If your plastic surgeon makes errors, is he responsible to fix them?

Question

If your plastic surgeon makes an error by creating two different earlobes, or a problem results from a missed hematoma, causing irregularity on your neck, should he be responsible for fixing those things? Or do I have to pay another Dr. to do so?

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

IF THE SURGEON MAKES AN ERROR IT SHOULD BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THEIR ERRORS. I WOULD FIRST FIND OUT THEIR POLICY BEFORE CONSENTING TO ANYTHING.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

Most practices will not charge a surgeon fee for any cosmetic revisions.  There may be an anesthesia fee and a facility fee for which you are responsible.  All this should have been on the informed consent and discussed prior to the case.  Thanks for your question and good luck.

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, it is a good one.There can be unforeseen situations that may require a secondary procedure after an initial cosmetic procedure. Every practice is different and usually the management of this scenario should be outlined before the initial cosmetic operation.Most surgeons will waive any surgeon fee to do a revision or corrective plastic surgery if they were the original surgeon. Facility and anesthesia fees are usually not waived. Although, this is dependent on the circumstance.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Sironen, An error and common complications are two different things and depends on the circumstances for some surgeons and the procedure. For instance breast augmentation is more prone to possible revision as the procedure may be perfect however the patients body may not react well to an implant or foreign body and may form scar tissue or encapsulation that may need revising. This is a possible complication and discussed prior to surgery. Most common in this situation is the patient pays for the anesthesia and a small operating room cost for the revision and the surgeons fee is comped. Any type of hematoma or other complication after surgery requiring a quick return to the operating room is typically at the surgeons expense. Many surgeons are happy to revise a procedure at no cost and guarantee their work this really depends on the agreement made prior to surgery. I hope this is helpful to you. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

If your plastic surgeon makes errors, is he responsible to fix them?

Answers (4)

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