Ways That Cosmetic Surgeons Can Prevent Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Cosmetic surgery has become very common place in our society today.  Because of reality TV shows like Real Housewives and fashion magazines depicting skinny, sexy models, Americans have become obsessed with their physical appearance, and more people are turning to cosmetic surgeons for help.  However, because of this high demand for body augmentation, plastic surgeons are taking on more clients and jeopardizing the quality of work.  This is opening them up to cosmetic surgery malpractice.  
So, what are some ways that cosmetic surgeons can prevent medical malpractice?
The most important thing cosmetic surgeons can do is to be honest and communicate with their patients.  Miscommunication or failure to provide pertinent information is one of the top reasons that people sue for malpractice.  Cosmetic surgeons should educate their patients thoroughly on the procedure they will be performing and let them know step-by-step what will happen.  
Doctors have a legal obligation to disclose the risks involved with cosmetic surgery.  Even if their patients don’t want to hear about it, surgeons still need to let them know any and all risks, regardless of how insignificant they think it is.  Patients should understand that there are indeed risks involved with these types of medical procedures.  
Patients should also be made aware if their expectations are too high.  A doctor should not promise a patient that she can look “just like” Angelina Jolie.  Many people have unrealistic expectations, so it is up to a doctor to let them know what can or cannot be done.
Another way cosmetic surgeons can prevent medical malpractice is to know when to say, “No”.  If it’s obvious that a patient has an addiction to getting plastic surgery, a doctor needs to have enough courage to draw the line and simply tell the patient that it’s just too much -- that there is too much risk involved in undergoing another procedure.  There are many surgeons who don’t want to lose business, but it’s better to turn someone away than to be sued for millions of dollars!
All doctors, including surgeons, must meet a high standard of care and always look out for their patients’ best interests.  Taking precautionary steps and ensuring all the details of the surgery are disclosed will help with the process.  The key to a successful doctor/patient relationship is that the lines of communication are open and the patient thoroughly understands the risks of the procedure.