Health lawyer and women’s health advocate, Catherine Henry, is again calling for greater regulation and scrutiny of Australia’s cosmetic surgery industry.

The principal of regional NSW-based health law firm, Catherine Henry Lawyers, reiterated calls she – and others – have been making for years following last night’s Four Corners story Cosmetic Cowboys: The unregulated world of cosmetic surgery – a joint investigation with The Age and Sydney Morning Herald newspapers.

The list of women whom Ms Henry’s Newcastle-based firm is helping to make claims against one disgraced cosmetic surgeon, Dr Leslie Blackstock, has grown to more than 150.

She said more people are turning to cosmetic surgery. The industry has grown from something utilised by a few to one worth billions of dollars.

“But the regulation of the industry has not kept up with its exponential growth,” Ms Henry said.

“Unlike plastic surgeons, any qualified medical practitioner can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon,” she said.

“It is not a recognised specialty in Australia so cosmetic surgeons don’t have a college or go through the same rigorous training as plastic surgeons.”

“The laws need to change and the health regulators need to have a register of accredited cosmetic surgeons to help patients to choose skilled providers.”

The NSW Medical Council de-registered Dr Blackstock in October 2020 although he was suspended in 2017. Ms Henry said this was not before he left a trail of trauma and devastation at his clinic in Western Sydney. He even did procedures on some clients whilst suspended.

“He was not a specialist surgeon but described himself on his website as a plastic surgeon with suitable skill and expertise in breast augmentation.”

“My clients suffered horrendously at the hands of Dr Blackstock and the experience has affected their relationships, physical and mental health, their finances, and their ability to work.”

“The women our firm is representing say he performed procedures without an anaesthetist or an in-person pre-procedure assessment or examination and has uniformly asked the women whilst sedated (or their partners via Facetime) if they are satisfied with the appearance of their breasts. Many had complications which he incompetently managed and had to have further surgery – often multiple procedures – redone.”

“Many of these women are facing corrective surgery with other surgeons that will – in some cases – cost them tens of thousands of dollars.”

The Four Corners program focussed on one of Australia’s best known cosmetic surgeons Dr Daniel Lanzer. He owns and runs day hospitals in Melbourne and Brisbane and facilities in Sydney and Perth. A number of his patients are saying they were left scarred and had years of their lives “ruined”.

“On Four Corners the industry was described as “Wild West without the sheriffs” and I think that’s pretty accurate.”

Ms Henry said the problems are not confined to just several high profile doctors or capital cities. Her firm has settled other cases or made complaints for women who have experienced substandard treatment during cosmetic procedures.

“One client – a woman in her late 40s – underwent cosmetic surgery with a GP practising as a cosmetic surgeon in Newcastle to reduce the impact of ageing and give her a better defined facial shape. However, during the surgery, her facial nerves were severed beyond repair and she was left with permanent facial disfigurement through nerve damage, ongoing pain and psychological trauma.”

“Many women, understandably, feel embarrassed, powerless and often don’t know how or where to complain about poor treatment.”

Her firm is settling claims through Dr Blackstock’s insurer.

“It has been a difficult legal process but we have earlier this year resolved the legal issues and are working hard to get justice for these poor women for what they have been through and continue to suffer.”

“Better regulation and standards for so-called cosmetic surgeons are desperately needed.”

Ms Henry’s advice to women thinking about cosmetic surgery is to think carefully, do their homework researching doctors and to make sure they understand all of the risks.

“Check the qualifications of particular doctors and find out how many of the procedures the doctor has performed and if there are complaints currently against them.”

Dr Blackstock client stories

Catherine Henry Lawyers has successfully helped clients Melissa Harrison and Krystal Bailey settle their respective cases against Dr Blackstock.

Media coverage

This was also featured in the Newcastle Herald and you can read the article here.

Catherine Henry was interviewed on an episode of A Current Affair featuring a story on Dr Blackstock’s inappropriate practices. You can watch the segment here.

Catherine Henry Lawyers’ Dr Blackstock client testimonials

“I was only 21 years old when I first got in contact with Catherine Henry Lawyers regarding my medical negligence claim. I was young and nervous, also a bit sceptical but it was hands down the best decision I ever made. Ana, Samantha and Rosemary made me feel so calm throughout the whole experience. I was always informed of what was going on, they were helpful in making me understand things I may not have understood and they really just took the time to listen to me. On top of all of that, I got an outstanding result that exceeded my expectations. I can’t thank the team enough at Catherine Henry Lawyers for all the hard work and effort they put into my claim.”

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“I just wanted to touch base and thank you all so, so much for the support, patience, empathy and care you have shown me throughout this process. This wasn’t pleasant and did bring a lot of uncomfortable moments for me, but your compassion, kindness and determination to progress forward and remain positive really did make it easier. I never felt judged or shamed when dealing with any of you and it’s really important that you all understand and appreciate how much that means to anyone going through a process like this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

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“I can honestly say, I would not have been able to speak out if it weren’t for Ana and the other solicitors and support staff at Catherine Henry Lawyers. Their kind guidance and support allowed me to express what I went through in detail, and during the difficult moments, they allowed me to take a break and breathe through it. Not only were the Health Law team down to earth and extremely accepting without judgement, but they were also professional and clear, keeping their position at all times.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for not only hearing my situation but for validating me as a human being, unashamedly and real. I will forever be grateful to Ana and the wonderful team at Catherine Henry Lawyers for taking on my case and giving me a voice. I thank you all.”

You can read more Catherine Henry Lawyers client testimonials here.