Plastic Surgery Mistakes: When Cosmetic Procedures Turn Dangerous

Plastic surgery is often sold as simple, safe, and transformative. But, when something goes wrong, the damage can be life-changing, or even fatal. Mistakes during cosmetic procedures can lead to serious injury, permanent disfigurement, or even death. Such was the case for a 39-year-old Chicago mother who went in for a routine liposuction procedure in November 2019 and died due to preventable complications.

Not every disappointing or fatal result is a legal case. However, when a provider causes preventable harm by failing to meet accepted standards of care, patients and their families have options. Operating on the wrong body part, using excessive anesthesia, failing to monitor a patient after surgery, or allowing untrained staff to assist in surgery are examples of medical negligence, not just accidents. 

Those harmed by negligence on the part of their plastic surgeons may be entitled to compensation. If your injuries were the result of medical malpractice by a plastic surgeon, our team at DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, LLC can help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your options and the best course forward. 312-263-7560.

Serious Risks of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery may be elective, but it’s still surgery. As such, it carries real medical risks – some temporary, some permanent, and a few that can be fatal. While every patient signs a consent form outlining possible complications, many aren’t fully prepared for what can go wrong.

Common Medical Complications

Surgery involves cutting into the body, altering tissue, and introducing foreign materials. Even with proper technique, this may create a range of complications. Some of the most common of these include:

Blood Clots and Pulmonary Embolism

One of the most dangerous risks after plastic surgery is the formation of blood clots. These can travel to the lungs and block airflow, a condition known as pulmonary embolism. It’s most common after procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, or body lifts, especially when patients are immobile for long periods after surgery.

Infection and Sepsis

Infection is a risk with any surgical incision. When left untreated, localized infections can spread quickly and trigger sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms like fever, confusion, shortness of breath, or wound discharge should be treated as red flags.

Anesthesia Complications

Anesthesia errors can result in serious brain or heart damage. Some patients experience an allergic reaction or aren’t properly monitored during sedation. In extreme cases, improper dosing can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or death.

Internal Injuries

During abdominal procedures, such as tummy tucks or liposuction, nearby organs may be punctured or damaged. These internal injuries may not be immediately obvious, making them especially dangerous.

The Chicago mother who recently died due to plastic surgery complications reportedly suffered internal bleeding. Her doctor didn’t check on her following the procedure, and the signs of her condition went unnoticed. 

Long-Term Physical Effects

Plastic surgery complications don’t always end when the sutures come out. Some patients face ongoing health issues that affect their quality of life for months or years. These include:

Nerve Damage

Some cosmetic procedures, particularly facelifts, breast augmentations, and nose jobs, can result in nerve injury. Such damage may cause tingling, numbness, or even permanent loss of sensation in certain areas of the body or face.

Chronic Pain

Pain that persists long after healing may be a sign of surgical error, nerve involvement, or complications like scar tissue buildup. In some cases, revision surgery is needed to address ongoing pain.

Poor Wound Healing

Scars are often expected. However, in some cases, the skin doesn’t heal properly. Patients may develop thick, raised scars (keloids) or wounds that reopen or become infected. Smoking, poor nutrition, or inadequate post-op care can increase the risk.

Who Can Be Held Liable When Plastic Surgery Goes Wrong?

When negligent mistakes happen during plastic surgery procedures, causing adverse effects, it often involves more than one party. The surgeon may be the most visible player, but liability can extend to a range of professionals and facilities involved in the procedure. An experienced Chicago surgical error lawyer can help identify those who may share liability for a patient’s injuries. Those who may bear financial responsibility for plastic surgery malpractice include:

The Plastic Surgeon

The surgeon is often the central figure in these cases. They’re responsible for everything from surgical planning to execution and post-op care. If they make a preventable error, such as operating on the wrong site, misusing instruments, or ignoring post-op complications, they may be sued for medical malpractice.

When post-op negligence turns fatal, Chicago families have options. In a wrongful death malpractice lawsuit filed by the Chicago woman’s family, the jury entered a damages award of $56 million against the doctor who performed the procedure. That amount was increased with post-judgment interest to $66.262 million by the court.

The Anesthesiologist

Anesthesia-related injuries account for a significant portion of surgical malpractice claims. If the anesthesiologist fails to monitor the patient, administers too much or too little medication, or misses signs of distress, they may be held accountable.

Anesthesiologists are often independent contractors or part of separate practices. As such, they may be sued separately from the surgeon or clinic for damages resulting from plastic surgery mistakes.

Surgical Nurses and Staff

Support staff play a key role in any surgical procedure. Errors in monitoring, sterilization, medication, or equipment handling can create serious complications. If a nurse or assistant acts negligently during or after the procedure, they, and their employer, could be included in the lawsuit. 

The Surgical Facility or Clinic

The location of the surgery matters. Many cosmetic procedures take place in outpatient centers or medical spas rather than hospitals. If the facility fails to follow basic safety protocols, lacks proper equipment, or doesn’t have emergency resources in place, it may share legal responsibility. For example, facility liability often involves:

• Poor staff training
• Lack of emergency protocols
• Failure to screen or credential surgeons properly
• Inadequate post-operative monitoring

Additionally, some high-volume clinics are owned by private equity firms or corporate management groups. When such firms and groups put profits over patient care, like pushing too many surgeries in a day or hiring underqualified surgeons, contribute to the injury, they may be financially liable.

Medical Device or Product Manufacturers

If a defective implant, surgical tool, or device contributed to the injury, the manufacturer might be responsible under product liability law. Such cases may run parallel to malpractice claims, but may require different strategies and evidence.

What to Do If You’re Harmed During a Plastic Surgery Procedure in Illinois

Complications after plastic surgery aren’t always immediate. You might start with swelling, discomfort, or numbness and be told it’s normal. However, if something feels off, especially if you’re in increasing pain, develop signs of infection, or aren’t healing as expected, it’s important to act fast. 

Delays can worsen the injury, and make it harder to prove your case later. Therefore, if you believe you’re experiencing complications, take the following actions:

Get a Second Medical Opinion

Your first priority is your health. If something isn’t healing, or you’re experiencing symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, discharge from the incision site, or sharp pain – get medical help immediately.

Preferably, get evaluated by a provider who isn’t affiliated with the original surgeon or clinic. A second opinion not only protects your health, it may also uncover the error that caused your injury. The medical documentation from a second opinion may be essential if you decide to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice.

Preserve All Records and Evidence

Having records and evidence to support your claim is also essential when pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit for plastic surgery gone wrong. Therefore, it’s advisable to save everything connected to your surgery, including:

• Pre-surgery consultation notes
• Informed consent forms
• Bills and payment receipts
• Texts, emails, or other messages with the provider or clinic
• Discharge and aftercare instructions
• Photos showing the surgical area before and after

Request a full copy of your medical records from the facility that performed the surgery. Under Illinois law, patients have a right to access their records, and healthcare providers are required to produce them upon request, although some may charge fees for copies. Such documentation may help establish the elements of negligence for your case, as well as provide information for the affidavit of merit for medical malpractice cases your lawyer will need to file on your behalf.

Speak With an Illinois Medical Malpractice Attorney

Plastic surgery malpractice cases often come with challenges. You’ll need to prove the surgeon or clinic acted below the accepted standard of care, and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. Therefore, it may be of benefit to work with an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer. An attorney can review your case and explain your options, request medical opinions, handle communications with insurers and providers, ensure compliance with Illinois filing requirements, and calculate your full losses.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to negligence on the part of a plastic surgeon or surgical facility, you have rights. Contact our team at DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino, LLC today to discuss your options for pursuing compensatory damages. 312-263-7560.