Vident Partners provides vetted plastic surgery expert witnesses for cases involving cosmetic surgery complications, reconstructive surgery errors, surgical scarring and disfigurement, anesthesia-related injuries, and informed consent disputes in elective and reconstructive procedures nationwide. Request a referral today.
Find a Plastic Surgery Expert →Overview
A plastic surgery expert witness evaluates whether the operative planning, surgical technique, and postoperative management of cosmetic or reconstructive procedures met the accepted standard of care. Attorneys retain these experts to assess causation in cases of disfigurement, nerve injury, necrosis, and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes, and to distinguish recognized complications from negligence 1. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), an ABMS-recognized certifying board, requires completing at least six years of surgical training including a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency, plus written and oral examinations 2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) members must additionally operate only in accredited surgical facilities and complete annual patient-safety continuing medical education 3. Their testimony often addresses both liability and the extent of permanent damages.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS); ASPS members must hold ABPS certification and complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school.
Case Types
Cosmetic surgery complications and disfigurement
Reconstructive surgery technique errors
Breast augmentation and reduction injuries
Informed consent and patient selection disputes
Postoperative infection and wound necrosis claims
Qualifications
Related Specialties
FAQ
A plastic surgery expert witness should hold board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, maintain an active clinical practice performing the procedures at issue, and have prior experience providing deposition and trial testimony. Fellowship training relevant to the specific procedure strengthens their qualifications.
Plastic surgery experts are retained in cases involving cosmetic surgery complications, reconstructive procedure errors, disfigurement, nerve injury, and informed consent disputes. They are also used to evaluate the extent of permanent scarring and damages in personal injury claims.
In general, medical expert fees are determined by the expert themselves, based on a variety of criteria. Among those criteria are clinical experience, forensic experience, academic qualifications such as Fellowships, clinical settings, and publications. Vident does have some influence over expert fees by comparing experts within a specialty, but ultimately it is a personal decision by the expert.
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Vident Partners connects attorneys with qualified plastic surgery expert witnesses. Complimentary consultation, 24-hour turnaround, no obligation.
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