Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, offering patients the opportunity to achieve their desired body image. However, what happens when the procedure doesn’t go as planned? Specifically, what if your surgeon makes unauthorized changes to your breast implant size?
This scenario, unfortunately, is more common than one might think, and it can have serious physical and emotional repercussions. If you’ve experienced such a situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how a breast implant attorney can help you seek justice.
Unauthorized Changes: A Breach of Trust and Consent
Undergoing any form of surgery requires a significant amount of trust between the patient and the surgeon. When you opt for breast augmentation, you and your surgeon typically agree on a specific implant size that aligns with your expectations and body proportions. This decision is often made after thorough consultations, during which the surgeon should fully inform you of the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of the surgery.
However, there are instances where surgeons make unauthorized changes to the agreed-upon implant size during the procedure. These changes can occur for various reasons, ranging from the surgeon’s personal preferences to their belief that a different size would yield better results. Regardless of the reason, if you did not consent to these changes, your surgeon may have violated your rights.
The Impact of Unauthorized Size Changes
When a surgeon increases the size of your breast implants without your consent, it can have a profound impact on your life. The most immediate effect is the physical discomfort that comes with implants that are too large for your body frame. Overly large implants can lead to pain, stretching of the skin, and long-term issues such as back and neck problems. Additionally, you may experience dissatisfaction with your appearance, leading to emotional distress and a loss of confidence.
In some cases, you might need revision surgery to correct the size of the implants, which can be costly and come with its own set of risks. Moreover, the psychological impact of knowing that your surgeon disregarded your wishes can be devastating, leading to feelings of betrayal and mistrust in medical professionals.
Patient Rights and Legal Recourse
As a patient, you have the right to be fully informed about your surgery and to have your decisions respected by your healthcare provider. The legal concept of informed consent is central to medical ethics and practice. Informed consent means that you, as the patient, are given all the information you need to make an educated decision about your treatment, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
When a surgeon increases your breast implant size without your consent, they may be liable for medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In this context, unauthorized changes to implant size can be seen as a breach of the standard of care and a violation of your autonomy as a patient.
How a Breast Implant Attorney Can Help
If you believe your surgeon made unauthorized changes to your breast implants, it’s essential to consult with a breast implant attorney who handles medical malpractice cases. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case to hold the surgeon accountable for their actions.
At The Krolikowski Law Firm, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation for victims of medical malpractice. Our experienced team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your experience.
Taking the Next Steps
If you or someone you know has been a victim of unauthorized changes to breast implant size, it’s crucial to act quickly. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in California is typically three years from the date of injury or one year from the date the injury was discovered. To ensure your rights are protected, contact a breast implant attorney as soon as possible.
For more information on your rights as a patient, you can refer to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for guidelines on what to expect from your surgery. Additionally, understanding the legal framework around medical malpractice can be explored further on MedlinePlus, a resource providing comprehensive information on patient safety and malpractice.
Contact Our Breast Implant Attorney
Experiencing an unauthorized change to your breast implant size is a serious violation of your rights as a patient. However, with the right legal support, you can take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve. If you’re in Los Angeles and need legal assistance, Our Law Firm is here to help you through this challenging time. Visit us at The Krolikowski Law Firm to learn more about how we can assist you in your case.