Astghik Djikneyan v. Susan Chobanian, M.D.

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff(s): Astghik Djikneyan
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Gohar Gigi Sogomonyan

 

  • Defendant(s): Susan Chobanian
    • Counsel for Defendants: Ryan Richard James

Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date: April 10, 2024
  • Total Damages awarded to Plaintiff: $0 (Verdict for Defendant)

About the Case

Cause

In March 2018, Dr. Susan Chobanian, a licensed plastic surgeon practicing in Glendale, California, injected Astghik Djikneyan’s nose with the dermal filler Radiesse. This marked Djikneyan’s first experience with dermal fillers.

Over a year later, in September 2019, Djikneyan underwent a full rhinoplasty performed by Dr. Chobanian at the Avalon Surgery & Robotic Center in Glendale. During follow-up appointments in February, March, and May of 2020, Chobanian administered injections near Djikneyan’s nose area, which Djikneyan believed were standard steroid shots to reduce post-operative swelling and scarring from her rhinoplasty.

However, on June 2, 2020, during another follow-up visit, Chobanian injected Radiesse into Djikneyan’s nose again without informing her of the contents of the injection or obtaining informed consent. Djikneyan immediately reacted with an allergic response upon returning to the office on June 3rd. Chobanian’s staff confirmed Djikneyan’s documented allergy to Radiesse by checking her medical file.

From June 3rd to July 6th, 2020, in five separate appointments, Chobanian attempted to dissolve the Radiesse filler by injecting Djikneyan with hyaluronidase enzyme. However, this treatment was ineffective because hyaluronidase only breaks down dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid, whereas Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, which are not affected by hyaluronidase.

Injury

Astghik Djikneyan suffered severe physical injuries due to Dr. Susan Chobanian’s negligent treatment. In March 2018, Chobanian injected Radiesse into Djikneyan’s nose, causing an allergic reaction with hives, swelling of her nose, lips, tongue, face, eyes, mouth, runny and stuffy nose, itchy skin, and rash. Despite noting Djikneyan’s Radiesse allergy in her medical file, Chobanian recklessly administered the same filler into Djikneyan’s nose again in June 2020 after her rhinoplasty surgery, without obtaining informed consent. This triggered another severe allergic reaction. As a result, Djikneyan suffered persistent redness, swelling, deformity, numbness, and a protruding lump in her nose from the Radiesse material. Despite this, Chobanian subjected Djikneyan to multiple painful injections of hyaluronidase enzyme. These attempts were unsuccessful because hyaluronidase is ineffective against Radiesse. As of March 2021, the Radiesse likely persisted indefinitely in Djikneyan’s nose, forcing her body to constantly fight off the allergen and compromising her immune system.

Damages

Djikneyan sought damages for physical and emotional pain and suffering. She also sought compensation for current and future medical expenses, as well as lost earnings and earning capacity. In addition, Djikneyan pursued punitive damages. Finally, she requested any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

Jury Verdict

The jury found in favor of Defendant Dr. Susan Chobanian and against Plaintiff Astghik Djikneyan.

Court Documents:

Available upon Request