From television shows such as “The Swan” and “I Want a Famous Face” to movie stars emblazoned on magazine covers, society is always bludgeoning you with images of cosmetically enhanced people. However, just because cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure does not mean that medical malpractice doesn’t occur.

Kinds of Procedures

There are many cosmetic surgery procedures that can result in injury and even death. Eve basic operations such as Botox are subject to negligence. Common cosmetic malpractice lawsuits stem from aesthetic surgeries such as:

· Breast augmentation surgery

· Liposuction

· Forehead lifts

· Hair replacement

· Laser surgery

· Tummy tucks

· Eyelid surgery

Most of these are basic procedures. However, negligence during them can cause problems to arise that result in you needing additional, costly work done to repair the damage.

Do Your Research!

Cosmetic surgery malpractice was brought to the forefront by the relatively recent death of Donda West, rapper Kanye West’s mother. Donda died following numerous cosmetic surgery procedures; only after her death was it brought to light that her surgeon was not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform these procedures. Unfortunately—and very troubling—is the fact that this is neither rare nor unique.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, here are some essential tips to ensure your safety:

· Consult with your personal physician to make sure that your healthy enough to undergo the surgery

· Check that the American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies your surgeon. If they are, you can rest assured that he/she has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon

· Research your doctor’s hospital affiliations. If he/she is recognized by a hospital that means their work is held accountable by another organization

· Talk to some of the surgeon’s previous patients

· If an anesthesiologist will be used, do research on him/her. Anesthesia malpractice is a common culprit of medical malpractice lawsuits

Are You The Victim of Cosmetic Surgery Malpractice?

Here’s what you shouldn’t do:

· You don’t need to live with inferior and/or unwanted results

· You don’t need to be bullied into paying for another procedure to fix your surgeon’s mistakes

· And if you do need surgery to repair a surgeon’s negligence, you should never return to the same surgeon

If you have suffered as a result of a mistake during cosmetic surgery, it is important to let other people know. A cosmetic surgery malpractice lawsuit not only punishes the negligent surgeon, but can alert others to the dangers you suffered.