Plastic surgery is being offered to Americans as a way to maintain their youth and improve their appearance. Surgery is being offered to patients, improve the condition of their faces, chests, abdomens, legs, hips, and buttocks. To the extent that any surgery can be called minor, some types of procedures are truly minor and can be done safely in the doctor's office or in a surgery center. Other types of procedures are major procedure requiring a hospital admission. All types of surgeries carry risks, and the failure of the surgeon to advise the patient of those risks and to account for them in the care of the patient can be the basis of a plastic surgery medical malpractice lawsuit. Plastic surgeons may be subject to a medical malpractice lawsuit for many reasons including:
Failure to obtain informed consent: most plastic surgeries are truly elective, and the failure of the surgeon to outline for the patient the risks of the procedures can be the basis of a medical malpractice case against the plastic surgeon;
Improper surgical technique, including removal of inadequate or excessive tissue or improper placement of implants;
Excessive scarring or nerve damage;
Failure to perform the surgery with proper sterile technique; or
Anesthesia or blood loss accidents, especially when the procedure is done in the office or in an out-patient surgical center.
