Laser liposuction, also known as “laser lipolysis” or “lipo”, is a cosmetic procedure that can help people remove fat cells from the targeted areas. It can do this by using heat, which kills the cells. Unfortunately, however, if there’s medical malpractice involved, the procedure can also result in liposuction burns. Learn more about what a liposuction burn is and your legal options.
What Is Laser Liposuction?
Laser liposuction uses laser energy to target pockets of fat. Heating the fat cells destroys them and allows the body to eliminate them via the lymphatic system. It’s an alternative to traditional liposuction, which is a surgical procedure that requires the insertion of a tube through which fat can be suctioned out.
While laser liposuction is less invasive, it still carries risks, especially in untrained or careless hands.
What Injuries Can Occur From Laser Liposuction?
Because laser liposuction isn’t as invasive as traditional options, people assume it’s a perfectly safe procedure. There are issues that could arise, however, if your provider doesn’t meet the accepted standard of care.
There are a few different types of injuries you could suffer, including:
- Infections
- Burns
- Scarring
Liposuction burns are particularly common if care is not taken to ensure that the energy that reaches fat tissues is correctly applied and that the heat doesn’t exceed safe levels.
Why Laser Liposuction Burns Occur
Burns from liposuction occur because of the high heat that is required to destroy fat cells. The problem is that different types of tissue in your body burn at various temperatures, so if the laser is not used as carefully as possible, it can damage skin, muscles, and ligaments.
In severe cases, patients may suffer second- or even third-degree burns that require extensive treatment or reconstructive surgery. The risk increases significantly if the provider lacks proper training or uses outdated equipment.
Burn injuries of all types can result in health complications. For one thing, they can lead to scarring that requires reconstructive surgery to address. There’s also the risk of developing serious infections if the burn isn’t treated appropriately or promptly.
Medical negligence is the main reason why these injuries occur. If the provider doesn’t meet the expected standard of care and makes an error that another medical professional wouldn’t have made, that points to negligence.
Beginning a Medical Malpractice Claim
If you suffered a liposuction burn, you may be able to file a malpractice claim against the provider and receive compensation. To do so, you must demonstrate that negligence occurred, which can be complicated to prove when dealing with medical procedures.
Unlike other personal injury claims, it’s not enough to show that another reasonable person in the same position would not have committed the same mistake. Instead, you must get an affidavit of merit from another medical professional that states your claim is valid. This is complex to do and requires assistance from attorneys.
Something else to remember is that you have a limited amount of time to file this type of claim. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Georgia is two years, though there could be exceptions that shorten or lengthen the timeline.
Hiring a Medical Malpractice Attorney
An attorney has contacts with medical professionals who can corroborate your claim and will know how to negotiate with insurance companies to help you receive fair compensation. Because these cases are so complex, you could be risking your settlement if you choose to pursue them without legal assistance.
With attorneys helping you, you can fight to recover medical expenses and lost wages, as well as to get compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced. Don’t try to go through this alone. Instead, rely on experienced counsel.
Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm of Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you or a close one have suffered from medical malpractice in Atlanta, Georgia, please call Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers at (770) 390-7550 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346