Can I Claim Compensation After Cosmetic Surgery Negligence?
Cosmetic surgery procedures are increasingly common, with many people choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance or correct perceived flaws. However, not every procedure ends with the desired result. Mistakes can happen, and when they do, the consequences can be both physically and emotionally devastating. If you have experienced negligent cosmetic surgery, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This guide explores the full process of cosmetic surgery claims. We explain whether you are eligible to claim compensation, what evidence you’ll need, and how compensation amounts are calculated. We also cover scenarios involving private clinics, the NHS, non-surgical cosmetic treatments, and even procedures carried out abroad.
Our No Win No Fee panel of solicitors have extensive experience in handling cosmetic surgery compensation claims. Contact our team today for free advice. Our lines are open 24/7:
Yes, you may be able to make a cosmetic surgery compensation claim if you were harmed due to negligent treatment.
To be eligible, the following criteria apply:
You were owed a duty of care by a medical professional.
There was a breach of this duty.
You suffered harm (physical or psychological) that should have been avoided as a direct result of the breach.
A duty of care is owed to all patients by medical professionals, including cosmetic surgeons and practitioners. This means they must provide the correct standard of care at all times.
Contact our cosmetic surgery claims team today to check your eligibility and receive tailored guidance to your specific case.
What If I Was Made To Sign A Consent Form?
Even if you signed a consent form, you could still be eligible to make a cosmetic surgery negligence claim.
A consent form does not waive your right to claim compensation if a medical professional acted negligently. The form confirms you were informed of general risks, but it does not cover substandard treatment or errors.
If you’re unsure about the impact of a consent form on your cosmetic negligence claim, speak with our team today for a free consultation.
Can I Claim For A Procedure Through The NHS?
Yes, you may be able to make a cosmetic surgery claim against the NHS if your procedure was carried out negligently.
NHS Resolution handles claims made against NHS providers. If a cosmetic procedure like breast augmentation or eyelid surgery was medically necessary but performed negligently, you may be able to claim compensation.
Importantly, any compensation awarded is paid from NHS Resolution’s dedicated claims budget and not from frontline NHS service funding, so you do not need to worry about taking resources away from essential patient care.
Contact us now for advice on how to get the cosmetic surgery claims process started.
What If My Procedure Was Done Privately In The UK?
You can make a cosmetic surgery compensation claim against a private clinic if the care provided was negligent.
Private cosmetic surgery providers still owe you a legal duty of care. Whether your cosmetic surgeon failed to advise you properly, used faulty products, or delivered poor aftercare, you may have grounds for a successful claim.
Let UK Law assess your cosmetic surgery case. Start your claim today with a free consultation.
What If The Cosmetic Surgery Was Done Abroad?
You can still claim compensation if you suffered negligent cosmetic surgery abroad.
While other countries might have different surgical standards than in the UK, if you suffered negligence, we may still be able to help you make a compensation claim. This often depends on where the clinic is based and if the provider had a UK office.
Speak to us today to learn more about making cosmetic surgery abroad claims.
Am I Able To Claim For Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments?
Yes, you can claim for non-surgical cosmetic treatments if negligence occurred.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers or Botox still require skill and professional care. If a practitioner makes a mistake, you could suffer avoidable harm and have grounds to claim.
Below are some examples of how a practitioner can breach their duty of care during these non-surgical cosmetic treatments:
Dermal Fillers
A practitioner injects filler into a blood vessel, causing tissue damage and permanent scarring.
The wrong type of filler is used on the lips, leading to an allergic reaction and significant swelling.
Botox
The provider administers Botox too close to the eye, resulting in drooping eyelids and impaired vision.
The dosage of Botox was too high, causing muscle paralysis and difficulty speaking.
Laser Hair Removal
A laser used at the wrong setting causes first-degree burns on your legs, leading to pain and discolouration.
The practitioner fails to conduct a patch test, and you suffer a severe skin reaction after the first session.
Microdermabrasion
An untrained staff member performs the procedure too aggressively, causing raw, irritated skin and infection.
The equipment was not properly sterilised, leading to a bacterial infection.
Chemical Peels
When getting a chemical peel, the practitioner used a too strong concentration of acid. This led to your skin burning.
You were not informed to avoid sun exposure after treatment, resulting in serious sunburn and facial scarring.
Our panel of solicitors are experienced in handling these type of claims. So, get in touch with us today and tell us about your specific circumstances.
How Much Compensation Could Be Paid In Cosmetic Surgery Claims?
Compensation for cosmetic surgery claims can include two heads of loss:
General damages – covering the physical and psychological impacts of your harm.
Special damages – covering the costs you’ve incurred as a result of your harm.
General damages are often calculated with reference to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), which provide compensation brackets for various types of harm based on their severity and impact.
The table below includes some types of harm that could potentially be suffered after negligent cosmetic surgery. These brackets have been taken from the JCG (the top figure, however, is not from the JCG).
Please keep in mind when viewing this table that because all cosmetic surgery claims are unique, none of these brackets can be guaranteed.
Harm type
Harm severity
Guideline compensation brackets
Multiple serious types of harm plus special damages
Serious
Up to £500,000+
Brain damage
Very severe (a)
£344,150 to £493,000
Less severe (d)
£267,340 to £344,150
Injuries affecting sight
Total blindness (b)
In the region of £327,940
Minor (h)
£4,820 to £10,660
Scarring to other parts of the body
Burns that cover at least 40% of the body
Likely to exceed £127,930
Multiple noticeable laceration scars or one significant scar
£9,560 to £27,740
Facial disfigurement
Very severe scarring (a)
£36,340 to £118,790
Less severe scarring (b)
£21,920 to £59,090
For a more personalised estimate of your cosmetic surgery claim value, contact our advisors and get your claim assessed today.
How Can Compensation Help After Negligent Cosmetic Surgery?
Compensation can provide vital financial support and recognition for the harm you’ve suffered following negligent cosmetic surgery, helping you rebuild your life and access the care you need.
Here are some factors that are taken into consideration when general damages are being valued:
Severity of the harm.
If there are any long-term impacts.
If you have psychological distress caused by the harm.
Loss of amenity, which refers to the reduction in your quality of life or ability to enjoy everyday activities as a result of your harm.
Special damages are equally important, as they reimburse you for the financial losses you’ve incurred.
Here are some types of financial losses that can be reimbursed under special damages:
Medical expenses – This can cover the cost of private treatment, prescriptions, rehabilitation services, consultations with specialists, and any additional medical support needed due to the negligent cosmetic procedure.
Lost earnings – If your injury has caused you to take time off work, you may be able to claim for the income you’ve lost. This can also include future lost earnings if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
Travel costs – You can claim back the cost of travel to and from hospitals, clinics, or therapy sessions related to the harm caused by the negligent treatment. This includes public transport, petrol, or parking fees.
Cost of corrective treatment – If you require further surgery or cosmetic procedures to repair the damage caused, you may be able to recover the costs of those corrective measures.
Care and assistance costs – If you’ve needed help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, or mobility due to your injuries, you may claim for paid care or the time and effort of family or friends who have supported you.
To claim special damages, you must provide evidence such as receipts, invoices or wage slips to prove your losses.
Speak with our advisors today to ensure all of your suffering and losses are accurately included in your cosmetic surgery compensation claim.
How Long Do I Have To Claim Compensation For Cosmetic Surgery Negligence?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have 3 years to start a cosmetic surgery compensation claim. This time limit begins either from the date of the negligent treatment or from when you first became aware that your harm was caused by negligence.
However, there are exceptions:
Children – If the person harmed was under 18 at the time of the procedure, the 3-year time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. A litigation friend, such as a parent or guardian, can make a claim on their behalf before this.
People who lack mental capacity – If the injured person is deemed mentally incapable of managing their own claim, the 3-year limitation does not apply unless they regain capacity. A litigation friend can act on their behalf to pursue the claim without a deadline, provided capacity is not regained.
A litigation friend is a competent adult appointed to act in the best interests of someone who cannot manage their own claim. They are responsible for making decisions throughout the claims process and working with solicitors to ensure the injured person’s rights are protected.
To ensure your cosmetic surgery claim is started on time, or to find out more about how to be a litigation friend, contact our advisors today.
Is Negligence Always The Reason Why A Cosmetic Surgery Can Go Wrong?
Not always. Some outcomes are recognised as general risks of cosmetic procedures.
Negligence involves a breach of duty of care that causes an injury. General risks are those patients are typically warned about, and can occur even with the correct standards of care being met.
Common risks include:
Swelling or bruising
Asymmetry
Mild discomfort
Scarring
Unsure if your case involves negligence? Contact us now for advice on cosmetic surgery claims.
Examples Of Cosmetic Surgery Compensation Claims
Here are some examples of how cosmetic surgery negligence could potentially occur:
Surgical Errors
During a breast augmentation, the surgeon accidentally damages a nerve, causing permanent loss of sensation.
While performing a tummy tuck, the surgeon fails to close the incision properly, resulting in severe infection and the need for further surgery.
Faulty/Defective Products Used
A faulty silicone implant ruptures inside the body, leading to infection and removal surgery.
A defective dermal filler causes lumps and inflammation, requiring corrective treatment to resolve the issue.
Inadequate Aftercare
Following a tummy tuck, the clinic fails to check your wound regularly, resulting in infection.
After a nose surgery, you are not given proper advice on cleaning and protecting the area, leading to complications and scarring.
Lack Of Consent
You undergo nose surgery without being told it could permanently affect your breathing.
You receive eyelid surgery without being warned of the potential for vision problems or long-term swelling, which you then experience.
Avoidable Scarring
A cosmetic surgeon fails to use the correct technique during eyelid surgery, leaving visible and avoidable scars.
An overly deep chemical peel causes scarring to the face due to inappropriate strength being used without testing.
Damage To Nerves
A dermal filler is injected too deeply, damaging facial nerves and affecting muscle control.
Nerve endings are severed during ear surgery, resulting in loss of sensation and long-term discomfort.
Damage To Organs
Liposuction is performed too aggressively, puncturing an internal organ and requiring emergency surgery.
Abdominal surgery causes internal bleeding after the surgeon accidentally cuts into surrounding tissues.
Infections
Non-sterile tools are used during dental cosmetic surgery, causing gum infection and tooth loss.
After a breast implant procedure, the wounds are not properly cleaned or monitored, leading to a serious infection and sepsis, necessitating further hospitalisation.
Allergic Reactions
A patient experiences a severe allergic reaction after being given permanent makeup as the technician did not carry out a patch test.
You are injected with an anaesthesia you previously disclosed an allergy to, resulting in anaphylactic shock.
If you’ve suffered due to negligent cosmetic treatment, speak with our team today for a free consultation of your case.
How Can I Prove My Cosmetic Surgery Was Negligent?
To prove your cosmetic surgery was negligent, you will need to gather evidence showing that a breach of duty occurred and that this directly caused your injury.
Evidence specific to cosmetic surgery claims can include:
Medical records – These show the details of the procedure performed, any complications noted, and your follow-up care.
Photographic evidence – Before-and-after photos can be crucial in demonstrating visible harm, such as scarring, disfigurement, or poor results.
Correspondence – Emails, letters, or text messages exchanged with the cosmetic surgeon or clinic both before and after the treatment can provide insight into what you were told about the procedure, the consent process, and how complaints were handled.
Consent forms and information leaflets – These can show what risks were disclosed to you and whether you were properly informed.
Witness contact details – Anyone who accompanied you to appointments or cared for you after the treatment, or even another professional who was present while you were receiving your cosmetic surgery, can provide a witness statement at a later stage in the claims process.
Financial documents – Receipts for the procedure, prescriptions, corrective surgery, or travel expenses can help you claim special damages.
Personal diary or notes – A written account of your physical symptoms, emotional distress, and day-to-day impact of the injury may support your claim.
Our panel of solicitors can help collect and organise the necessary evidence to prove medical negligence, making the claims process as straightforward as possible for you.
Get in touch today to begin building a strong claim with guidance from our panel of expert medical negligence solicitors.
No Win No Fee Cosmetic Surgery Claims
Our panel of solicitors offer a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) in particular, which is a common form of No Win No Fee agreement.
Key benefits of working with a No Win No Fee solicitor include:
No upfront or ongoing solicitor fees – You do not need to pay your solicitor an upfront fee.
No solicitor fees if the claim fails – If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay your solicitor’s fees. Instead, your solicitor will take a success fee if your claim is successful. This success fee is small, legally-capped percentage and will be agreed upon before the claim begins, so there are no hidden costs or surprises.
Transparent terms – You’ll receive a clear explanation of how the success fee works before you sign anything.
Our panel of solicitors are committed to making cosmetic surgery negligence claims as straightforward as possible for harmed clients. To find out if you’re eligible to make a No Win No Fee claim, contact our team today for a free consultation.
Why Choose UK Law?
At UK Law, our panel of solicitors are dedicated to helping victims of cosmetic surgery negligence claim the compensation they deserve. They understand how distressing it can be to suffer avoidable harm from a cosmetic procedure, and can support you every step of the way.
Here’s why so many clients trust UK Law with their cosmetic surgery claims:
Access to specialist lawyers – Our panel of solicitors are experts in cosmetic surgery claims who understand the complexities of both surgical and non-surgical procedures, including breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, dermal fillers, and more.
Free legal advice – We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can get clear guidance on whether you’re eligible to make a claim, without any pressure to proceed.
No Win No Fee options available – You won’t need to worry about upfront costs or paying solicitor fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
Proven track record of success – Our panel of solicitors have successfully secured compensation for clients affected by negligent cosmetic surgery, helping them access corrective treatment and regain quality of life.
Supportive and confidential service – Our panel will handle your case with sensitivity and professionalism, maintaining full confidentiality while offering empathetic, tailored advice.
Straightforward claims process – From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements, our panel aim to make the cosmetic surgery claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Nationwide service – Wherever you are in the country, you can access our support without needing to travel. We can work with you over the phone, by email, or through secure digital channels.
Let UK Law help you take the next step towards compensation. Contact our team today and start your journey with confidence.
Contact Our Advisors To Start A Claim
Whether you’re ready to start your cosmetic surgery compensation claim or just need some questions answered, our team is here for you. We offer a free consultation at any time, with no obligation to proceed:
Thank you for reading this cosmetic surgery claims guide. Remember, if you believe you have suffered medical negligence, we are available to answer any of your questions 24/7.
To find out if you are eligible to claim compensation or start a claim call us on 020 3870 4868 or:
