Cosmetic ProcedureBreast Reduction Surgery
Time Frame6 Months
LawyerLouiza Tarassova
Case DescriptionThe patient underwent a breast reduction surgery and initially had a routine recovery. However, several weeks after the procedure, she began experiencing worsening symptoms, including pain, swelling, abscess formation, and drainage. Despite multiple follow-up visits and ongoing complaints, her plastic surgeon failed to properly evaluate and manage her condition. The surgeon delayed taking a culture, treated her with ineffective antibiotics and repeatedly reassured the patient that she is fine. As her condition worsened, she required emergency treatment for abscesses. Even after this escalation, her plastic surgeon rescheduled follow-up appointments and expressed no clear plan to identify the underlying cause. At one point, laboratory findings suggested a serious infection, but the plastic surgeon failed to follow up or investigate further. Ultimately, the correct diagnosis was delayed for over 2 years.
The InjuryWhat began as post-surgical complications progressed into a serious and untreated Mycobacterium fortuitum infection, a type of bacterial infection that can be particularly difficult to treat when not identified early. The patient endured years of worsening symptoms, including painful abscesses, drainage, and inflammation, without receiving a proper diagnosis. Because the infection was not timely identified or treated, it became chronic and significantly more difficult to manage. By the time another provider finally diagnosed the condition, the infection had advanced to the point that it required aggressive and prolonged intervention. The patient was ultimately placed on intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for over six months, reflecting the severity and persistence of the infection. Even with appropriate care, the delay caused lasting harm. Physical Injuries • Chronic Mycobacterium fortuitum infection requiring long-term IV antibiotic treatment • Recurrent abscesses and invasive procedures • Permanent scarring and disfigurement • Ongoing medical complications and monitoring Emotional Impact • Significant pain and suffering over an extended period • Emotional distress and mental anguish • Anxiety caused by prolonged uncertainty and ineffective treatment • Loss of enjoyment of life
Attorney’s EffortOur legal team conducted a comprehensive investigation into the patient’s care, including: • Reviewing extensive medical records and treatment history • Identifying multiple deviations from the accepted standard of care • Consulting with medical experts to support the claim • Establishing a clear timeline showing delays in diagnosis and treatment In addition, this case required strategic legal work beyond standard malpractice investigation. The original plastic surgeon had retired and relocated, and the surgery center had gone out of business. Despite these obstacles, we successfully identified all responsible parties and negotiated a fair settlement with both the plastic surgeon and the surgery center, even though both were no longer actively operating.
Case ChallengesThis case presented unique and significant challenges: • The original plastic surgeon had retired and relocated out of state • The surgery center where the procedure occurred had gone out of business • Identifying and locating responsible parties required extensive investigation • The surgery center was uninsured, adding complexity to recovery efforts Despite these obstacles, the case was successfully developed through careful legal strategy and thorough evidence gathering.
ResultsAfter completing the medical malpractice presuit investigation, the parties were able to reach a settlement without the need for formal litigation. The case resolved early due to the overwhelming evidence demonstrating abandonment and failures in care by both the surgeon and the surgical facility.
Lessons Learned Lessons Learned This case underscores important lessons for both patients and legal strategy: • If your surgeon is ignoring your complaints or failing to properly manage complications, it is critical to seek a second opinion as soon as possible • Early intervention can make the difference between a manageable condition and a long-term, life-altering injury • Document everything — in this case, the client preserved written communications through the surgery center’s messaging system, which showed repeated appointment cancellations and how her concerns were consistently downplayed These records became powerful evidence in demonstrating negligence and strengthening the case.
