Multiple Botched Plastic Surgery Claims

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the top 5 most common cosmetic surgical procedures in 2019 were: 

1. Breast augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid surgery
4. Nose reshaping
5. Facelift

Many of these procedures go as expected but a number of cosmetic procedures leave patients suffering scarring, pain, and infection. Even when cosmetic surgery victims suffer negligent care, they are often hesitant to come forward out of shame or embarrassment. However, it is important to speak out to prevent others from suffering similar injuries. 

Botched Plastic Surgery Claims Against Fresno Center

According to an article in the Fresno Bee, a plastic surgery center in Fresno has been sued at least 10 times over the past 4 years for botched procedures. The Athenix Body Sculpting Institute claims their surgeons are artists in sculpting the body, “so you get the best results in the safest environment.” 

A number of the lawsuits are centered around the actions of Athlenix surgeon, Dr. Kevin Ciresi. According to the California Medical Board, Dr. Ciresi’s license is current but under probation status. As of July 25, 2019, Dr. Ciresi is on probation for 7 years with various terms and restrictions, and restricted from supervising physician assistants and advanced practice nurses.

During a facelift procedure in 2016, a patient reportedly stopped breathing during the procedure. Ciresi was unable to revive the patient for 7 minutes until paramedics were called and she was taken to a hospital. As a result of the complication, she was left with brain damage from the lack of oxygen to the brain over the extended period. The malpractice case was eventually settled for $3.9 million. 

In August of 2020, Shelby Lowery filed a malpractice lawsuit against Ciresi related to a breast augmentation surgery. Lowery claimed Ciresi gave her the wrong size implants, which were bigger than she’d wanted. After surgery, Lowery suffered pain and complained that her breasts were misshapen. Ciresi agreed to redo the procedure but Lowery said the second procedure made things worse. She later developed an infection after the treatment.

Sexual Harassment Claims While on Probation

As part of an earlier probation period, Kelly Squires, a former employee, was selected to be Ciresi’s workplace monitor. Squires later filed a complaint against Ciresi for sexual harassment. Squires alleged she and other female employees were subjected to inappropriate sexual remarks and touching, including reportedly commenting, “you don’t know how bad I want to pull the top of your dress down right now.” The case was later settled.

Breast Augmentation Malpractice

Breast augmentation, also called breast mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that uses implants or tissue from other parts of the body to increase the size of the breasts or to restore the breasts after injury or surgical procedures. It can be devastating when surgeons make mistakes and results don’t turn out as planned.

If you or a loved one suffered complications after cosmetic surgery, leaving scars or requiring multiple procedures, talk to experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers. The skilled medical malpractice attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian fight to get compensation for injured patients. Contact our law office online or by calling (800) 529-6162.