In recent years, plastic surgery has become increasingly popular, with millions seeking cosmetic procedures each year. There are many obvious reasons for this like the craving in youth for the beauty in society and also the advances in Medicine and Technology has made easy access to these. However, plastic surgery is considered to be a high-risk speciality as far as malpractice litigation is concerned and this growing demand also increases the risk of medical negligence cases.
Common Specializations In Plastic Surgery
Aesthetic Or Cosmetic Surgery: Aesthetic surgery focuses on improving appearance. Procedures include facelifts (tightening sagging skin for a youthful look), Breast augmentation (enlarging or reshaping breasts), and liposuction (removing excess fat for a slimmer figure). These surgeries are performed by Professional Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeons.
Reconstructive Surgeries: Reconstructive surgeries restore form and functions to damaged areas. This includes Trauma Reconstruction (repairing injuries from accidents and violence), Cancer reconstruction (rebuilding areas affected by cancer removal), and birth defect correction (correcting physical abnormalities present at birth). Such surgeries help patients regain normalcy and are performed by reconstructive plastic surgeons.
Craniofacial Surgery: Such surgery corrects facial deformities and abnormalities. Procedure include facial deformity correction (improving facial structure and appearance) and cleft lip/palate repair (correcting birth defects affecting speech and eating). Craniofacial surgery enhances patients’ quality of life. Such surgeries are performed by professional craniofacial surgeons
Microsurgery: Microsurgery involves precise operations using microscopes. Specialties include Hand surgery (repairing damaged hands or fingers), Nerve repair (restoring nerve function and sensation) and Transplant surgery (transferring tissue from one body part to another). Microsurgery requires great skill and precision and are performed by Micro surgeons with specialised training in microsurgery
Common Errors In Plastic Surgeries
Inadequate Pre-Operative Planning: One of the most critical errors in plastic surgery is inadequate pre-operative planning. This can lead to unrealistic expectations, incorrect procedure selection, insufficient patient preparation, failure in conducting thorough consultations, assessing patient health, taking consent and discussing potential risks and outcomes. It can result in complications, dissatisfaction, or even litigation.
Technical Errors during Surgery: Technical errors during surgery can have devastating consequences. Common mistakes include incorrect incision placement, inadequate tissue handling, or improper implant placement. These errors can result in complications, scarring, or irreversible damage.
Poor Post-Operative Care: Effective post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery and minimising complications. Errors in post-operative care can lead to infection, delayed healing, or unsatisfactory results.
Medical Negligence Cases In Plastic Surgeries
Plastic surgeons face several challenges, from complications during surgery to dissatisfaction with results. A single mistake in the procedure can lead to costly lawsuits, damaging both reputation and livelihood. One of the renowned Kannada actresses, who underwent liposuction (fat-free) surgery, tragically died. The actress developed complications as fluid accumulated in her lungs. Her parents accused the doctors of negligence and lodged a complaint.
Similarly, a Bangalore woman developed an infection after undergoing a fat-free surgery and alleged that the surgeon was responsible for the infection she developed post-surgery. Another case came from Hyderabad, where a man died during a cosmetic procedure to enhance his smile ahead of his wedding.
Recently, a surgeon has been ordered by the Namakkal District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to compensate a patient with Rs 12 lakh within four weeks for a medical negligence case in botched hernia surgery. Unfortunately, the cases of medical negligence and litigation against plastic surgeons are alarming. The cases mentioned above are just a fraction of the actual number of incidents, which are disturbingly high and the consequences of such litigation cases can be severe and far-reaching.
Consequences Of Medical Negligence Claims On Plastic Surgeons
When a medical negligence claim is made against a plastic surgeon, the consequences can be severe. Financially, the surgeon may face costly settlements or legal fees, which can be crippling. Defending against negligence claims can be Emotionally and Mentally Draining.
Beyond financial losses, a negligence claim can damage a surgeon’s reputation. Patients may lose trust in the surgeon’s abilities, leading to reduced referrals and a decline in business. Colleagues may view the surgeon with scepticism, straining professional relationships.
The emotional impact of a negligence claim should not be underestimated. Surgeons may experience emotional distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Self-doubt can creep in, eroding confidence and affecting overall well-being. Professional consequences can be equally devastating. Authorities may suspend or revoke the surgeon’s licence, effectively ending their career. The stress of negligence claims can affect overall quality of life, making it essential for plastic surgeons to secure their future and career with Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Importance Of Professional Indemnity Insurance For Plastic Surgeons
Professional Indemnity Insurance is important for plastic and cosmetic surgeons. It protects them financially if a patient is unhappy with their surgery results or files a medical negligence claim. Professional Indemnity Insurance helps cover damages and maintains the doctor’s reputation. Additionally, it safeguards the practice’s assets against unexpected events like negligence claims. Due to the high-risk environment faced by plastic surgeons, the previous policy explicitly excluded them. However, at CoverYou, we prioritise the well-being of our plastic surgeons. We have recently got this policy implemented to include plastic surgeons in our exclusive professional indemnity coverage. In today’s litigious environment, Professional indemnity insurance gives plastic surgeons peace of mind, allowing them to focus on providing excellent patient care without worrying about financial risks.
CoverYou’s Professional Indemnity Insurance
Protect your practice with CoverYou, India’s leading insurance broker for doctors, backed by the Indian Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (IAAPS) and 75+ medical associations. With expertise gained from consulting 500,000+ doctors nationwide, we offer customised professional indemnity insurance. Our panel of 500+ senior Doctors and 10,000+ Medico-Legal lawyers ensures strong legal backup. In case of a medical lawsuit, we allocate lawyers within 2 hours, providing 24/7 support. Enjoy exclusive benefits like discounted premiums, multi-year policies, and expert medico-legal guidance.
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