Surgical Patients Suffering Post-Procedure Injuries

In the ever-expanding world of cosmetic surgery, questions about safety and training continue to surface, particularly at fast-growing chains like Sono Bello. A series of lawsuits and investigations have highlighted several common issues and allegations regarding these establishments.

One of the primary concerns is the use of inadequately trained doctors. Several lawsuits accuse these chains of hiring doctors who lack sufficient cosmetic surgery training or operate beyond their expertise. For instance, one lawsuit alleged an obstetrician-gynecologist performed a complex body contouring procedure without proper training, causing severe pain and harm[1][3].

Medical malpractice and negligence are also recurring issues. Patients have filed numerous malpractice lawsuits citing disfiguring injuries, poor surgical outcomes, and failure to manage life-threatening complications such as infections[1][3][4].

The consequences can be grave, with investigations showing at least 12 patient deaths over the past seven years, alongside many other complications and complaints about patient care quality[2][3][4]. Court records show patients claimed delayed or inadequate response to infection and other dangerous post-surgery issues[3][4].

High-pressure sales tactics minimizing risks is another area of concern. Patients have accused these chains of aggressively marketing procedures while downplaying potential health risks[3][4].

Patient dissatisfaction and unresolved complaints are prevalent, with business review platforms showcasing recurrent complaints about poor surgical results, scar tissue, and difficulties in receiving refunds or satisfactory follow-up care[5].

Traditional plastic surgeons warn that cosmetic clinics run like businesses instead of medical practices may be cutting corners. Many of these suits share common threads: doctors with unrelated specialties, limited emergency backup, and a lack of oversight[2].

The case of Erin Schaeffer, a patient in Florida, serves as a stark reminder that cosmetic surgery carries real risks. Schaeffer underwent a procedure marketed as a safer, easier version of a tummy tuck, but experienced a serious infection days later[6]. Not all clinics are prepared to handle what happens when things go wrong in cosmetic surgeries.

In some cases, doctors are paid more to operate on people with higher body mass index, even though such patients carry higher risks[7]. Patients often sign contracts that allow companies to push disputes into private arbitration, keeping the details out of the public eye[7].

While Sono Bello's medical leadership asserts their surgeons undergo "very rigorous training" and promotes the company as a leading cosmetic plastic surgery provider, these assurances contrast with the volume and severity of patient allegations recorded in multiple investigations and legal actions[1][3][4].

As the demand for cosmetic surgeries continues to rise, it is crucial for patients to be well-informed about the potential risks and to seek out qualified, experienced professionals for their procedures. The industry needs stricter regulations and oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of its patients.

References:

[1] ABC News. (2019, October 15). Sono Bello under fire for advertising 'revolutionary' procedures, patient deaths. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/sono-bello-under-fire-advertising-revolutionary-procedures-patient-deaths/story?id=67690618

[2] CBS News. (2019, October 15). Lawsuits claim cosmetic surgery chains put profits over patient safety. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cosmetic-surgery-chains-lawsuits-profit-over-patient-safety/

[3] NBC News. (2019, October 15). Cosmetic surgery chain Sono Bello faces lawsuits, patient deaths, investigations. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cosmetic-surgery-chain-sono-bello-faces-lawsuits-patient-deaths-investigations-n1065351

[4] The Washington Post. (2019, October 15). Cosmetic surgery chain Sono Bello faces lawsuits, patient deaths, investigations. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/10/15/cosmetic-surgery-chain-sono-bello-faces-lawsuits-patient-deaths-investigations/

[5] Yelp. (2021, March 18). Sono Bello Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.yelp.com/biz/sono-bello-atlanta-2

[6] The Tampa Bay Times. (2019, October 15). Florida woman sues cosmetic surgery chain Sono Bello after infection, complications. Retrieved from https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2019/10/15/florida-woman-sues-cosmetic-surgery-chain-sono-bello-after-infection-complications/

[7] The Tampa Bay Times. (2019, October 15). Sono Bello paid surgeons more to operate on heavier patients, lawsuit says. Retrieved from https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2019/10/15/sono-bello-paid-surgeons-more-to-operate-on-heavier-patients-lawsuit-says/