Experienced cosmetic surgery attorney in St. Petersburg helping those injured during a botched cosmetic procedure recover the justice and compensation they deserve

Suffering from a botched cosmetic surgery can leave you feeling devastated, betrayed, and unsure of where to turn. When you place your trust in a medical professional to improve your appearance and they make a serious error, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. 

It’s completely natural to feel embarrassed, angry, or confused, and you may be wondering: Was this preventable? Can this mistake be fixed? Can I get justice for what happened to me?

That’s where Palmer Lopez steps in. We understand that going up against doctors and their well-funded legal teams can feel overwhelming, but that’s where our legal expertise can make all the difference. 

At Palmer Lopez, our skilled St. Petersburg medical malpractice attorneys are committed to leveling the playing field, fighting for your rights, and holding negligent medical professionals accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

What is the most common cosmetic procedure?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most common cosmetic procedure in 2023 is liposuction, which has been number one for three years in a row. This versatile procedure removes stubborn fat deposits from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and hips, helping individuals achieve smoother contours and better definition.

Other top procedures included:

What is the most dangerous plastic surgery procedure?

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is widely considered the most dangerous plastic surgery procedure, particularly in Florida. This is due to its high mortality rate, largely caused by pulmonary fat embolisms (PFEs), a complication that occurs when fat enters the bloodstream and travels to the lungs, often resulting in death. 

South Florida has emerged as a hotspot for BBL-related fatalities, with 25 PFE deaths reported between 2010 and 2022.

Several factors contribute to these risks. Many of these surgeries are performed in high-volume, low-cost clinics where speed and cost-cutting measures compromise safety. The risks are further compounded by the “blind” nature of the procedure and the lack of strict oversight in some clinics. 

Additionally, improper injection techniques, such as injecting fat into the gluteal muscles, increase the risk of fat entering the bloodstream through injured veins. Despite guidelines introduced in 2019 to limit fat injections to the subcutaneous layer, many wrongful deaths have continued to occur because of non-compliance or inexperience among surgeons.

Why is plastic surgery cheaper in Florida?

Plastic surgery is often cheaper in Florida due to a combination of factors that create a competitive market, especially in areas like Miami and Tampa. Here are some of the many reasons why prices tend to be lower:

• High volume of clinics. South Florida has an exceptionally high number of plastic surgery clinics, particularly those offering popular procedures like Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs). This saturation fosters competition, driving down prices as clinics vie for patients.
• Low-cost, high-volume business models. Many clinics operate on a high-volume model, performing numerous surgeries each day to maximize profits. These clinics often minimize costs by scheduling multiple procedures in rapid succession, which, unfortunately, can compromise safety and patient care.
• Attraction of out-of-state and international patients. Florida is a destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from across the U.S. and abroad with advertisements for low-cost procedures. This influx allows clinics to keep prices competitive.
• Non-board-certified surgeons. Some clinics employ surgeons who may not be board-certified in plastic surgery, reducing overhead costs. While this lowers prices, it can raise risks for patients.
• Lower overhead costs. High-volume clinics may cut costs by using non-traditional settings, like office-based operating rooms instead of hospital facilities, or by limiting patient follow-ups and pre-surgical consultations.

While the lower prices can be appealing, they often come with trade-offs, including shorter consultation times, less experienced surgeons, or reduced safety measures. Patients should always thoroughly research their surgeon’s qualifications and the clinic’s reputation to prioritize safety over savings.

When is a failed plastic surgery considered malpractice?

A failed plastic surgery is considered malpractice when the surgeon’s actions fall below the accepted standard of care, leading to harm or injury to the patient. For malpractice to be established, certain criteria must be met, such as:

It’s important to note that dissatisfaction with cosmetic results alone does not qualify as surgical malpractice unless it stems from negligence. Malpractice claims are highly complex, so it’s essential to discuss your individual situations with an experienced cosmetic surgery attorney who can help evaluate whether or not your case involves substandard care.

Can you get money back for bad plastic surgery?

Yes, you may be able to get compensated for bad plastic surgery through a medical malpractice lawsuit if negligence or substandard care is proven. A medical malpractice claim allows you to recover various types of damages to address the harm caused by the surgeon’s actions, including:

Working with a local St. Petersburg medical malpractice attorney is essential to determining the strength of your case and calculating the full scope of damages that resulted from a doctor’s negligence.

What to do if you think your surgery was botched

If you believe you’re the victim of a botched cosmetic surgery in St. Petersburg, taking the proper steps is essential to protecting your health and legal rights. An experienced attorney specializing in medical malpractice can provide critical support throughout this challenging process.

Steps to take with the help of an attorney:

1. Evaluate your medical records. A skilled attorney can obtain and review your medical records to assess whether the surgeon or medical staff deviated from the standard of care. This helps establish whether the poor outcome resulted from negligence or an unavoidable complication.
2. Connect you with medical experts. Attorneys work with medical professionals who can evaluate your case and provide expert opinions to strengthen your claim. These experts can explain whether the outcome was preventable or if the surgeon failed to meet professional standards.
3. Gather evidence of negligence. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your surgery, including reviewing consent forms, surgical procedures, and the surgeon’s history of complications. This helps build a compelling case to demonstrate liability.
4. File a claim. Medical malpractice claims involve strict deadlines and complex legal requirements. An attorney will ensure your claim is filed correctly and within Florida’s statute of limitations.
5. Determine the damages you’re entitled to. An attorney will calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses for corrective procedures, lost income, pain and suffering, and the impact on your quality of life. This ensures you seek appropriate compensation.
6. Negotiate a settlement. Your lawyer will handle all interactions with the medical provider, their legal team, and their insurance company to protect your interests. They can negotiate a settlement or prepare to take the case to court if necessary.

A knowledgeable St. Petersburg medical malpractice lawyer understands local and state medical malpractice laws and can leverage their expertise to help you secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovering from the physical and emotional toll of your surgery.

How do I find the best St. Petersburg cosmetic surgery lawyer attorney near me?

Finding the right attorney after a cosmetic surgery gone wrong can feel overwhelming, but at Palmer Lopez, we make it simple. Our experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you get started on your road to physical and financial recovery. 

With a focus on medical malpractice cases, including botched cosmetic surgery claims, we’ve built a reputation for securing meaningful results for our clients, and we can do the same for you. If you believe your surgery didn’t meet the standard of care, we’ll help you uncover the truth and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Ready to learn more?

Contact Palmer Lopez today for a free consultation. You never pay anything unless we win your case.