Summary
Background
Plastic surgeons and other doctors who perform cosmetic procedures face relatively
high risks of malpractice claims and complaints. In particular, alleged problems with
the consent process abound in this area, but little is known about the clinical circumstances
of these cases.
Method
We reviewed 481 malpractice claims and serious health care complaints resolved in
Australia between 2002 and 2008 that alleged failures in the informed consent process
for cosmetic and other procedures. We identified all “cases” involving cosmetic procedures
and reviewed them in-depth. We calculated their frequency, and described the treatments,
allegations, and outcomes involved.
Results
A total of 16% (77/481) of the legal disputes over informed consent involved cosmetic
procedures. In 70% (54/77) of these cases, patients alleged that the doctor failed
to disclose risks of a particular complication, in 39% patients claimed that potential
lack of benefit was not explained, and in 26% patients allegations centred on the
process by which consent was sought. Five treatment types—liposuction, breast augmentation,
face/neck lifts, eye/brow lifts, and rhinoplasty/septoplasty—featured in 70% (54/77)
of the cases. Scarring (30/77) and the need for reoperation (18/77) were among the
most prevalent adverse health outcomes at issue.
Conclusion
A mix of factors “supercharges” the informed consent process for cosmetic procedures.
Doctors who deliver these procedures should take special care to canvas the risks
and possible outcomes that matter most to patients.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 04, 2012
Accepted:
May 3,
2012
Received:
February 14,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
