Patient Develops Serious Infection After Plastic Surgery

This case takes place in California and involves an older male who presented to a plastic surgeon for multiple cosmetic procedures, including a rhytidoplasty facelift and Botox facial fillers. The patient had undergone multiple other procedures with the same doctor, all of which lacked complication. On this occasion, the facelift procedure was completed and the patient was released, with instructions to follow-up with the surgeon in two weeks. During the ensuing days, the patient planned to consult the surgeon about a chemical peel procedure but noticed redness, inflammation, and warmth radiating from the site of his incision. The patient had called the physician’s office to inform them of his symptoms, at which point he was told that he had nothing to worry about. In reality, he had developed a severe infection, which required numerous procedures to remedy as a result of delayed intervention.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you routinely perform neck lift surgeries?

2. If so, have you ever had a patient develop a severe infection?

3. Have you ever been the target of a malpractice claim?

4. Have you ever published/lectured on the subject of managing infection risk in post plastic surgery patients?

5. Have you ever served as an expert witness?

Expert Witness Response E-008607

In my practice as a plastic surgeon with a focus on cosmetic surgery, I routinely perform neck lift surgeries. I have never had a patient develop a severe infection post-operatively. I would be able to review the records and opine on any deviations in the standard of care. It would certainly seem from the summary provided that some mistakes were made in the course of the patient's care post-operatively. I have never been the target of a malpractice claim. I have served as an expert witness in the past.