Legal disputes over informed consent for cosmetic procedures: a descriptive study of negligence claims and complaints in Australia

Marie M Bismark, Andrew J Gogos, David McCombe, Richard Clark, Russell Lindsay Gruen, David M Studdert

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37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plastic surgeons and other doctors who perform cosmetic procedures face relatively high risks of malpractice claims and complaints. In particular, alleged problems with the consent process abound in this area, but little is known about the clinical circumstances of these cases. Method: We reviewed 481 malpractice claims and serious health care complaints resolved in Australia between 2002 and 2008 that alleged failures in the informed consent process for cosmetic and other procedures. We identified all cases involving cosmetic procedures and reviewed them in-depth. We calculated their frequency, and described the treatments, allegations, and outcomes involved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1506 - 1512
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Volume65
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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