Alarming Surgery Outcome

A 70-year-old woman from South Florida, identified as Dian, is facing severe complications following a recent cosmetic procedure. Embarrassed by her appearance and suffering from constant pain, Dian has shared her traumatic story, revealing how her life has drastically changed post-surgery.

Life Altered by Surgery

Dian, who prefers not to disclose her last name, has been affected both physically and emotionally since her surgery. “Now, I spend a lot of time watching TV, whereas before I was out and about dancing, in the gym… and that kind of has been ripped away,” she expressed, reflecting on how her previous active lifestyle has been replaced by isolation due to her surgical outcomes.

Devastating Post-Operative Symptoms

The complications began immediately after her partial face-lift in February, with Dian waking to complete darkness in her vision. “I was screaming because it was total blackness. I couldn’t even see a little speck of light,” she recounted. Six months later, she still struggles with vision in her right eye, stating, “I can’t see.” The surgery left her unable to close her eyes fully, leading to further complications.

Pursuing Medical Help

Upon realizing the severity of her condition, Dian contacted her surgeon for assistance, only to feel neglected during her visit. “He just left me in the waiting room for about three or four hours…,” she said, noting that the only treatment offered was saline and gauze.

Following this, she consulted with an eye specialist, who informed her of a serious corneal condition resulting from her inability to close her eyelid: “Because your eye isn’t closing, the cornea is drying out… you’ve created this huge, ulcerated cornea and that’s why you can’t see,” they explained.

Insurance Concerns and Legal Options

Dian considered her legal options but found a significant hurdle: her surgeon lacks medical malpractice insurance, a requirement that is often bypassed by doctors operating outside hospital systems. Attorney William Robinson elaborated, “Doctors who don’t practice in hospitals are not required to carry malpractice insurance,” underscoring the challenges patients face when seeking accountability.

Robinson also mentioned that offices must display notifications about the absence of malpractice coverage, so potential patients are informed beforehand. Dian, though contemplating legal action, has prioritized her health amid the frustration and uncertainty surrounding her treatment options.

A Financial and Emotional Burden

As she looks toward potential corrective surgeries, which could cost over $30,000, Dian finds herself financially drained and emotionally scarred. “I understand if I need to go to an ocular plastic surgeon,” she noted, emphasizing the daunting nature of her circumstances.

What was intended to be a transformative experience now serves as a gravely distressing chapter in her life.