Negligent Cosmetic Surgery - Surgical Negligence

Negligent Cosmetic Surgery

Over the past few decades we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people choosing to have cosmetic surgery procedures performed; whether the operations are to improve some part of the anatomy that people are not totally content with, or to assist with improving the appearance of an injury, surgical site or other issue. The procedures are normally successful and without short or long term side-effects. However, on some occasions things don’t go so smoothly and errors occur, in some cases leaving patients disfigured, in pain, or even dead.

Breast enlargement is the most popular cosmetic procedure for women in the UK and is often carried out either as part of reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy or purely for cosmetic purposes. It is considered a full surgical procedure, and as a result can only be performed by fully qualified surgeons. Fortunately, as it is a popular procedure, there are a large number of suitably qualified doctors who can handle this operation very efficiently. However, up to one in three women will require further surgery within ten years of their first operation. Scarring, bleeding, infections, numbness and loss of nipple sensitivity are just some of the complications that can arise.

One hospital in Barnsley has paid out almost £700,000 in compensation to a group of women, all of whom suffered negligent treatment at the hands of one of the hospital’s surgeons. In one of the cases the doctor had told the patient “I won’t put you to sleep for this one”.

If you have an excess of body fat, a popular way to have it removed is by liposuction. This procedure essentially involves the fat being sucked out of the body, but it can cause a range of issues after the operation including infection, scarring, and numbness. There is also an increased risk from embolism; when fat is loosened and enters the bloodstream, alongside the risk of visceral perforations, when organs are punctured.

One shocking example is that of former Scotland footballer Colin Hendry’s wife, who died after an operation to correct damage from a botched liposuction operation that nearly killed her at the time. Denise Hendry contracted an infection following the corrective operation and following a claim for compensation the family received £300,000 – the largest cosmetic negligence pay-out in UK history.

Botox has become increasingly popular with people who wish to look younger by ironing out the wrinkles in their face. It is not often that doctors or clinicians willingly inject patients with highly toxic substances, but that is precisely what Botox is: ‘botulinum toxin’. Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and it is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances in existence. Botox is also used therapeutically in some muscle-related conditions

While it is a prescribed medicine, it is rather concerning that you do not have to be a registered healthcare professional to administer it. Complications include bleeding, unintended muscle weakness, eyelid droop, speech and breathing difficulties, infection and allergic reaction to the procedure.

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