Do I have good grounds for a lawsuit based on my pics? (photos)

Question

Based on the pics. This is an unfathomable outcome. The dr. Messed up and keeps pushing me off. I've had much patience with him and have kept my calm. I'm humiliated, I can't even hide this with t shirts. The emotional turmoil, the pain, and the scars. I was cut more then I was told post surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced after breast surgery. Unfortunately, this is not the appropriate forum to receive medical legal advice. There is no way, without knowing much more information, of giving you meaningful advice online.

Generally speaking, it is important for patients to understand that sometimes (despite best efforts and intentions) complications do occur. This occurrence of a complication does not  necessarily equate to “malpractice”.  I can assure you, that for the majority of plastic surgeons the occurrence of complications  is very troublesome;  you will find that the surgeons will “bend over backwards” to help patients through the challenging courses they experience postoperatively.

I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon and express your questions and concerns in as calm/constructive a fashion as possible.  If you continue to have concerns (despite this effort),  second opinions from well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in your area may be helpful to you.

Best wishes.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Trish,    Thank you for submitting your picture and sorry for the complication.    From observing the picture, you appear to have severe capsule contracture on your left side due to 'Biofilm' (bacteria embedded in the capsule and on the implant). This is one of the known complication of the surgery and has nothing to do with your surgeon's surgical performance. Indeed, your right breasts is nice and natural.          So, sorry to disappoint you, but since the standard of care was not breached, I do not believe that you will prevail in court. A much better approach is to have a friendly relationship with your surgeon and let him perform the corrective surgery  which is capsulectomy (scar excision) and implant replacement, as long as he or she have experience with that type of redo breast augmentation.         If experience is lacking,  consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who do lots of that type of surgery in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking. Also, check the reviews on 'RealSelf' for ratings and positive experience reports.                             Best of luck,                                                    Dr Widder

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy however the implant on your left having not fully dropped is not necessarily the result of something done incorrectly and it could be relatively simple to correct. I recommend that you talk with your surgeon about a small revision to drop that implant. Other than that you would have a great result and the scarring you are referring to isn't visible in the photo provided. Scars are an inevitable part  or surgery and though there are some helpful treatments available to minimize their appearance, expecting them to be invisible is not realistic.All the best

M. Azhar Ali, MD, FACS · Answer

One view is usually not enough to properly evaluate the breast. Multiple views are important for proper evaluation along with in person examination. The left implant appears to be a bit higher which could be due to capsular contraction. Undesirable results could be due to many reasons and the best approach would be to talk to your surgeon or seek a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

a result you are not happy with does not make it malpractice.Unfortunately, it seems your approach may have broken your relationship with the one best positioned to help you. I doubt the surgeon will get back involved given your anger and that is a shame. A calmer approach could have solved this. Doctors only want to help people. Good luck.

Do I have good grounds for a lawsuit based on my pics? (photos)

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Do I have good grounds for a lawsuit based on my pics? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Do I have good grounds for a lawsuit based on my pics

Answer: Do I have good grounds for a lawsuit based on my pics

Answer: Unhappy

Answer: Unhappy

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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