Plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures are often elective, but they still require strict adherence to medical standards of care. Patients trust plastic surgeons to perform procedures safely, competently, and with full disclosure of risks. When a plastic surgeon makes preventable errors or fails to follow accepted medical standards, the results can include permanent disfigurement, severe complications, emotional trauma, or death. When these outcomes are caused by negligence, Georgia law may allow injured patients to pursue compensation.
If you or a loved one was harmed by plastic surgery malpractice in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help determine whether medical negligence occurred and what legal options may be available.
What Is Plastic Surgery Malpractice Under Georgia Law?
Plastic surgery malpractice occurs when a plastic surgeon, medical provider, or surgical facility fails to meet the accepted standard of care during cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, and that failure causes injury or harm.
Plastic surgery malpractice claims are treated as medical malpractice under Georgia law and are subject to strict procedural and expert-evidence requirements.
Common Types of Plastic Surgery Malpractice
Plastic surgery malpractice claims in Georgia frequently involve:
- Improper surgical technique
- Failure to properly plan or perform the procedure
- Wrong-site or wrong-procedure surgery
- Inadequate pre-operative evaluation
- Failure to monitor patients during or after surgery
- Anesthesia errors during cosmetic procedures
- Failure to diagnose or treat post-surgical complications
- Infections due to poor sterilization
- Use of unsafe or inappropriate implants
Many cosmetic surgery injuries are preventable with proper care and oversight.
Plastic Surgery Errors by Category
Common Plastic Surgery Negligence Scenarios
| Type of Error | Potential Consequences |
| Surgical Technique Errors | Permanent scarring or disfigurement |
| Anesthesia Errors | Brain injury, cardiac arrest |
| Infection | Tissue damage, revision surgery |
| Implant Complications | Rupture, rejection, deformity |
| Poor Post-Op Care | Worsened outcome, prolonged recovery |
Because cosmetic outcomes are highly visible, harm is often both physical and emotional.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Plastic Surgery Malpractice
Plastic surgery negligence may result in:
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of tissue or skin necrosis
- Chronic pain
- Nerve damage or loss of sensation
- Infection or sepsis
- Psychological trauma or emotional distress
- Need for corrective or revision surgery
- Wrongful death in severe cases
Georgia law recognizes both physical injury and emotional harm.
Where Plastic Surgery Malpractice Commonly Occurs
Plastic surgery malpractice claims may arise from procedures performed at:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgical centers
- Private cosmetic surgery clinics
- Medical spas (when procedures exceed scope of practice)
Liability may extend to surgeons, anesthesiologists, facilities, or supervising medical providers.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Plastic Surgery Malpractice Case
To pursue a plastic surgery malpractice claim in Georgia, an injured patient generally must establish:
- A provider-patient relationship existed
- The plastic surgeon or provider breached the standard of care
- The breach occurred during diagnosis, surgery, or post-operative care
- The breach caused injury or disfigurement
- The patient suffered damages
Expert plastic surgery testimony is typically required.
Georgia’s Expert Affidavit Requirement
Georgia law requires most medical malpractice lawsuits to be filed with an expert affidavit identifying at least one negligent act or omission and explaining how it violated the applicable standard of care.
Failure to comply can result in dismissal, making early legal review critical.
Damages Available in Plastic Surgery Malpractice Claims
Depending on the severity of harm, recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Corrective or revision surgeries
- Rehabilitation and wound care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Plastic surgery malpractice cases often involve significant non-economic damages.
Statute of Limitations for Plastic Surgery Malpractice Claims in Georgia
Most plastic surgery malpractice claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of injury or death. Georgia’s statute of repose may also limit claims regardless of discovery.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery.
What to Do If You Suspect Plastic Surgery Malpractice
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical evaluation or a second opinion
- Obtain complete surgical and post-operative records
- Preserve photographs and medical documentation
- Document physical symptoms and emotional distress
- Avoid discussions with insurers or providers without legal guidance
- Seek a professional legal evaluation promptly
Early action helps preserve evidence and expert testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cosmetic surgery complications always malpractice?
No. A claim requires proof that negligence caused the harm.
Can emotional distress be compensated?
Yes. Georgia law allows recovery for emotional harm in appropriate cases.
Can clinics or medical spas be liable?
Yes, depending on supervision and scope-of-practice issues.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience evaluating complex Georgia medical malpractice claims
- Knowledge of plastic surgery standards and cosmetic liability
- Strategic analysis of causation and damages
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We approach plastic surgery malpractice cases with care, precision, and accountability.
Speak With a Plastic Surgery Malpractice Lawyer in Georgia
If you or a loved one was harmed by plastic surgery malpractice in Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is ready to help you understand your legal options.
The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (212) 551-PAUL
Website: www.cpaullawfirm.com
Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and take the next step toward accountability and recovery.