With cosmetic surgery chains growing, lawsuits reveal allegations of injuries and deaths

Patient Safety Concerns - A patient, Schaefer, experienced severe pain during a cosmetic surgery performed at Sonabello and later developed a life-threatening infection [1][2] - Schaefer is suing Sonabello, alleging negligence and lack of proper care [4] - The lawsuit is among over 200 filed against cosmetic surgery chains, raising concerns about disfiguring injuries and deaths [4][5] - At least 13 complaints were made to the Better Business Bureau, with patients reporting excruciating pain during procedures [7] Surgeon Qualifications and Training - The surgeon who performed Schaefer's surgery was a board-certified OBGYN, not a board-certified plastic surgeon, who completed Sonabello's 6 to 8 week unaccredited training program [3] - Sonabello claims its training program is rigorous and it is transparent about surgeons' qualifications [4] Company Response and Practices - Sonabello denies wrongdoing and asserts that it prioritizes patients over profits [4][5] - Sonabello uses lidocaine for pain management during surgery, keeping patients awake, claiming it is safer than general anesthesia [1] - Sonabello states that 13 negative experiences out of 300,000 patients is not the norm [8] Industry Recommendations - Experts recommend consulting with a doctor, not just a sales representative, and inquiring about the surgeon's qualifications before undergoing cosmetic procedures [10]