Dr Paul Coceancig suspended
Dr. Paul Coceancig was renowned for his innovative approaches and remarkable surgical outcomes. However, following numerous patient complaints, he has been suspended from practice since early 2024.
Were you treated by Dr. Coceancig?
If you've experienced issues under the care of Dr. Coceancig, you may be entitled to compensation. Reframe Legal is helping coordinate a mass tort on behalf of a number claimants who suffered injuries from Dr Coceancig.
In this article we discuss the dentist’s practice and what you can do if you have suffered an injury from his treatment.
Copy of the official AHPRA notice of suspension for Dr Coceancig. Source: AHPRA
Dr. Coceancig seemed destined for greatness from an early age. He quickly established himself as a rising star in the medical community. His early successes earned him a reputation, and he soon became known for his skillful and meticulous approach to surgery.
Pioneering Techniques:
Dr. Coceancig began to specialise in complex maxillofacial surgeries, particularly in the area of mandibular reconstruction. His innovative techniques, youtube clips and cutting-edge procedures garnered him widespread recognition, and patients from around the world sought out his expertise. His practice flourished, and he became a sought-after surgeon, with a long waiting list of patients eager to undergo his transformative surgeries.
As Dr. Coceancig's prominence in the field expanded, his innovative techniques, particularly those involving the segmentation of the mandible into five parts and the use of three plates for repositioning, attracted scrutiny and debate within the medical community.
Some professionals raised questions about these methods, reflecting the diversity of opinions that often accompanies pioneering approaches in medical practice.
Suspension and Fallout:
In February 2024, Dr. Coceancig was suspended relating to concerns about professional misconduct and patient safety issues. The suspension sent shockwaves through the medical community.
Today, the future remains uncertain, as Dr Coceancig faces serious and significant complaints which have been raised with regard to a number of issues associated with his practice, by a number of patients.
These complaints have included issues relating to some of the techniques Dr Coceancig used in certain procedures; whether adequate patient consent was obtained prior to certain procedures; issues around appropriate follow up care; and boundary violations.
Patient complaints to the Australian Healthcare Complaints Commission:
Dr. Coceancig is the subject of numerous complaints to the Healthcare Complaints Commission, each from patients who allege numerous issues. These complaints collectively paint a troubling picture of potential issues in patient care, raising concerns about practices and their impact on patient safety and well-being.
Geniopaully and Related Complaints
Dr. Coceancig has performed a range of maxillofacial and orthognathic procedures, a number of these have become the subject of complaints and formal investigations. Among these are complex surgeries intended to address structural or aesthetic concerns of the face and jaw, including the geniopaully (chin augmentation), as well as procedures involving orthognathic corrections, implant placement, and jaw realignment.
Geniopaully, a surgical procedure designed to reshape or enhance the chin, was performed by Dr Coceancig to improve facial symmetry or correct congenital deformities. Dr. Coceancig also performed bimaxillary (bimax) surgery and double bimaxillary (double bimax) surgery, highly complex orthognathic procedures designed to address functional and aesthetic concerns involving both the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws. These surgeries, typically undertaken to correct severe jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, or other structural issues, have become a focal point of investigations.
Issues which have been raised include Surgical Complications arising from a Bimax or double Bimax
Infections and Inflammation
Nerve Damage and Loss of Sensation
Protruding or Retained Hardware
Asymmetry and Unintended Aesthetic Outcomes
Unorthodox Practices
Deviations from Standard Protocols: Potentially performing variations of the procedures that did not align with recognised medical guidelines, compromising patient safety and outcomes.
Unauthorised Procedures: Additional surgeries, such as nasal corrections without prior consent during bimax or double bimax surgeries.
Impact on Patients
For some, the aftermath of these surgeries has caused:
Functional Impairments: Issues such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing have been reported, affecting patients' quality of life.
Emotional Distress: The physical complications, coupled with dissatisfaction with results, have caused psychological harm.
Financial Burden: Patients have been forced to seek costly corrective surgeries and ongoing medical care due to the complications arising from these procedures.
Maxillofacial Surgery: A Complex and Delicate Field
Maxillofacial surgery is a specialised branch of surgery that focuses on treating conditions, defects, injuries, and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, jaw, face, and neck region. It includes a wide range of procedures, from routine dental extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries.
One of the key areas of focus in maxillofacial surgery is jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery. This type of surgery is often performed to correct jaw deformities, such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites, which can affect a person's ability to chew, speak, and breathe properly.
In cases where the jaw is too small or too large, surgeons may perform procedures to either lengthen or shorten the jawbone to improve function and aesthetics. These procedures often involve cutting the jawbone and repositioning it using specialized plates and screws.
Maxillofacial surgeons also play a crucial role in treating facial trauma, such as fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, and eye sockets. These injuries can result from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or interpersonal violence. Surgeons must carefully reconstruct the facial bones to restore both function and appearance.
Another important aspect of maxillofacial surgery is the treatment of facial deformities, such as cleft lip and palate. These conditions can significantly impact a person's ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly. Surgeons work to correct these deformities through a series of surgeries performed over several years.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in cosmetic maxillofacial surgery, which focuses on improving the appearance of the face and jaw. Procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), genioplasty (chin reshaping), and cheek augmentation have been performed by maxillofacial surgeons to enhance facial aesthetics.
While maxillofacial surgery offers numerous benefits, it is not without risks. Complications such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and scarring can occur, particularly in complex procedures. Surgeons must carefully assess each patient's individual needs and risks before recommending surgery.
Overall, maxillofacial surgery is a complex and demanding field that requires a high level of skill and expertise. Surgeons in this field must have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, as well as the ability to perform delicate and precise surgical techniques to achieve optimal outcomes for their patients.
Were You Treated by Dr. Coceancig?
If you’ve experienced complications or injuries under the care of Dr. Coceancig, you may have a right to seek compensation. Reframe Legal is working to support individuals by coordinating a mass tort for patients who have suffered harm due to his surgical practices.
Take the first step toward justice—contact us today to discuss your situation confidentially and explore your options.
Use the contact form below if you wish to enquire about joining the mass tort or the legal aspects of your treatment with Dr Coceancig.
