PROTECTING THE LEGAL INTERESTS OF INJURED HAWAII RESIDENTS AND VISITORS SINCE 1973

Mistakes during this procedure can be deadly

On Behalf of | Nov 3, 2016 | Medical Malpractice |

Plastic surgeons in Hawaii and throughout the nation often perform elective surgeries meant to improve their patients’ physical appearances in some way. One of the most popular forms of non-essential surgery these days has been associated with the deaths of at least seven women in another state, and many others throughout the nation, due to apparent mistakes. The situation captured the attention of an NBC news affiliate, which has launched an investigation into the incidents.

The surgery in question involves liposuction of fat from the stomach and/or lower back regions. The fat is then injected into the buttocks for the purpose of creating a fuller, firmer appearance in that area. Some say there is no safe way to perform this surgery, which often leads to fat embolisms in the bloodstream.

Fat enters the bloodstream when an injection goes too deeply and the syringe punctures blood vessels nearby. Among approximately 612 surgeons who were surveyed and voluntarily reported, a reported 32 deaths had occurred and more than 100 non-fatal fat embolisms in patients had occurred throughout their medical careers. Seven women who died were all operated on in Florida clinics.

A spokesperson for the investigative task force noted the fatality rate associated with this type of surgery may be the highest among all known aesthetic procedures to date. When substandard care or medical mistakes are deemed responsible for the injury or death of a patient, those affected may pursue justice by filing medical malpractice claims in civil court. A Hawaii personal injury attorney can guide anyone injured in this state through the process of seeking compensation for damages against accountable parties.

Source: nbcmiami.com, “NBC 6 Investigation Prompts Worldwide Warning About Popular Cosmetic Procedure“, McNelly Torres, Dan Krauth, Accessed on Oct. 31, 2016

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