Elective surgery becomes a case of medical malpractice

The decision to have cosmetic surgery is often a very personal one. For some reason, the individual is not satisfied with how a particular part of his or her body looks and decides that elective cosmetic surgery is the answer. The Massachusetts residents will generally research the doctor and the procedure to determine the best choice for both. As the day for the procedure approaches, the individual is usually excited and a little apprehensive; however, the idea that the procedure will turn into a case of medical malpractice is generally not considered.

In 2015, two women decided to travel thousands of miles for a cosmetic procedure known as a Brazilian Butt Lift. This was supposed to be an out-patient procedure that would give the patient a firmer yet slightly larger backside. Unfortunately, for these two women, the procedure apparently did not go as planned and rather than being the expected out-patient procedure it became an on-going medical problem.

According to reports, one of the women suffered a punctured colon as a result; fluid began leaking into her body. Rather than going home in a timely manner, she remained in the hospital in a comatose state for the next four months. The other woman suffered from punctures to her liver, abdominal wall and chest. After complaining of extreme pain, doctors performed exploratory surgery and discovered these problems. An administrative judge has recently found the doctor who performed these two procedures engaged in medical malpractice; it is now likely (if they have not done so already) that these women will decide to pursue a claim against the doctor in a civil court.

Many Massachusetts residents will decide to undergo elective cosmetic surgery. For most, the results will be as anticipated and the patient will be happy. However, it is possible that a mistake will be made and medical malpractice will occur. If this does happen, and the patient suffers as a result, he or she will want to discuss the situation with an experienced attorney to decide the best option for seeking legal recourse.

Source: NBC Miami, “Judge: Plastic Surgeon Committed Medical Malpractice“, McNelly Torres, Jan. 9, 2017