Breast surgery, whether for augmentation, reduction or reconstruction, is often a deeply personal choice made with specific expectations in mind. Experiencing complications that fall outside of anticipated risks can be distressing, especially when these issues may point to negligence. This blog aims to help you recognize common signs that may indicate breast surgery negligence, offering insight on when to consider seeking advice if something seems amiss.
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Understanding breast surgery negligence
Breast surgery negligence occurs when the surgeon, medical staff or clinic fails to provide the accepted standard of care during the procedure or aftercare. Unlike typical risks, which should be explained and understood prior to surgery, negligence implies that errors or omissions have been made that could have been prevented with proper care or attention.
Negligence can manifest in various ways. This may include inadequate pre-surgery communication, poor surgical technique, improper handling of medical tools or lack of adequate post-surgical care. For example, if a surgeon fails to provide full and clear information regarding risks and outcomes, or performs the procedure with a lack of competence, these could be grounds for a negligence claim.
Understanding the difference between common side effects and signs of negligence is important. While some discomfort and temporary symptoms can be expected, prolonged or unusual issues may be cause for concern.
Common physical signs of negligence
Several physical indicators can suggest negligence in breast surgery. If you experience any of the following, it may be worth investigating further to determine whether your symptoms fall within the usual range of post-surgical effects.
Excessive scarring or asymmetry
Visible scarring is a common part of breast surgery, and some asymmetry can occur, especially during the healing phase. However, scars that are unexpectedly large, long or uneven or breasts that heal with a striking imbalance, may indicate that the procedure was not carried out with due care. Poorly planned or executed incisions can leave visible, lasting marks that go beyond expected scarring.
While slight asymmetry can be natural, considerable differences between the breasts in terms of size, position, or shape post-surgery can suggest a lapse in surgical skill or precision. If these issues persist beyond the healing period, it may be worth discussing with a medical professional.
Implant complications
Implant-related issues such as rupture, displacement or improper positioning can also be signs of negligence. These issues may arise due to poor technique or using unsuitable or faulty implants. A ruptured implant can cause discomfort, changes in breast shape and even lead to conditions like capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms tightly around the implant, causing hardness and misshapen breasts.
Incorrectly placed or poorly sized implants can lead to deformities and discomfort. If you notice sudden changes in the shape or position of your breasts, ongoing discomfort or unusual tightness, these may be indications of complications related to negligence.
Unmet expectations and low satisfaction
If your results differ dramatically from what you were led to expect, it can be an indication that something went wrong during the process. Poor outcomes that don’t match your original goals can point to inadequate surgical planning or miscommunication from the surgeon. It’s important to consider that while perfect symmetry or ideal outcomes are not always possible, extreme dissatisfaction may indicate deeper issues in the level of care provided.
Inadequate pre-operative information
Clear and thorough communication prior to surgery is an essential part of the patient-surgeon relationship. If you felt that information about risks, outcomes and the overall procedure was lacking, this may also be considered a form of negligence. Inadequate information can prevent you from making a fully informed choice, affecting your expectations and understanding of the possible results.
When to seek legal advice
If you suspect that negligence may have occurred in your breast surgery, seeking legal support can help you understand your options and possible next steps. Signs of negligence can sometimes be complex to interpret, and a solicitor with expertise in breast surgery compensation claims can help determine if your experience might qualify for a compensation claim.
Claim outcomes can provide support for corrective surgery and may help address emotional or psychological distress caused by the experience. Legal experts can review your medical records, evaluate your case, and offer guidance on pursuing a claim. This can be particularly valuable for those who may need further surgery to address complications.
