Increase in Elective Surgery Procedures During Covid-19

woman preparing for plastic surgery, Increase in Elective Surgery Procedures During Covid-19

The attorneys at Scholle Law handle serious motor vehicle accidents, work injuries and other negligence cases.  In this blog article the Lasik Eye Injury attorneys at Scholle Law discuss the increase in elective and cosmetic surgery procedures during the Covid 19 / Corona Virus Pandemic. The lawyers at the firm are experienced in handling professional negligence cases including medical malpractice and cases involving eye injuries occurring during Lasik or other eye surgeries. A brief discussion of Lasik Eye Injuries is also presented.

More Elective Procedures During Covid 19

The Washington Post recently reported in an article that there is a reported increase in elective and cosmetic surgeries during the current Covid-19 Pandemic. Cosmetic surgery procedures include breast enhancement, facial contouring, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, skin rejuvenation and other procedures defined by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.  Additionally, many news outlets have previously reported concerns about people not getting routine or emergency medical care because of the Corona Virus. With many people choosing to stay inside and away from medical facilities, this news is somewhat surprising.

More Procedures But Why?

The Washington Post article highlights several ideas as to why more people are choosing to have these elective procedures during the pandemic. One theory: Zoom and video meetings. One Botox patient explained “I noticed my face was starting to look older: fine lines and droopy,” and “I’m definitely bothered by my lines more on video than in real life.”  Many people are working remotely, and video meetings are a daily requirement for many people.  This theory does make sense, but it does not explain everything.

Time and Money

Another idea is that many people are getting surgeries because they have the time to devote to their recoveries. Many procedures can take weeks to recover from. If people are at home and without plans for travel or other social events like weddings and vacations this increase does make sense. Lastly, others hypothesize that money is also a factor. Many people are home and they are not traveling and spending money on eating out, movies or concerts. With the additional funds in their bank accounts, some people now have the financial resources to afford these procedures.

Don’t Forget the Eyes

One of the previously unmentioned elective procedures with increased volume since the pandemic began is LASIK eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery is laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems.  During LASIK surgery, a cutting laser is used to change the shape of the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of your eye (cornea) to improve vision.  It is an outpatient procedure and it generally requires very little recovery time. The procedure is performed to correct vision problems such as Nearsightedness, Farsightedness and Astigmatism.

Except for vanity, the same previously mentioned reasons may very well also account for the reported increase in LASIK procedures. If you are working from home, a procedure with very little recovery time like LASIK may seem very attractive.  Additionally, increased savings or better finances from not traveling and or dining out may help pay for LASIK eye surgery. Lastly, some medical providers believe that masks may also be playing a role. Many people have issues with their glasses fogging up due to wearing masks. In some cases, LASIK may result in patients no longer having to wear glasses.  That could certainly motivate someone to want to go through with the procedure at this time.

Increases in Surgeries, Risks and Injuries?

Information about the increased amount of cosmetic and elective surgeries does not show any serious concerns for increased risks due to Corona Virus. Medical providers are working hard to prevent people from encountering one another during their appointments.  Also, they screen patients as well as they can.  Thankfully many medical providers are also among the first Americans to receive the Corona Virus vaccines, and that should also help to make treatments safer for doctors and patients.

While there is no data to suggest that Corona Virus makes these procedures riskier, an increase in procedures means incidences of complications and even malpractice will at least continue to be steady if not increase. All medical procedures have risks. Before any surgery or medical procedure always take the time to do your due diligence and speak to your doctor(s) about your concerns and questions. It is their job to answer your questions and give you the information you need to make decisions regarding your health care.

Every procedure does include the potential for risk and complications.  However, risk and complications are not the same as professional negligence or medical malpractice. Serious medical mistakes made by doctors and healthcare providers are something more serious than a risk or a complication.  In all the previously mentioned procedures, medical malpractice damages range from minor damages to damages that are catastrophic and even deadly. Scholle Law encourages anyone with a question about medical negligence to contact the firm for a free case evaluation.          

LASIK EYE INJURY ATTORNEYS

Regarding LASIK procedures, our LASIK eye injury attorneys have handled these complex injury cases. They have the experience and know-how to provide zealous counsel for LASIK injury victims.   LASIK surgery injuries can include vision problems, pain and dryness in the eyes.  In severe cases, injuries can even include blindness and loss of sight. An accurate number for procedures resulting in serious complications is unknown.

The LASIK eye injury attorneys at Scholle Law can identify whether negative results amount to medical malpractice. LASIK eye injury cases are complicated. They require expertise – knowledge of the science and medicine involved with these types of injury cases. We have the experience and resources to help LASIK injury victims. Scholle Law firm offers free consultations. Our office encourages anyone with a potential LASIK injury case or other medical malpractice to contact Scholle Law. Call now for a free consultation and case evaluation.

To set up a meeting, call us today at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online.