Cosmetic surgery claims can often to lead to medical negligence claims due to the fact that it is an area of medicine which lacks any proper regulation in Ireland. It is imperative that anyone engaging in cosmetic surgery satisfy themselves that this is the appropriately qualified person to carry out the surgery in a professional and safe manner.
A relatively straight forward procedure can often times result in significant problems for people if it is not carried out in a professional and competent manner. Tiernan & Company Solicitors have successfully dealt with many claims in this area and would be happy to discuss any issues you may have.
Cosmetic procedures are becoming more popular and accessible in Ireland for many reasons. It could be a decision by an individual who wishes to alter a part of their appearance or it could necessary following an injury or for the correction of a disfigurement, or it could simply be a matter of improving ones self-esteem. Regardless of your reason for availing of cosmetic surgery, negligence on behalf of the surgeon or doctor is not something patients should have to worry about.
Unfortunately this is an area of medicine which lacks appropriate regulation in Ireland. As a result of this, there is a large number of surgeons not licensed to practice in Ireland, who are performing complicated surgical procedures in which they lack skill, knowledge and expertise which gives rise to significant complications.
It is important to note that any doctor on the general register in Ireland can brand themselves as a ‘cosmetic surgeon’. Finding yourself in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon will increase the chances of poor results, further surgery, added expense and emotional distress
Examples of common cosmetic surgical procedures include but is not limited to the following:
- Facial filler
- Botox
- Liposuction claims
- Tummy tuck claims
- Laser treatment claims (eg. Laser tattoo removal)
- Plastic surgery claims
- Breast implants/ augmentation
- Laser eye surgery
- Laser hair removal
- Hair replacement
There are many areas wherein a cosmetic surgeon can be found to have failed in their duty of care.
The most common cosmetic surgery negligence claims present themselves in the following forms:
- Nerve damage
- Unexpected scaring
- Liposuction resulting in perforated bowels
- Surgical error
- Personal injuries sustained due to poor aftercare or during the surgery
- Poor standard of hygiene leading to infection
- Substandard procedures leading to substandard results
*Please note this list is not exhaustive.
It is imperative that client’s remember, even relatively ‘small’ procedures, which may not involve invasive techniques can nevertheless cause pain, discomfort and/ or serious health problems if they are not carried out correctly. Victims of cosmetic surgery negligence are entitled to be compensated for the physical and psychological pain and suffering as well as any out-of-pocket expenses they have incurred as a result of the said negligence.
To avoid any further emotional distress and to alleviate any financial worries, Tiernan & Co. Solicitors will immediately take steps to establish whether or not there is a valid case.
- Firstly, we will take up your treatment/ medical notes & records.
- We will then obtain the appropriate Medical Expert.
- Upon review of your medical notes and records by our Medical Expert we will be in a position to advise if the standard of care you received fell below that of a competent cosmetic surgeon/ doctor and whether this negligence caused you a quantifiable injury.
From there we can move forward with your case while you focus on your physical and mental recovery.
