Page Section: Centre Content Column

Inadequate information prior to cosmetic procedure (07HDC05410)

Download Inadequate information prior to cosmetic procedure (07HDC05410) (PDF 11Kb)

(07HDC05410, 28 April 2008)

General surgeon ~ Private hospital ~ Cosmetic surgery ~ Abdominoplasty ~ Information ~ Documentation ~ Rights 4(2), 6(1)

A patient complained about the outcome of an abdominoplasty procedure performed by a general surgeon to remove the excess skin and fat around her abdominal area. She subsequently had further surgery, carried out by a cosmetic surgeon, to improve the appearance of the scar.

The surgeon was vocationally registered as a general surgeon. He advised that he provided the patient with adequate information preoperatively to enable her to make an informed choice about the surgery. However, the patient was unclear about what to expect in relation to scarring and appearance. She also understood that the surgeon was a cosmetic surgeon. There was limited documentation about what information the surgeon discussed with the patient.

It was held that the surgeon did not provide the patient with adequate information about the proposed procedure and his own registration, qualifications and experience, breaching Right 6(1). It was also held that the surgeon did not adequately document his consultations, breaching Right 4(2).