Cosmetic surgery is often performed on extremely sensitive parts of the body, where even minor mistakes can have both serious health and cosmetic consequences. When a doctor accidentally severs delicate nerves in the skin, numbness and paralysis may result. At their worst, such issues are permanent, causing numbness or noticeable paralysis that can produce sagging facial features and other physical problems. While no surgery is entirely risk free, cosmetic and plastic surgeons are responsible for adhering to accepted safety standards during treatment. When numbness, scarring, or paralysis results from reckless or incompetent medical practices, patients' rights are protected by law.