I am considering getting Botox. I am nervous about something going wrong. I know that Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors have a Medical Negligence Department and I wonder if you have come across many legal cases where cosmetic procedures have not worked out as they should?
It is important to consider recovery time and process as part of any cosmetic procedure. I work within our busy medical negligence department and I represent and advise clients who have experienced a negative outcome following procedures. Recently, the number of enquiries relating to cosmetic procedures has increased. These tend to relate to a negative outcome of an elective cosmetic procedure, both surgical and non-surgical.
Following concerns expressed in relation to the safety and quality of surgical cosmetic procedures both in Ireland and abroad, recommendations were developed in partnership between the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer:
Consider what you are seeking and research the procedures prior to a consultation; seek advice from your GP to ensure that you are a suitable candidate; if you have a medical condition, allergy, or are taking medications your GP will have information which should be passed to the medical professional; have a consultation with a registered plastic surgeon.
If you are considering a cosmetic procedure abroad, check with the regulatory authority for medical practitioners in that country to confirm that the medical practitioner who will be performing the procedure is appropriately registered. Consultations should be with the plastic surgeon who will do your procedure and not with a representative from the clinic.
Be comfortable with your choice of surgeon. Ensure that you understand the expected outcome and potential complications from the procedure. Establish the costs of your procedure and what is included/excluded. Does the cost cover aftercare and revision surgery?
You should not choose a service on the basis of price alone. Have a second consultation with your surgeon before making a final decision. Prior to any procedure, identify what follow-up care and medical support you will need after surgery and where this care will be provided.
Ensure that you understand any agreements or consent forms that you are asked to sign and ensure that all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction before signing.
A full list of recommendations is available on the Department of Health website.
Call Byrne Carolan Cunningham on (090 ) 6478433 for advice particular to your situation.
