Botched cosmetic procedure results in brain injuries

Preparing for a wedding is an exciting time for many people, especially brides. Many go above and beyond their normal routine in order to look their best on their special day. For some Louisiana residents, this might include weight loss, one or more trips to a spa, or a simple cosmetic procedure. Unfortunately for one woman, what should have been a very simple procedure instead resulted in permanent brain injuries that left her unable to care for herself.

The patient originally went in for Botox and another anti-wrinkle treatment but was convinced by the facility staff to undergo a slightly more complicated surgical treatment which was supposed to give her a flat stomach. However, eight hours into the surgery, things dissolved into chaos. The patient’s heart stopped, and because they were not equipped to deal with this situation, the facility staff called 911. Unfortunately, the problems continued even after the paramedics arrived. The stretcher could not fit in the elevator, so paramedics were forced to carry the patient down the stairs.

By the time she arrived at the hospital, the patient had suffered permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen. The lawsuit filed by this patient and her family is only one of several against this doctor. These lawsuits have accused this doctor of cutting corners, using an underqualified staff, misleading patients and performing surgeries in an unsafe environment.

The doctor claims to be a board-certified surgeon and dermatologist. She is a certified dermatologist, but she is not a certified surgeon, general or cosmetic. She also claims that her facilities are state of the art, but in addition to lacking equipment used to monitor changes in a person’s breathing, the suite does not have an accredited operating room. One of the surgical assistants, who studied medicine in Peru, is not licensed to practice in the United States.

When a medical facility is not properly prepared to handle emergencies like this one, the results can be catastrophic. Patients in Louisiana who have suffered brain injuries due to a doctor’s error, or the families of these victims, may wish to consult with an attorney about filing a medical malpractice claim. Victims may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, or other damages.

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Woman left brain damaged after cosmetic surgery“, Carrie Teegardin, May 21, 2018