Miami is a city known for its beaches and its many beautiful and famous residents. This culture has created a huge interest in cosmetic surgery procedures and in fact Miami has attracted some of the most reputable cosmetic surgeons the world over. Surgeries of all kinds are performed in the city every day, but unfortunately not all patients have a good outcome after their procedures.
Of especial concern to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and to doctors across the state is the popularity of black market cosmetic procedures. Unqualified or poorly qualified practitioners offer these treatments, which can include buttock injections and other cosmetic procedures, which little medical oversight and control. They lure in customers with promises of inexpensive treatments but according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons not everyone performing these treatments is qualified and in some cases patients have been harmed or have even faced fatal complications as a result of black market cosmetic treatments.
While in these cases patients have the option of filing a medical malpractice claim in Miami or other communities, it can be hard for them to get justice. According to some personal injury attorneys in Miami, these black market practitioners are hard to track down. In some cases, they are not even doctors so they cannot be pursued under medical malpractice laws in Miami and may not have assets or insurance to pursue.
If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, doctors and experts recommend the following:
1) See your doctor first. Your doctor can evaluate your overall condition and may be able to tell you whether you are a good candidate for a cosmetic procedure. He or she may also be able to recommend plastic surgeons who are reputable.
2) See a qualified medical practitioner, even for seemingly “minor” procedures. Most patients know that if they want serious surgery such as rhinoplasty or treatment for a burn injury in Miami, they need a qualified surgeon. Some patients, though, believe that “minor” procedures such as fillers or injections do not require the services of a cosmetic surgeon. However, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that some of these so-called minor procedures, when done under uncontrolled and unsupervised conditions, can be fatal. They have reports of unqualified persons injecting mineral oil, concrete, and even industrial silicone into patients and closing wounds with Super Glue. These types of “treatments” are not only horrific but they can lead to infection and fatalities. It is always better to spend more on a qualified doctor than to save money and risk your health.
3) Research extensively before choosing to trust someone with your face or health. Look for a cosmetic surgeon who is affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has hospital privileges. Look for recommendations for surgeons from doctors and friends and family. You can also contact the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons to ask for recommendations and to check to see whether your surgeon is affiliated with that group.
Have you been injured in a cosmetic procedure or through medical malpractice? Contact Flaxman Law Group for a free and compassionate consultation to discuss what legal options you may have.