Man sues after plastic surgeon allegedly removes his entire nose
A New York man living in Tulsa went to get a nose job with a well-established Tulsa plastic surgeon and five years later does not have a nose. Dr. Angelo Cuzalina is known across Green County, Okla., for his plastic surgery. The Oklahoma Medical Board does not show any complaints in his history. He is listed as president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. “I had the first surgery and suffered some breathing problems, nothing too bad, but it made it hard to exercise and sleep,” said Thakkar. He went back, again and again. Between 2006 and 2007 he had eight surgeries. He then left Tulsa until 2011 and came back for more surgeries. He had several infections. Finally, during a surgery, Thakkar says Cuzalina cut off his nose. “He told me that there was an infection in there and since I was on the operating table and unconscious he had to make the decision,” said Thakkar. On August 31st, 2012 Cuzalina sent Thakkar a form stating he will no longer work on him, “… you are considered medically unstable. Because of your ongoing threats and harassment against my staff, my practice, and me personally…”  the statement read. It was around this time Thakkar told FOX23 News, he learned Cuzalina was recording their audio and video without letting Thakkar know that was happening during his visits to the office. The lawsuit filed by Thakkar's attorney, Paul Boudreaux states: “During this period, and in violation of plaintiff’s medical confidentiality and privileges, Cuzalina hired private investigators and attorneys, and secured hidden audio and video recordings of Plaintiff without Plaintiff's permission or knowledge, in violation of the law and Plaintiff's reasonable expectations of privacy.” “In December of 2011, in the medical record he (Dr. Cuzalina) wrote I am suicidal, but at the same time the medication he is giving me it could easily kill a couple human beings,” said Thakkar. The lawsuit details those drugs: “.. prescribed an excessive amount of medication, enough to kill the patient, if taken, including but not limited to Loratab, Ambien, Valilum, and Oxycodone.” “I have more than 3,000 injections, pain pills and stuff so my liver is pretty much fried,” said Thakkar. FOX23 News learned of Thakkar's story on Friday and called to interview with Cuzalina's attorney, Tim Best. After a few conversations, Best said they are not comfortable doing an interview because they need a signed medical release to speak about Thakkar's medical history. Click for more from Fox News 23. source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/07/man-without-nose-files-lawsuit-against-tulsa-plastic-surgeon/