What Rights Do I Have? PS Changed the Operating Procedure As I Lay on the Table Hooked Up to IV and Ready to Go.

asked 1 year ago by sonnyd in Utah
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 335 times
Tags: 110-129 lbs, 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in, A cup, patient rights, plastic surgeon

I am 115 lbs. 5'7". A-C. We agreed to go with a high profile, smooth, round, saline submuscular implant. Surgery in August. PS talked to me, marked where the incisions would go, then waited until the OR was available. Laying on the Operating table, PS informs me that he thinks we should go Subglandular because of my shape. I question the wrinkling due to be so skinny. He felt we would be okay. Trusted him. Now, I am wrinkling and there is a lump. What are my $rights w/ his unprofessionalism?

5 answers to What Rights Do I Have? PS Changed the Operating Procedure As I Lay on the Table Hooked Up to IV and Ready to Go.

Miscommunication between Patient and Plastic Surgeon

For a Cosmetic Surgery to be successful the surgeon must educate the patient on all her options, on the potential risks a prudent person would require to make a decision and the patient must have realistic expectation. The process is known as the INFORMED CONSENT process. It cannot be done with the patient under the influence of mind altering drugs or otherwise incapacitated. While surgeons may be called upon to make life saving decisions in the OR, this is rarely the case with Cosmetic... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Changing the surgical plan....

Cosmetic surgery procedures should be thoroughly discussed by the patient and physician, and a detailed surgical plan laid out. The risks and benefits of the procedure and options for alternative procedures should be also discussed. If for whatever reason the plan has to change, the same process should happen. Ideally Not on the operating table.If you signed an informed consent for a submuscular augmentation, a new consent should have been provided (assuming no drugs were... more

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Make sure to tell your surgeon about all your issues

Your question is really more of a legal one than a medical one, so the physicians on RealSelf may not really be able to answer what your "rights" are. I would recommend to you and any patient who has any issues or concerns after any plastic surgery, to discuss them with your surgeon. When you are at your appointment, don't be afraid to speak your mind if there is something that you do not like. Your surgeon would be the best person to answer any questions... more

Jason Brett Lichten, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeon changed operative plan on the table.

I would first address the issues with the surgeon and ask him/her about the options for resolution. Other than this, your options are to discuss it with the hospital or facility at which he/she works or with an attorney.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Confusion about surgery

This is a tough question ot answer. I spend alot of time with my patients preoperatively to discuss ths issues that you are concerned about to avoid confusion. You should go over this with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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