Litigation Arising From Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are on the rise. To meet this rising demand, increasing numbers of physicians and nonphysicians are performing these procedures. Understanding malpractice trends and reasons for litigation in cosmetic medicine is important to establish safeguards for patient care and minimize liability.

Objective: Perform a comprehensive review of the literature on litigation associated with minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and discuss strategies to avoid facing a lawsuit.

Materials and methods: The authors searched PubMed databases using a variety of keywords to identify studies of lawsuits arising from minimally invasive cosmetic procedures through December 2020.

Results: A total of 12 studies of litigation meeting inclusion criteria were identified: botulinum toxin (1), soft tissue fillers (3), lasers (5), body contouring/liposuction (1), chemical peels/dermabrasion (1), and sclerotherapy (1). Principle factors associated with litigation included negligence, lack of informed consent, vicarious liability for action of delegates, lack of communication, poor cosmetic result, failure to inform of risks, inappropriate treatment or dose, and failure to recognize or treat injury.

Conclusion: Understanding malpractice trends and reasons for litigation in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can strengthen the patient-provider relationship, establish safeguards for patient care, and may minimize future risk of a lawsuit.