An abdominoplasty procedure, otherwise known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is generally performed to remove excess skin around the abdominal area. It often follows weight loss, pregnancy or liposuction.
The latest figures from BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) show that the demand for this surgery increased 6% for women and 18% for men in 2018.
It is a procedure that is in demand and as such, it is even more important that the surgeons who undertake these are qualified and competent to do so.
If you decide to have a cosmetic procedure, those medical professionals responsible for your procedure should have the right training, skills and insurance to ensure your safety. They are also responsible for ensuring that you have reasonable expectations of the outcome.
Check your surgeon is sufficiently qualified
You can check medical professionals involved in your procedure are qualified through the specialist cosmetic register, including:
The decision to get a tummy tuck is not made lightly and you would have more than likely did your research to see a private Plastic Surgeon.
Arranging a consultation to see the Surgeon may well have been the hardest step and when things proceed as planned, this is a positive outcome.
How can a tummy tuck go wrong?
Whilst these operations are generally regarded to be highly successful, unfortunately there are times when this is not the case for everyone.
The procedure can vary significantly depending on what the aim of the surgery is and what you have agreed with your surgeon.
What we often see in an abdominoplasty, is that the surgeon has not advised the patient properly about what will be done in their procedure, leading to unexpected and upsetting results. The patient has the right to be fully advised of the risks that come with the surgery before the surgery takes place.
Sometimes, surgeons will alter plans that were previously agreed with the patient midway through the surgery. This can mean the patient has not given proper consent and may therefore be entitled to compensation.
The surgeon themselves may make a mistake during the operation or indeed not be competent to perform the operation to a reasonable standard.
It is not just the surgeon who may be negligent. The anaesthetist may make an error or the after-care received by the nurses may lead to complications.
What are the possible complications of tummy tuck negligence?
Complications that can arise as a result of tummy tuck negligence include:
- Excess scarring
- Excess skin around the scarring
- Insufficient removal of skin requiring additional surgery
- Infection
- Poor cosmetic results
- Removal of the belly button
- Bulges
- Haematomas
To bring a claim for negligence, clients must prove that the surgeon breached their duty of care by following a course of action not supported by a reasonable body of medical opinion, and it is this breach of duty that caused you to suffer additional injury.
We have been highly successful in recovering compensation for tummy tucks that have gone wrong.
