Plastic surgery combines the precision of medical science with the intricacy of aesthetics. Whether it’s elective cosmetic work or necessary reconstructive surgery, patients place a great deal of trust in their surgeons and the healthcare system. When that trust is broken through a surgical error, the consequences can be devastating, not only physically, but emotionally and financially as well.
If you or a loved one has suffered complications, disfigurement, or lasting harm due to a plastic surgery mistake, you may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim. At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our experienced South Carolina plastic surgery error attorneys are here to help you understand your legal rights and hold negligent providers accountable.
What Constitutes a Plastic Surgery Error?
Plastic surgery errors refer to preventable mistakes made during cosmetic or reconstructive procedures that result in patient injury or unsatisfactory outcomes. While every surgery carries some risk, a mistake that occurs due to carelessness, poor training, or deviation from the accepted standard of care may constitute malpractice.
Plastic surgery malpractice can involve both elective (e.g., liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelifts) and reconstructive procedures (e.g., post-mastectomy reconstruction, trauma repair). Regardless of the reason for the surgery, the surgeon is required to adhere to established medical standards.
Common Examples of Plastic Surgery Mistakes
Errors in plastic surgery can result from poor surgical technique, miscommunication among staff, improper patient screening, or negligent post-operative care. Some of the most common errors include:
- Nerve Damage
Poor incision technique or aggressive tissue handling can lead to permanent numbness, loss of sensation, or chronic pain in areas like the face, breast, or limbs.
- Excessive Scarring or Disfigurement
Improper suturing, poor surgical planning, or neglect of healing complications can result in significant cosmetic deformities or keloid scarring.
- Wrong-Site Surgery
Operating on the wrong body part, such as performing a procedure on the wrong breast or side of the face, is a shocking but preventable form of negligence.
- Anesthesia Errors
Inadequate anesthesia management can result in oxygen deprivation, cardiac arrest, or awareness during surgery.
- Infections and Poor Wound Healing
A failure to maintain sterile conditions or provide adequate postoperative instructions can lead to infections, abscesses, and delayed healing.
- Improper Implant Use
Using the wrong size or type of implant, or improperly placing an implant, can lead to pain, distortion, and the need for revision surgery.
- Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
Patients must be informed of the risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes. If they are not, and complications occur, the surgeon may be liable, even if the procedure itself was technically correct.
Medical Malpractice vs. Bad Results
Not every undesirable cosmetic outcome is considered malpractice. Some degree of asymmetry, scarring, or healing complications is possible, even when the surgeon performs appropriately. However, if a mistake occurred that a competent surgeon would have avoided, and that mistake caused harm, you may have a valid legal claim.
Signs that you may have experienced malpractice include:
- Severe or unexpected complications
- Lack of informed consent
- The need for additional corrective procedures
- Poor wound care or follow-up support
- Physical disfigurement inconsistent with standard expectations
Psychological and Emotional Harm
Plastic surgery malpractice doesn’t just affect a person’s appearance, it can severely damage their self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal due to the physical outcome.
In legal terms, these emotional consequences may be classified as non-economic damages, and they play a critical role in determining appropriate compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be legally responsible for the injury, including:
- The plastic surgeon or physician who performed the procedure
- An anesthesiologist involved in the surgery
- Nurses or surgical assistants who failed to monitor or report complications
- The clinic or surgical center for improper staffing, supervision, or sanitation
- AÂ medical device manufacturer, if a defective implant contributed to the injury
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties.
Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover
A successful plastic surgery malpractice claim can include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (surgery, hospitalization, follow-up care)
- Costs of revision or corrective procedures
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Disfigurement and embarrassment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases involving especially reckless or unethical conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to deter similar misconduct by the provider or facility.
How We Prove Plastic Surgery Malpractice
To succeed in a malpractice case, we must show:
- The provider owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty by deviating from accepted medical standards.
- You suffered an injury as a direct result.
- You incurred damages from the injury.
Proving this requires the testimony of expert witnesses, usually licensed plastic surgeons, who can explain how the defendant’s actions fell short and caused your injury. We handle this process from start to finish, so you don’t have to carry that burden alone.
Why Choose McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates?
Plastic surgery cases are medically and emotionally complex. At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we have the experience, resources, and compassion to guide clients through these challenging cases.
Here’s what we offer:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- Deep experience in South Carolina medical malpractice law
- Access to top-tier medical experts
- A no-fee promise unless we recover compensation for you
- Seven convenient office locations across the Midlands
We understand how personal these cases are. That’s why we treat every client with dignity, privacy, and the commitment to help them move forward with confidence.
Contact Our Plastic Surgery Error Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a plastic surgery error, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Let our experienced attorneys investigate your case and help you determine whether you are entitled to financial recovery.
Call McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates today to schedule your free consultation.
It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help.®
