Can patients request breast surgery revision at the doctors cost if a doctor's mistakes or errors cause issues for the patient?

Question

Do any doctors offer a 'guarantee' of sorts in relation to specific outcomes notwithstanding things that are outside the doctors control Eg; putting in the wrong implant, making the pockets too big/small, putting in the implants upside down etc. I would be interested in responses from Australian doctors as we have different legislation I've heard of so many horror stories of surgeons refusing to correct their mistakes and this is a big factor in putting this surgery off. Thanks for your time

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Most doctors should try to do any revision surgery at minimal or no cost, if there is an unexpected error, but some complications just happen, despite the best care and intentions. I believe it is not the doctors responsibility to cover hospital or implant costs, as these are usually covered by private health insurance. If you choose to not have this, then you are accepting to bear these costs, in my opinion.
It is very, very uncommon for the wrong implant to be put in, or to out them in upside down, though.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Juan A. Brou, MD · Answer

Dear stellanova, this is a great however touchy subject.  I think it speaks volumes of the quality and integrity of the doctor when he/she admits having made a mistake in the first place and then takes all the steps to correct it with the least possible expense to the patient.  It's only fair!  Now, a bad outcome doesn't always mean a mistake was made!  Take for instance an augmentation mastopexy (lift) This is a very challenging operation that has normally a 20 to 25% revision rate.  Here both the doctor and the patient are taking a risk, it's a shared thing.  If something needs to be corrected I'll be more than happy to do it without a charge but I ask the patient to cover the expenses of the surgery center and anesthesia and they mostly oblige.  Now, if I really blew it then I will cover everything because I don't want an unhappy patient telling everybody what a jerk I am.  I want my patients happy so I give them the benefit of the doubt and I keep my reputation intact.  Hope this helps!

Can patients request breast surgery revision at the doctors cost if a doctor's mistakes or errors cause issues for the patient?

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Can patients request breast surgery revision at the doctors cost if a doctor's mistakes or errors cause issues for the patient?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.