A Guide To Dealing with Cosmetic Surgery Cases

When plastic or cosmetic surgery goes wrong, there are many emotional consequences and these can be disastrous. The patient may be embarrassed when discussing it and they may feel helpless and guilty. You may have heard about the tragedy that beset one man in September in Russia where a many who was in his 30s that wasn't pleased with the outcome of his surgery, shot his doctor, and himself. The incident is in the Telegraph.

In this tragedy, it's clearly evident that the man was very distressed and thought that this was how to handle the situation. Many believe that when the doctor suggested psychological help it trigged the anger that the man had.

According to Robert Barker, a Partner at M R Law, and who specializes in such personal injury cases and such medical negligence for over 20 years, many clients are very emotionally distressed. They can feel very let down regarding their expectations form the surgeon or the service provider. The decision to have cosmetic surgery may have been difficult, to begin with. Now, they have serious self-confidence issues and are very self-conscious. When the patient becomes distressed due to the failed surgery, serious psychological issues may surface. They have to find a way to come to come to terms with what has happened and now they feel that this feature is highlighted in their body. They're upset, feel scrutinized and self-conscious. It's completely opposite of what they were anticipating.

Cosmetic Surgery Industry

Per the data compiled by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, well over 45,000 Britons have undergone cosmetic surgeries in the year 2014 alone. The typical surgical procedures were breast augmentations. As many as 19 percents were blepharoplasty or eyelids. Then, face and neck lifts were at 14 percent and breast reduction at 12 percent. Liposuction was at 10 percent and most of these, as many as 91 percent, were women.

Man After Eyelid Surgery

Sadly, many believe that the cosmetic surgery is going to change their lives for the good and it will improve their well-being. While most of the cases turn out fine, there are a few that have serious consequences. Many of the patients have emotional trauma and the impact on their lives is devastating.

When the PIP implant started to unfold, the scandal revealed that many had gone through serious stress prior to their surgery. The surgeons have confirmed that the implants weren't all manufactured by Poly Implant Prothese. So, 47,000 women in Britain were given PIP breast implants that were substandard and made with industrial silicone in lieu of medical-grade silicone. Many of these women have undergone surgeries to have their PIP implants removed. Still others have them in and can't afford to have them removed let alone replace them.

Before Surgery

If you're considering having cosmetic surgery, you need to know that there are many risks and potential consequences. When you conduct your research, be sure that you're checking the qualification of the doctors and that you're completely reading the details of the consent forms. Be sure that you're reading the potential risks that are associated with the type of cosmetic surgery that you're considering. Your surgeon will give you counsel so that you understand if you're fit for the surgery and they will tell you what you can anticipate.

The patients must be given counsel and a two-week cooling off time before they undergo the surgical procedure. The Care Standards Act of 2002 will show them the minimum standards for private clinics and it will ensure that all of the practitioners have been appropriately recruited as well as trained. It will also ensure that they're qualified for the procedures.

After Surgery

If you're not happy with your surgery there are routes to take. Up to 20 percent of patients aren't happy with the results of their cosmetic surgery. In many cases, it's only a matter of time for healing to see a positive result. The surgeon must explain all of the processes and give accurate advice regarding the aftercare so that the stress is minimized.

However, sometimes, the healing process is going to take longer than normal. For some people, this is normal. this is when the complaint should be made to the clinic. The clinic may or may not offer a refund or discount depending on the specific circumstances.

If they don't believe that there's been any negligence, a second opinion may be needed. Visit another doctor and get that second opinion. This will help to explain what is going on and may get the person the help that they need.

It's also important to note if corrective treatment is required to "fix" the botched surgery. Many clients won't have the money for it. This is why they seek compensation for the treatment that is required to repair the original botched surgery.

Frequently, clients are seeking compensation so that they can have the corrective surgery. It's important to establish medical negligence. It takes a lot of faith and courage to invest in wellbeing and find out that you get the opposite. Many feel guilty for not researching a procedure. Others think that they could never prove negligence.

To begin with, it's important to note if treatment wasn't successful.

Get a second opinion. Did the consultant offer plenty of information? Did you fully understand the risks that were associated with the procedure? Was aftercare offered or substandard? Was a defective product used? Did the surgery put you at a higher risk due to a defective product? If you're still not sure, or if you think that you've been the victim of a medical negligence, and you want to be compensated, speak with a medical or a clinical negligence solicitor. Ask others for recommendations if thy've been in your situation. When you select a solicitor, ensure that you completely understand the fees and the success rate. Ask questions, a lot of questions. Good solicitors are honest and upfront about their fees. Ask the surgeon all of your questions and maybe consider taking a friend to help you remember the conversation. Focus on your needs and the hopes you have on the procedure, is it feasible that the procedure will make your dreams come true? If you're not sure about the procedure, take some time and do some research, it just may save you later if you didn't like the procedure. Ask questions, and then ask more questions.

Cormac Reynolds writes for Dore Aesthetics - http://www.dore.sg/hair-removal/ - and has written numerous times about cosmetic surgery law and issues. ​