Tampa Cosmetic Surgery Lawyer

Fighting for your rights after a cosmetic surgery mistake in Florida

Are you or a loved one suffering from the aftermath of a botched cosmetic surgery in Tampa?

At Palmer Lopez, we’ve seen firsthand that the aftermath of these procedures can be devastating. That’s why our compassionate team of Tampa medical malpractice attorneys is dedicated to offering you the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

We understand the pain and frustration that results when a procedure meant to enhance your appearance instead causes harm. Whether you’re dealing with painful physical complications, emotional distress, or financial burdens, our team is here to help you pursue justice and seek the compensation you deserve.

How common is cosmetic surgery in the U.S.?

Each year in the U.S., millions of people undergo cosmetic surgery, with 15.6 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2020 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2020, the top 5 most popular cosmetic surgery procedures were:

Nose reshaping surgeries (352,555)
Eyelid surgeries (325,112)

Facelifts (234,374)
Liposuction procedures (211,067)

Breast augmentation (193,073)

What is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?

Plastic surgery is a broader specialty that focuses on reconstructing facial and body defects caused by birth defects, trauma, burns, and disease. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is a subset of plastic surgery and primarily aims to enhance appearance through surgical and medical techniques.

While both involve improving the aesthetic appearance of the body, plastic surgery often includes procedures that are medically necessary for functional restoration, while cosmetic surgery is elective and focused solely on enhancing appearance.

Additionally, a plastic surgeon is a board-certified physician whose training involves a residency in general surgery followed by specialized training in plastic surgery, focusing on a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

Cosmetic surgeons, on the other hand, can come from various backgrounds, including dermatology, otolaryngology, and general surgery, and their training may not encompass the full spectrum of plastic surgery techniques and reconstructive procedures that plastic surgeons are trained to perform. There also isn’t a requirement for them to be board-certified in plastic surgery, although some are.

What is the highest risk cosmetic surgery?

Over the past decade, Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery has seen a significant growth in popularity, becoming one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures. However, by 2017, concerns arose regarding the risk of wrongful death from these surgeries due to pulmonary fat embolisms (PFEs), and in 2023, a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that the procedure had the highest mortality rate of any aesthetic surgery.

South Florida, in particular, has experienced a disproportionate number of BBL-related fat emboli deaths, with 25 reported between 2010 and 2022.

Despite the implementation of guidelines and regulations aimed at improving safety, challenges persist. Rushed procedures and unsafe clinic environments (like med spas operating without adequate medical oversight) undoubtedly contribute to the high mortality rate in the region.

What is considered a botched surgery?

A botched surgery refers to a surgical procedure that has not been performed correctly or has resulted in unexpected and undesirable outcomes.

In addition to the risk of cosmetic surgery not having the desired physical appearance a patient wants, all cosmetic surgeries carry the risk of serious complications like infection, excessive blood loss, scarring, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia.

Below are some common cosmetic procedures and some potential complications associated with them:

Facelift. A negligently performed facelift can damage the nerves controlling the muscles in the face. Skin discoloration is another possible complication of a poorly performed facelift.
Rhinoplasty (nose job). Patients with badly performed nose jobs may experience nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, and loss of sensation or numbness in and around the nose.
Breast augmentation. Breast implants that are defective, outdated, or improperly placed can break or burst, requiring additional surgery to retrieve the defective device. Hardening of the breasts is another complication that may require corrective surgery.
Breast reduction. Results of a mishandled breast reduction range from breasts that are asymmetrical in size and shape to scarring, loss of feeling, and the inability to breastfeed.

Liposuction. Liposuction and related procedures (fat freezing, fat melting) that are not performed with the required level of care and precision can result in dangerous loss of fluid, abnormal swelling, scarring, bruising, and numbness in the skin.
Lip augmentation. Patients subjected to a botched lip augmentation may experience numbness, scarring, lumping, cold sores, and asymmetrical lips.
Eyelid surgery. Serious complications from a negligently conducted eyelid surgery range from ectropion (a drooping effect that causes inversion of the lower lid) to a detached retina. Either condition would require additional corrective surgery.

Tampa surgical malpractice attorney

Did you or a loved one suffer an injury or fatality due to a surgical mistake? Our Tampa surgical malpractice attorneys can help you recover maximum compensation.

Can you sue a cosmetic surgeon in Florida?

Cosmetic surgeons are expected to adhere to the highest standards of skill and care, and they can be held accountable for any injuries stemming from a failure to meet these expectations.

These expected standards of care include not only executing the surgery with precision and proficiency but also conducting a thorough assessment of the patient’s health and medical background beforehand. Additionally, they involve transparently outlining the risks associated with the procedure and securing the patient’s fully informed consent prior to moving forward.

When a surgeon fails to meet these standards, they can be held liable through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Can you get your money back from a botched surgery?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your surgery and the severity of the results, you may be entitled to compensation after a botched cosmetic surgery through a medical malpractice lawsuit if it can be proven that the doctor’s negligence resulted in serious complications or other negative outcomes.

Compensation may cover medical expenses for corrective procedures, additional treatments, lost wages (if you’re unable to work during recovery), and pain and suffering.

It’s essential to consult with a medical malpractice attorney to understand your rights and explore options for seeking compensation or reimbursement for a botched surgery.

In the news: Utah cosmetic surgeon accused of abandoning patients after botched surgeries

A November 2024 investigation by Fox 13 Salt Lake City revealed that Utah cosmetic surgeon Dr. Christopher Kelly, already the subject of multiple malpractice lawsuits, is now facing the possible loss of his medical license.

The Utah Division of Professional Licensing recommended revoking Kelly’s license for at least 5 years after finding evidence of gross incompetence, poor medical recordkeeping, and failure to ensure continuity of care for patients. The state’s complaint also cites a case where Kelly prescribed opioids without checking Utah’s Controlled Substances Database, as required by law.

Among the most serious allegations: Kelly allegedly abandoned patients who needed follow-up surgeries, failed to notify patients he had left his prior clinic, and did not help them find alternative providers.

Roiann Marrelli, whose breast augmentation surgery was performed by Kelly, told reporters that he basically disappeared after she developed a post-op infection.

“I was supposed to go in for an appointment and they said he needed to cancel,” Marrelli recalls. “And from there it just was like a snowball effect. He kept canceling appointments until you just didn’t hear from him.”

Kelly has settled at least 1 patient lawsuit and faces scrutiny in 3 different states. Investigations like this one by licensing authorities can play a key role in supporting medical malpractice claims, especially when they uncover systemic issues or patterns of negligence.

Get the help you deserve after a botched cosmetic procedure in Tampa

If you have been harmed due to a botched cosmetic procedure in Tampa, get the justice and compensation you deserve with the help of the dedicated Tampa medical malpractice attorneys at Palmer Lopez.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving cosmetic surgery errors and will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. With our compassionate approach and commitment to our clients’ well-being, we’ll advocate for your rights and strive to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Interested in learning more about how we can help with your case?

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.