What Does “Botched” Surgery Really Mean? The word “botched” gets used a lot online—but medically, it has a specific meaning. A surgery may be considered botched when one or more of the following occur: ✨ Clear surgical error A preventable mistake during the procedure that causes harm or an unintended result. ✨ Results far outside the expected outcome When results are significantly different from what was reasonably planned or discussed—not just mild asymmetry or swelling. ✨ Permanent injury or f