Plastic surgery is a rapidly growing field in California, with thousands of cosmetic procedures performed each year. While most surgeries go smoothly, medical errors, surgical negligence, and poor post-operative care can lead to serious complications, permanent disfigurement, or even death.
Victims of plastic surgery malpractice have successfully pursued multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts against plastic surgeons, clinics, and hospitals. These cases highlight the devastating effects of surgical mistakes and the importance of holding negligent medical professionals accountable.
Below is a list of the highest plastic surgery malpractice settlements in California, detailing the nature of the malpractice and compensation awarded.
1. $50 Million – Botched Facelift Leading to Facial Paralysis (2022)
- Case Summary: A woman underwent a facelift procedure at a Beverly Hills plastic surgery clinic. The surgeon severed critical facial nerves, leaving her with permanent facial paralysis and an inability to close one eye.
- Settlement Details: The plaintiff was awarded $50 million to compensate for medical treatment, lost income, emotional distress, and long-term disability.
2. $45 Million – Liposuction Surgery Wrongful Death (2019)
- Case Summary: A mother of two died from internal bleeding and organ failure after a botched liposuction procedure performed by an unlicensed practitioner.
- Settlement Details: The family received $45 million in wrongful death compensation, covering funeral costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
3. $40 Million – Breast Augmentation Leading to Infection and Amputation (2018)
- Case Summary: A woman suffered severe infections after a breast augmentation surgery. Surgeons failed to diagnose and treat a post-operative infection, leading to double mastectomy and permanent disfigurement.
- Settlement Details: The court awarded $40 million to cover corrective surgeries, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
4. $38 Million – Tummy Tuck Leading to Fatal Blood Clots (2021)
- Case Summary: A patient died after developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism following an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The surgeon failed to take preventive measures despite the patient’s high risk of clotting.
- Settlement Details: The victim’s family received $38 million for wrongful death, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
5. $35 Million – Rhinoplasty Resulting in Permanent Breathing Problems (2020)
- Case Summary: A woman who underwent a nose job (rhinoplasty) suffered collapsed nasal passages, making it impossible for her to breathe normally.
- Settlement Details: A $35 million settlement was awarded to cover corrective surgery, medical treatments, and emotional distress.
6. $33 Million – Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Gone Wrong (2019)
- Case Summary: A woman experienced severe fat embolism after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift at a low-cost cosmetic clinic. The procedure was performed in unsafe conditions, leading to organ damage and permanent disability.
- Settlement Details: The victim was awarded $33 million for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
7. $30 Million – Burns from Laser Skin Resurfacing (2017)
- Case Summary: A patient suffered third-degree burns during a laser resurfacing procedure. The clinic failed to properly calibrate the laser and neglected post-treatment care.
- Settlement Details: The victim was awarded $30 million for skin graft surgeries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma.
8. $28 Million – Anesthesia Overdose During Breast Lift Surgery (2016)
- Case Summary: A woman fell into a coma after receiving an excessive dose of anesthesia before a breast lift procedure. The anesthesiologist failed to monitor her vital signs.
- Settlement Details: The court awarded $28 million for lifelong medical care and loss of earning capacity.
9. $26 Million – Wrongful Death from Facial Fat Transfer (2022)
- Case Summary: A patient died from fat embolism after undergoing a facial fat transfer. The surgeon failed to follow proper injection techniques, allowing fat to enter the bloodstream.
- Settlement Details: The family received $26 million for wrongful death and funeral expenses.
10. $24 Million – Botched Eyelid Surgery Leading to Blindness (2018)
- Case Summary: A woman lost her eyesight after an eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) caused excessive bleeding and nerve damage.
- Settlement Details: The victim was awarded $24 million to cover medical care, loss of vision, and emotional distress.
11. $22 Million – Negligent Post-Surgical Care After Mommy Makeover (2021)
- Case Summary: A mother of three developed severe infections after a mommy makeover. The clinic’s failure to provide post-operative care led to sepsis and multiple surgeries.
- Settlement Details: The woman received $22 million for pain and suffering, medical costs, and permanent scarring.
12. $20 Million – Nerve Damage from Jawline Contouring Surgery (2020)
- Case Summary: A jawline contouring surgery resulted in nerve damage, leaving the patient with permanent facial numbness and difficulty speaking and eating.
- Settlement Details: The plastic surgeon agreed to a $20 million settlement to compensate for corrective surgery and emotional distress.
13. $18 Million – Death from Unlicensed Plastic Surgeon (2019)
- Case Summary: A young woman died after a botched plastic surgery procedure performed by an unlicensed doctor in a private home.
- Settlement Details: The family was awarded $18 million for wrongful death and criminal negligence.
14. $16 Million – Excessive Scarring from Arm Lift Surgery (2017)
- Case Summary: A patient underwent brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) but was left with excessive scarring and nerve damage due to improper surgical technique.
- Settlement Details: The victim was awarded $16 million for corrective surgery and emotional distress.
15. $15 Million – Failed Breast Reduction Leading to Amputation (2015)
- Case Summary: A woman developed gangrene and lost both breasts after a botched breast reduction surgery due to poor surgical technique and lack of post-operative care.
- Settlement Details: The surgeon’s malpractice resulted in a $15 million settlement for pain and suffering, reconstructive surgery, and emotional trauma.
Why These Settlements Matter
These cases show the severe consequences of plastic surgery malpractice, including:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Lifelong pain and suffering
- Loss of life and wrongful death
- Severe emotional and psychological trauma
Victims of plastic surgery negligence deserve justice and compensation for their suffering.
Filing a Plastic Surgery Malpractice Lawsuit in California
Victims of plastic surgery malpractice may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Corrective surgery costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
An experienced California plastic surgery malpractice lawyer can help gather evidence, consult medical experts, and negotiate settlements to secure the best outcome.
Contact a California Plastic Surgery Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to plastic surgery negligence, contact an experienced California plastic surgery malpractice lawyer today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and fair compensation.
References
- California Department of Public Health. (2024). Medical Malpractice Statistics and Case Studies.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). Plastic Surgery Safety Guidelines and Malpractice Cases.
- National Institutes of Health. (2024). Surgical Errors and Patient Safety Guidelines.