Plastic surgery has been on the rise since the early 2000s. And, cosmetic procedures have risen in popularity as well. With the increase in popularity, a lot of places are competing for the same customers. Some places offer a discount cosmetic procedure. But, are these procedures safe?
Cosmetic Surgeries And Procedures
According to the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons, there are almost 18 million cosmetic procedures per year. While some procedures require specific training and education, others only require a medical certification. As the cosmetic surgery trend continues to grow, the amount of problems tends to grow alongside it.
Cosmetic Procedure Injuries and Complications
When you consider cosmetic procedures don’t require special training or experience, it’s easy to see how people get hurt. A lack of real training and experience leads to increased risks with discount cosmetic procedures. Additionally, those without experience are more likely to offer discounts.
These are some of the unfortunate situations that occur during a discount cosmetic procedure. As with any sort of medical procedure, there are already inherent risks. Yet, unregulated cosmetic surgeries increase the risks. A lack of experience means the person performing the procedure won’t know how to safely handle dangerous reactions.
No Specific Training Required
When it comes to cosmetic procedures, the law doesn’t demand specific training. It’s a gray area. The law requires a medical license, but no experience or focused training. Doctors, nurses and even dentists can offer cosmetic procedures. Technically, the laws allow them to perform cosmetic procedures. This opens the door for many to offer cosmetic procedures without any experience at all.
Online Ads Lure Unaware Clients
Discount cosmetic procedures are at an all-time high. Those interested in altering their physical appearance are bombarded with discount ads. For example, advertisements offer up to 91% discounts for Brazilian butt lifts. Butt lifts are a popular type of cosmetic procedure next to breast enhancements, liposuction, and Botox. But, there is no specific medical training required to perform this procedure.
Negligence From Lack of Training
Here’s an example from recent news. Doctor Ayman Shahine is a New York gynecologist who decided to offer cosmetic surgeries. He has a slew of charges filed against him. The New York Board for Professional Medical Conduct made the charges.
Dr. Shahine was charged with gross incompetence and fraud. Additionally, there were charges of gross negligence against his medical practice. But, it didn’t stop him from offering cosmetic procedures in another state.
Dr. Shahine offered major discount prices to patients in Pennsylvania. He advertised the discount cosmetic procedures on Groupon. He botched several of the procedures. At least one patient landed on a popular tv show that tries to correct bad cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic Procedure Tourism Dangers
Not only are people seeking discounted cosmetic procedures. But some patients even travel to other countries for the discounted procedures. A Texas woman died from brain damage she suffered after having plastic surgery in Mexico.
A simple rhinoplasty surgery was disrupted due to anesthesia that was improperly administered. Although injected into her spine, the anesthesia flowed to her brain. Once there, it deprived her of oxygen and caused a massive heart attack.
The family decided to take her off life support due to her resulting brain damage. They are looking into filing a wrongful death lawsuit and a malpractice lawsuit. People file wrongful death lawsuits along with serious medical malpractice cases like this. Unfortunately, their case will be subject to Mexico’s laws.
Medical Malpractice
With every operation, there are inherent risks for undergoing the knife. So, who is responsible? Patients go to professional doctors to receive care and to better themselves. But, when a patient doesn’t achieve a perfect outcome doesn’t mean a doctor was negligent.
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional causes injury or death due to a negligent omission or act. The negligence may be due in part of incorrect diagnoses, aftercare, treatment, or health management. No formal training or experience is a form of negligence.
Proving Medical Malpractice
Patients must prove the four elements of negligence have occurred. The burden of proving the four elements lies on the patient in a malpractice lawsuit. The four elements are:
- A duty of care is owed by the physician
- The physician violated the applicable standard of care
- The patient suffered a compensable injury
- The injury is caused in fact and proximately caused by the substandard conduct
Third-Party Responsibility
When advertising a cheap cosmetic procedure, Groupon does not check for proper licensing or insurance. When promoting a company or service, Groupon is like a radio station or newspaper. They are an advertising outlet. Additionally, Groupon claims they have no liability or responsibility to the customer. But, this doesn’t always mean they aren’t also liable or responsible.
This adds to the complexity of medical malpractice lawsuits. Who is responsible for the injury or death caused by negligence? If you have questions about discount cosmetic procedure malpractice, speak to an attorney.
Discount Cosmetic Procedure Injury Lawyers In Philadelphia And New Jersey
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a discount cosmetic procedure, you should speak to a lawyer. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Kane & Silverman will listen to your situation for free. We will explain the law and the options you have. In some cases, you are entitled to compensation. Call or text us today at 215-232-1000 to speak to a professional member of our legal staff. Or, fill out our online contact form to set up your free medical malpractice consultation.
