Cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure that changes the structure and appearance of a person’s body without a medical reason to do so.
Examples of cosmetic surgery procedures include:
- Breast implants
- Liposuction
- Face lifts
- Tummy tucks
- Vaginal rejuvenation – labiaplasties and vaginoplasties
Cosmetic vs plastic surgeons
A plastic surgeon is a specialised doctor who has completed formal post-graduate training (of around 12 years) to become qualified as a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
Until recently, a cosmetic surgeon did not have to complete any additional formal training.
After the media aired shocking programs showing the extent of the poor practices in the cosmetic surgery industry, the medical regulator (AHPRA) conducted investigations and released a report in August 2022 setting out 16 recommendations to improve the cosmetic surgery sector.
Cosmetic surgeons are not required to undergo the same training as plastic surgeons, and this is often reflected in the lower fees charged for the services they provide.
Poor cosmetic surgery results can be caused by poor technique, the incorrect choice of procedure and/or poor care after the surgery.
Complications can include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement and/or scarring
If you believe you have experienced botched cosmetic surgery and would like to know what compensation you may be entitled to, you should speak with our medical negligence lawyers who specialise in cosmetic surgery negligence.
Our lawyers have extensive experience with all types of cosmetic surgery negligence and have settled multiple claims against high profile rogue cosmetic surgeons.
You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Compensation can include losses for income, medical expenses, physical and psychological harm and home expenses related to your injuries.
There are time limits for making a claim so you should not delay in making a free, no obligation enquiry. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will offer to run your matter on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Case Study
After breastfeeding two children Michelle had wanted to have her breasts lifted. She had a quote from a plastic surgeon and could not afford the cost of the procedure. She searched online and found a cosmetic surgeon who offered breast augmentation at an affordable price.
The surgeon offered to perform Michelle’s surgery in his clinic without the need for a general anaesthetic. He told her that she could also avoid the trouble and extra cost of a breast lift by having larger implants inserted.
Michelle underwent the surgery and was awake for the procedure. She was not properly sedated and felt severe pain through the whole procedure.
In the weeks after the procedure Michelle noticed that her breasts were much larger than she had originally agreed, and one breast was sitting higher than the other. She also had a painful, red wound under her left breast.
Michelle went back to the surgeon who told her that everything was normal, and it would take at least 6 months for her breasts to settle into their correct positions.
Michelle became increasingly unhappy with the appearance of her breasts which were very uneven and oddly shaped. She also noticed that her left breast had become hard.
Michelle tried to contact the surgeon, but he would not call her back.
Michelle contacted medical negligence lawyers who arranged for her to be examined by an expert plastic surgeon. Michelle was found to have oversized breasts, waterfall deformities, symmastia and a left sided capsular contracture. The surgeon had not performed the correct procedure on Michelle, had not provided her with proper aftercare and was found to have acted below a reasonable standard of care.
Michelle received compensation for her injuries and was able to afford corrective breast surgery by an experienced plastic surgeon in a private hospital. If you have been affected, get in touch with our friendly team
