Individuals Expressing Physical Harm Following Aesthetic Procedures
In the world of cosmetic surgery, promises of change, confidence, and beauty are often plastered across television and internet ads. However, for some patients, the reality has been far from ideal. Sono Bello, a well-known body-contouring company, is currently under extensive legal scrutiny, with over 60 medical malpractice lawsuits filed against them since 2013, including at least four wrongful death suits.
The Lawsuits Against Sono Bello
Common allegations made by patients against Sono Bello include disfiguring injuries resulting from cosmetic procedures, infections and unbearable pain following surgeries such as tummy tucks and liposuction, claims that the chains exaggerate potential results of surgeries, allegations of negligence and inadequate patient care, issues related to billing and refund policies, and complaints about harassment and misuse of customer data.
One such patient is Erin Schaeffer, a woman from Florida who underwent a procedure at a Sono Bello-affiliated clinic and experienced a nearly unbearable surgery, resulting in a serious infection just days later. Court filings accuse the company of using a doctor who was not properly trained to perform cosmetic procedures.
The Business Model and Its Consequences
The business model of these cosmetic surgery chains often rewards speed and volume, with doctors being paid more to operate on people with higher body mass index, even though such patients carry higher risks. This model, coupled with a lack of national system tracking complaints about cosmetic surgeries, has raised concerns about safety and training.
Not all clinics are prepared to handle what happens when things go wrong. For instance, a 79-year-old woman underwent multiple procedures at once in Nevada, resulting in a severe infection. These cases have led to ongoing questions about safety and training in the cosmetic surgery industry.
Private investment firms have poured millions into these cosmetic surgery chains, with advertising emphasizing fast results, credit options, and dramatic makeovers. However, patients often sign contracts that allow the companies to push disputes into private arbitration, keeping the details out of the public eye. Some agreements even include penalties for speaking negatively about the experience online.
The Future of Cosmetic Surgery Chains
Despite the legal challenges and negative complaints, Sono Bello maintains some positive patient reviews. For example, its Boston location has a 4.55/5 rating based on over 1000 reviews. However, these do not negate the significant volume of serious lawsuits and allegations faced by the company.
Other cosmetic surgery chains, like Mia Aesthetics, also face similar lawsuits, mainly alleging medical negligence and poor outcomes. As the industry continues to grow, it is crucial for regulations and oversight to keep pace, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.
Her Story Serves as a Reminder
Erin Schaeffer's story serves as a reminder that cosmetic surgery carries real risks. As more patients speak out about painful and life-altering results from cosmetic surgeries at large chain clinics, it is essential to approach these procedures with caution and careful consideration.
References
- ABC News
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- Consumer Reports
- Google Reviews
- The lawsuits against Sono Bello involve allegations of disfiguring injuries, infections, unbearable pain, exaggerated results, negligence, inadequate care, billing issues, and harassment, as well as claims of misuse of customer data.
- Erin Schaeffer, a patient from Florida, experienced serious complications following a cosmetic procedure at a Sono Bello-affiliated clinic, with court filings accusing the company of using an unqualified doctor.
- The business model of cosmetic surgery chains often prioritizes speed and volume, incentivizing doctors to operate on high-risk patients, which has raised concerns about safety and training.
- As the cosmetic surgery industry grows, regulations and oversight need to be strengthened to ensure patient safety, considering the increasing number of lawsuits against chains like Sono Bello and Mia Aesthetics.
