Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common types of cosmetic surgeries performed in Oregon and across the country. Nationwide, about 400,000 breast augmentations are performed each year. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure. Some patients report that they were thoroughly warned about possible complications, but many patients underwent the surgery without being informed about the potential serious risks they were facing. One woman has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit, claiming that a medical provider failed repeatedly to identify complications she was having from breast implants she had received nearly 20 years prior.
A woman who had received breast implants in 1989 was having annual mammograms performed at the same facility from 2008 to 2014. Each year she received a confirmation that her results were normal. In 2015 she went to a different facility for testing, and it was discovered that both of her implants had in fact ruptured. As a result of the ruptures she was experiencing numerous problems, including fibrosis of her pectoral muscle, nerve damage and even a disfigured rib.
Complications from breast implants are not uncommon. A variety of ailments can be attributed to breast augmentation surgery, including autoimmune disorders, infections, capsular contracture, nerve damage and even cancer. Many patients, like the woman with two ruptures, are not adequately informed of the potential risks and the precautions that should be taken. She is hoping the medical malpractice lawsuit she has filed will help bring awareness to the alarming levels of medical error that take place.
Patients have to be vigilant about their health and any symptoms they are experiencing, regardless of test results and physician dismissal. Failure to correct or treat problems often leads to additional physical damage or complications. A patient who has been a victim of misdiagnosed or undiagnosed conditions may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. An experienced Oregon attorney can assist the victim in navigating the process of filing a medical malpractice claim and seeking compensation for the damages he or she has sustained.