Plastic Surgery Injuries:

What the Attorney Needs To Know

TASA ID: 11869

Plastic Surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the correction and restoration of aesthetic appearance and function. 

Many people consider "plastic surgery" and "cosmetic surgery" to be one in the same; however, much of plastic surgery is not a cosmetic procedure. 

Plastic Surgery is reconstructive to address the results of a traumatic incident, such as motor vehicle accidents, burns or lacerations.  Plastic Surgery includes many types of reconstructive interventions, such as microsurgery, hand surgery and burn treatments.

6 Types of Reconstructive Interventions:

• Skin Grating
• Hand Surgery
• Cleft palate repair
• Facial Reconstruction
• Mohs' micrographic surgery
•  Reconstruction from a traumatic incident
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4 Types of Cosmetic Surgery includes:

•  Facelifts
•  Breast Enlargement
• Nasal reconstruction (rhinoplasty)
•  Liposuction

Plastic surgeons in the United States require a degree in Medicine (MD or DO), as well as completing 5-7 years of a residency program in Plastic Surgery, and board-certification in Plastic Surgery would be given by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many plastic surgeons may go on to pursue a fellowship in a subspecialty of Plastic Surgery, such a reconstruction of the hand or craniofacial surgery.

The Role of A Plastic Surgeon As An Expert Witness

Medical malpractice cases concerning plastic surgeons usually involves negligence on the part of the surgeon.  A board-certified plastic surgeon should be able to explain the standards of care regarding the proper application in a plastic surgical procedure.  A plastic surgical expert witness would offer their credentials and expertise regarding a defendant meeting the standard of care.  A plastic surgeon can opine upon as to whether a breach in the standard of care was the direct reason for a patient's complications or medical issues from surgery. 

Plastic Surgeons are vital Expert Witnesses in PIP cases that involve deformity or disfigurement or may require the need for reconstructive surgery, such as may be the result of burns, facial injuries, or injury to the skin.  The plastic surgeon can offer expert testimony about the cause and/or extent of an injury, recovery assessment from the injury, and costs related to the plastic surgery, as well as other medical treatments that may be required.  An expert plastic surgical witness may also offer testimony about the medical necessity for plastic surgery intervention and/or other treatments rendered to the plaintiff.

Because of the high cost of Plastic Surgery, and the potential of possible complications related to that type of surgery, an expert witness testimony can make a significant difference in the award given to a plaintiff.

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This article discusses issues of general interest and does not give any specific legal or business advice pertaining to any specific circumstances.  Before acting upon any of its information, you should obtain appropriate advice from a lawyer or other qualified professional.

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