The Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery: Laser Burns

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that cosmetic procedures continue to grow, with a shift in the types of procedures patients have chosen since the start of the new millennium. Statistics show that there were 15.9 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. in 2015. This is a 2 percent increase since 2014.

The ASPS further reports that while overall procedures have risen 115 percent since 2000, the types of procedures patients are choosing are changing. In 2015, 1.3 million chemical peels, 2.4 million soft tissue fillers, 1.1 million laser hair removal, and over 800,000 microdermabrasion procedures were performed in the U.S. While these may be considered “minimally invasive” as compared to face-lifts and other bigger procedures, they still entail serious risks. One of the most common risks with minimally invasive procedures that involved the use of lasers is a burn.

Common Burn Injuries

Individuals who use treatments that involve laser treatments may be at risk for two types of burns:

• Second degree burns: A second degree burn penetrates past the top most layer of the skin. This type of burn can cause redness, blisters, and a sore sensation when touched. In some cases, skin grafting may be necessary to repair the damage caused by a second degree burn.
• Third degree burns: Third degree burns are the most serious type of burns that penetrates every layer of the skin. It can also impact the bones, organs and bloodstream, and even cause nerve damage.

Legal Causes of Action

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while undergoing a cosmetic procedure, you may have a valid claim to seek compensation. However, it should be noted that the type of claim you may file can be different depending on the type of procedure you had done.

For instance, while those injured during a plastic surgery procedure or medical treatment may file a medical malpractice claim, this is not the usual cause of action that can be taken for laser hair removal treatment cases.

The reason is that state laws do not consider laser hair removal as a “medical treatment,” required to be performed by a licensed doctor. Laser hair removal, and most other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can be done by technicians, cosmetologists, or other non-medical personnel.

In such cases, you may have causes of action that arise under negligence.

Call an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

Any type of negligence can be a terrifying experience for both the victim and their loved ones. The most important thing to realize is that you are not alone. The attorneys at Gersowitz, Libo & Korek P.C. have more than 40 years of experience and knowledge to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the full extent of monetary compensation that you deserve.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York personal injury attorneys, please call 1-800-529-9997.