A JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DE COMPLICAÇÕES ANESTÉSICAS EM PROCEDIMENTOS ESTÉTICOS: ENTRE A BANALIZAÇÃO DA CIRURGIA PLÁSTICA E A RESPONSABILIZAÇÃO MÉDICA – REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Introduction: The growing demand for aesthetic procedures has increased not only the number of plastic surgeries but also the occurrence of anesthetic complications, which, although rare, may lead to severe sequelae or death. This scenario contributes to rising litigation, driven by the social perception of the trivialization of plastic surgery and the expectation of perfect results. Objective: To evaluate the literature on litigation related to anesthetic complications in aesthetic procedures, analyzing associated factors, legal implications, and repercussions on medical practice. Methods: Systematic review conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PICO strategy. Databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: studies from the last 15 years addressing anesthetic complications in cosmetic plastic surgery and related lawsuits. Exclusion: duplicates, conflicts of interest, and lack of legal or clinical data. A total of 142 studies were identified; after excluding 18 duplicates, 124 were screened, 42 were read in full, and 13 met inclusion criteria. Results: The most litigated anesthetic complications were cardiorespiratory arrest, anaphylactic shock, events related to venous sedation, and failures in intraoperative monitoring. Younger patients undergoing aesthetic surgeries were more likely to file lawsuits. The main factors for liability were failure in informed consent, inadequate records, and insufficient monitoring. Conclusion: Litigation regarding anesthetic complications in aesthetic surgery reflects both the trivialization of plastic surgery and the societal demand for risk-free results. Strengthening informed consent, standardizing clinical documentation, and implementing safety protocols are essential strategies to reduce legal disputes and enhance physician-patient trust.