Patient Develops Serious Infection After Plastic Surgery

Case Overview

This case takes place in California and involves an older male who presented to a plastic surgeon for multiple cosmetic procedures, including a rhytidoplasty facelift and Botox facial fillers. The patient had undergone multiple other procedures with the same doctor, all of which lacked complication. On this occasion, the facelift procedure was completed and the patient was released, with instructions to follow-up with the surgeon in two weeks. During the ensuing days, the patient planned to consult the surgeon about a chemical peel procedure but noticed redness, inflammation, and warmth radiating from the site of his incision. The patient had called the physician’s office to inform them of his symptoms, at which point he was told that he had nothing to worry about. In reality, he had developed a severe infection, which required numerous procedures to remedy as a result of delayed intervention.

Questions to the Plastic Surgery expert and their responses

Do you routinely perform neck lift surgeries?

In my practice as a plastic surgeon with a focus on cosmetic surgery, I routinely perform neck lift surgeries.

If so, have you ever had a patient develop a severe infection?

I have never had a patient develop a severe infection post-operatively.

Have you ever been the target of a malpractice claim?

I have never been the target of a malpractice claim.

Have you ever served as an expert witness?

I have served as an expert witness in the past.

About the expert

This extremely qualified expert is board certified in plastic surgery and has years of experience in the field. He completed his internship and residency training at New Jersey Medical School and his fellowship training at New York University and Stanford University. He is a member of multiple renowned professional associations, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. He has published 50+ peer-reviewed journal articles and delivers lectures nationwide. He is a former assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stanford University and the current assistant director of the Craniofacial Fellowship program at a major university. He is also the current co-director of the Resident Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at a major university.