French Sling Malpractice in Turkey – What You Need to Know and How to Claim Compensation

The French sling procedure—a minimally invasive method of lifting sagging skin around the face and neck—has become increasingly popular in Turkey’s booming cosmetic surgery industry. Its appeal lies in the promise of natural-looking rejuvenation, quicker recovery, and less visible scarring compared to traditional facelifts.

Every year, thousands of local and international patients choose Turkey for cosmetic enhancements due to the affordable costs, reputation for skilled surgeons, and modern clinics. However, as demand grows, so do reports of complications and malpractice. For some patients, a French sling surgery gone wrong can lead to long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm.

This article explains what the French sling procedure involves, common malpractice-related problems, how to recognize negligence, and your legal options if you’ve been affected.


What Is the French Sling Procedure?

The French sling is a specialized facelift alternative that uses durable surgical threads to lift and tighten sagging skin along the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It aims to restore youthful contours without the extensive incisions of a full facelift.

Typical steps in the procedure include:

  • Precise Thread Placement – Threads are anchored to lift targeted facial areas.
  • Tissue Repositioning – Skin and underlying tissue are gently repositioned for a natural result.
  • Minimal Incisions – Small entry points reduce scarring and speed up healing.

Advantages often include:

  • Shorter recovery time compared to traditional facelifts
  • Less invasive surgical process
  • Immediate but subtle results

However, these benefits rely heavily on surgeon expertise and clinic safety standards. Errors in technique or aftercare can lead to serious complications.


Common French Sling Malpractice Complications

When performed incorrectly or in substandard conditions, the French sling can cause a range of negative outcomes, including:

  1. Facial Asymmetry – Uneven sling placement may result in an imbalanced look, affecting facial harmony.
  2. Nerve Damage – Poor surgical technique can cause temporary or permanent loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or chronic pain.
  3. Infections – Contamination from unsterilized equipment or improper post-operative hygiene.
  4. Thread Migration – Poorly anchored threads can shift position, causing visible irregularities or discomfort.
  5. Visible Scarring or Skin Irregularities – Improper incision placement or suturing can leave prominent scars or skin puckering.
  6. Skin Necrosis – In rare cases, poor blood flow due to surgical error can cause skin tissue death.

These complications can require additional surgeries, increase recovery time, and have a lasting impact on appearance and self-esteem.


What Constitutes French Sling Malpractice in Turkey?

In Turkey, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. For French sling procedures, malpractice may involve:

  • Failure to Inform – Patients must be fully informed about potential risks, side effects, recovery expectations, and alternative treatments before giving consent.
  • Inadequate Surgeon Training – Performing the French sling without proper skill, certification, or relevant experience.
  • Substandard Clinic Conditions – Operating in facilities that do not meet hygiene, safety, or equipment requirements.
  • Negligent Aftercare – Failing to provide proper post-operative instructions or follow-up care, leading to preventable complications.

How to Prove a French Sling Malpractice Case

To succeed in a malpractice claim in Turkey, your lawyer must prove four key elements:

  1. Duty of Care – The surgeon or clinic owed you a professional standard of care.
  2. Breach of Duty – They failed to meet this standard through action or inaction.
  3. Causation – The negligence directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
  4. Damages – You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, emotional trauma, or loss of income.

Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options

If you’ve suffered due to French sling malpractice in Turkey, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses.

Types of Compensation You May Claim

  • Medical Costs – Corrective surgeries, follow-up treatments, medications, and therapy.
  • Pain and Suffering – Emotional distress, loss of self-confidence, and physical discomfort.
  • Loss of Income – Wages lost during recovery or from long-term disability.
  • Future Expenses – Anticipated costs for ongoing medical care or cosmetic corrections.

Statute of Limitations in Turkey

Under Turkish law, malpractice claims must generally be filed within five years from the date of the incident.
Acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and avoid missing the legal deadline.


Steps to Filing a Malpractice Lawsuit

  1. Collect Evidence – Medical records, before-and-after photos, treatment receipts, and communication with the clinic.
  2. Seek a Second Opinion – Independent evaluation from a qualified surgeon to confirm malpractice.
  3. Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer – A lawyer experienced in cosmetic surgery cases can manage all legal procedures.
  4. Negotiate or Litigate – Many cases settle out of court, but your lawyer can represent you in trial if necessary.

Challenges for International Patients

Many French sling patients in Turkey are from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. For foreign patients, pursuing a malpractice claim may be more complex due to:

  • Language Barriers – Medical and legal documents are in Turkish, requiring professional translation.
  • Travel Limitations – Attending follow-up appointments or legal hearings may require travel to Turkey.
  • Unfamiliar Legal Procedures – Understanding Turkish law and court processes requires specialized legal support.

Why Choose Oran Partners for Your French Sling Malpractice Case

Oran Partners is Turkey’s only law firm exclusively focused on medical malpractice. We have extensive experience handling cosmetic surgery negligence cases, including French sling procedures.

What sets us apart:

  • Specialized Expertise – We understand the unique medical and legal aspects of facial cosmetic procedures.
  • International Client Support – Tailored services for foreign patients, including translation assistance and remote communication.
  • Proven Track Record – Successful outcomes in both settlements and court judgments.
  • Transparent Communication – We keep you updated at every stage, ensuring clarity and trust.

What to Do If You Suspect French Sling Malpractice

If you believe your surgery was mishandled:

  1. Document Everything – Keep all relevant medical records, receipts, and photographs of your condition.
  2. Get an Independent Medical Review – A specialist can confirm whether negligence likely occurred.
  3. Contact a Lawyer Promptly – Early legal intervention can prevent loss of evidence and strengthen your case.

Conclusion – Protect Your Rights and Recovery

The French sling procedure can offer remarkable, natural-looking rejuvenation—but when performed negligently, the physical and emotional toll can be significant. If you’ve suffered due to surgical errors, poor aftercare, or unsafe clinic practices in Turkey, you have the right to seek justice and fair compensation.

At Oran Partners, we combine medical knowledge with legal skill to help both Turkish and international patients hold negligent providers accountable.