsuits

At least a dozen former patients of a doctor in California have joined in lawsuits after they claim they were injured, disfigured, or paralyzed because of botched operations. A 27-year-old mother is trying to learn to write again after her right hand was partially paralyzed. The victim claims Dr. Efrain Diego Gonzalez cut through 2 vital nerves during a breast augmentation surgery that has left her hand numb. 

Another patient said she was left with a mutilated belly button and severe infection after a tummy tuck. Another patient suffered an infection after breast augmentation and lost her nipple. It was only after these disastrous operations that the patients learned their surgeon had never been formally trained in plastic surgery. 

Before coming to California, Gonzalez had practiced plastic surgery in Puerto Rico but his medical license was taken away because he was not certified as a plastic surgeon. Unfortunately for the patients, Gonzalez was allowed to perform plastic surgery without certification in California. 

Eventually, the state filed a complaint for gross negligence and incompetence. The doctor surrendered his license to practice but not until a number of patients suffered at the hands of this doctor. 

Breast Augmentation Risks

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation involves, “using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.”

As with other surgical procedures, there are risks the patient should consider before deciding to undergo anesthesia and an invasive operation. Possible risks of breast augmentation surgery include: 

• Anesthesia risks
• Hemorrhage
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Scarring
• Wrong or faulty position of the implant
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Scar tissue around the implant 
• Fluid accumulation
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Chronic pain
• Possibility of revision surgery

Contact an Attorney After Plastic Surgery Malpractice

Patients who suffer a serious injury while under the care of a plastic surgeon may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional suffering. The attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian understand the difficult situation patients and families face after a plastic surgery injury. To discuss your case with a member of our legal team, fill out an online case evaluation form or call (866) 849-9899 today.