Cosmetic surgery is increasingly popular, and it’s understandable to expect nothing less than the highest level of care from those who perform these procedures. While most procedures have the desired outcome, that is not always the case. No matter what type of procedure you had, you may be able to claim cosmetic surgery compensation if you were avoidably harmed because of substandard care or treatment.
The cosmetic surgery solicitors on our panel understand how negligent treatment can impact your wellbeing, confidence, and financial health. That is why they always ensure their clients get whatever help they need from start to finish. So, from the outset, you can expect tailored support, straightforward advice, and expert guidance throughout the claims process.
Key Points
- According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 27,462 procedures were carried out in 2024.
- Negligent cosmetic surgery can lead to excessive scarring, nerve damage, infections, and psychological harm.
- Claims could arise from inadequate hygiene practices, improper techniques, and negligent surgery.
- There may be a need for further corrective surgery, the cost of which can be claimed for as part of your medical negligence compensation.
- A specialist, No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel could help you claim cosmetic surgery compensation.
Jump To A Section
- Can I Claim Cosmetic Surgery Compensation?
- What Compensation Can Be Awarded In Cosmetic Surgery Claims?
- What Is The Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Claims Time Limit?
- How Can I Prove I Was A Victim Of Negligent Cosmetic Surgery?
- What Are Some Examples Of Cosmetic Surgery Negligence?
- Can I Make A Cosmetic Surgery Claim With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
- Learn More
Can I Claim Cosmetic Surgery Compensation?
Yes, you can claim cosmetic surgery compensation if you suffered unnecessary harm due to negligent care or treatment. That requires you to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A doctor, surgeon, or other medical professional had a duty of care to you.
- They breached their duty of care, such as through a medication error.
- This caused you avoidable harm, like psychological trauma caused by negligently performed breast surgery.
Cosmetic surgeons, together with other medical professionals, must provide their patients with the correct standard of care. This is their duty of care, an obligation that also extends to hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. Later on in this guide, we’ll explain how it might be breached and what kind of harm this can cause.
What If I Signed A Consent Form Prior To Surgery?
Even if you signed a consent form prior to surgery, you can still claim if you believe that medical negligence occurred. Giving consent means you understand the risks and benefits of a procedure. Still, it does not excuse any unnecessary harm that results from substandard care provided by a doctor or hospital.
Moreover, informed consent requires a healthcare provider to provide sufficient information about the procedure, including the risks and benefits that we have already mentioned. If you weren’t given the appropriate information, then there may be grounds to claim compensation for any harm you suffered that was otherwise avoidable.
Can I Claim If My Procedure Was Done By The NHS?
Yes, you can claim compensation if your procedure was done by the NHS and caused you to suffer unnecessary harm. All patients are entitled to the same standard of professional care outlined above, regardless of whether they are getting a public or private procedure.
NHS Resolution would handle any medical negligence claim you make on behalf of the relevant NHS trust. It has its own funding for compensation payouts, ensuring any successful claim does not impact healthcare services.
Our advisors are here 24/7 if you have any questions about eligibility or the cosmetic surgery negligence claims process in general.
What Compensation Can Be Awarded In Cosmetic Surgery Claims?
In cosmetic surgery claims, compensation may be awarded for physical pain, emotional suffering, and any related financial losses. Any unnecessary harm you’ve suffered can be compensated under general damages, which your solicitor may value by referring to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This text is beneficial in this regard, as it contains suggested compensation brackets for various forms of harm.
The following table uses some of those brackets, with the exception of the first row. Since the brackets are only guidelines, please keep in mind that this table isn’t a guarantee of compensation.
| Harm and Severity | Notes | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple types of severe harm and special damages | Special damages may cover lost income and the cost of private corrective surgery. | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Very severe brain damage (a) | Compensation based on factors like age, sensory impairment, and physical limitations. | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Severe psychiatric damage (a) | Marked problems affecting various areas of life, such as relationships. | £66,920 to £141,240 |
| Moderate psychiatric damage (c) | Good prognosis, but there may have been issues associated with ability to cope with life. | £7,150 to £23,270 |
| Very severe facial scarring (a) | Disfiguring injuries and severe psychological effects on a young person. | £36,340 to £118,790 |
| Less severe facial scarring (b) | Substantial disfigurement and significant psychological reaction. | £21,920 to £59,090 |
| Significant facial scarring (c) | Some cosmetic disability, but plastic surgery has (or will) reduce the worst effects. | £11,120 to £36,720 |
| Less significant facial scarring (d) | There may be a single scar or very small scars that do not markedly affect appearance. | £4,820 to £16,770 |
| Several noticeable laceration scars or single disfiguring scar on the body | Affecting the back, chest, arms, hands, or legs. | £9,560 to £27,740 |
What Else Can Cosmetic Surgery Compensation Cover?
As touched on, cosmetic surgery compensation can also cover any financial losses related to the avoidable harm you endured. Such costs are claimable under special damages and may include:
- Lost income and future earnings.
- The cost of private corrective treatment or revision surgery.
- Occupational therapy, if, for example, negligent cosmetic surgery caused partial facial paralysis and meant you needed to relearn how to eat.
- Transport to and from medical appointments.
- Professional care in the home, or support from loved ones.
Evidence of these losses, such as bank statements, must be presented in order to claim for them. To find out how medical negligence payouts are calculated or to discuss your specific situation, please reach out today.
What Is The Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Claims Time Limit?
The time limit for cosmetic surgery negligence claims is usually set at 3 years, as set by the Limitation Act 1980. This time limit refers to when a claim should be started, and may be counted from the date of the negligent procedure or your discovery of the negligence.
However, the 3-year time limit doesn’t start for those under 18 or who are mentally incapacitated, as neither can claim independently of someone else. In these instances, a litigation friend can help them claim for as long as the time limit is paused. Otherwise, the standard 3 years will apply if and when someone turns 18 or regains their mental capacity.
If you are unsure whether you are within the cosmetic surgery compensation claims time limit, get in touch for tailored guidance.
How Can I Prove I Was A Victim Of Negligent Cosmetic Surgery?
You can prove you were the victim of negligent cosmetic surgery by using evidence like your medical records, before-and-after photographs, and expert medical reports. This might involve:
- Patient files documenting the cosmetic treatments performed, their impact, and any necessary follow-up.
- Expert medical testimony that assesses whether your treatment fell below professional standards.
- Before-and-after photographs to illustrate the extent of any visible harm, such as scarring and lacerations.
- Witness contact details for any medical professionals, friends, or family who could provide your solicitor with a supportive statement.
Additionally, copies of any consent forms or correspondence with the attending doctor, hospital, or clinic may be useful as evidence. A solicitor from our panel could assist in gathering this evidence and piecing it together to build a strong claim. You can find out more by contacting an advisor.
What Are Some Examples Of Cosmetic Surgery Negligence?
Examples of cosmetic surgery negligence can include poor hygiene, improper surgical techniques, and procedures being performed on the wrong area of the body. The following list provides more context for these and other examples:
- Botox and fillers: A negligent doctor may administer Botox in the wrong part of the face, leading to nerve damage, swelling, and drooping.
- Liposuction: Excessively aggressive fat removal can cause contour irregularities or internal bleeding.
- Facelifts: Improper placement of an incision may result in nerve damage or excessive, permanent scarring.
- Rhinoplasty: Poor surgical techniques during nose reshaping can lead to facial asymmetry or breathing difficulties.
- Surgical site infection: Foreign objects left after a procedure or inadequate hygiene practices (during and after surgery) may cause infections, leading to the development of sepsis.
- Negligent breast surgery: Surgical errors can lead to uneven implants, nerve damage, or an otherwise avoidable infection.
These are just some examples of cosmetic surgery negligence. Please contact our advisors to share your own experience and see if you can claim today.
Can I Make A Cosmetic Surgery Claim With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
Yes, you can make a cosmetic surgery claim with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel if our advisors believe you have a valid case. Our panel of solicitors offer a full, client-focused service under the beneficial terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This arrangement has given peace of mind to clients nationwide, as it protects them from having to pay any service fee for their solicitor’s work:
- Upfront
- As the claim progresses
- If the claim fails
If your cosmetic surgery negligence claim does win, your solicitor will deduct a small success fee from your compensation. This fee is taken as a legally capped percentage and is agreed in advance, ensuring there are no surprises at the end of your claim. Besides these benefits, one of the specialist cosmetic surgery solicitors from our panel could help by:
- Providing expert representation throughout the claims process.
- Offering straightforward guidance and clear updates on the status of your claim.
- Working hard to ensure any settlement reflects the full extent of how you’ve been impacted.
- Taking an active role in gathering evidence, including medical records, photographs, and witness statements.
These are only a few of the ways you’ll be supported, and you can rest assured that your claim will be in expert hands. You can contact our team of advisors today to learn more about these services or to ask any questions you have about the cosmetic surgery claims process:
- Call 0800 073 8803
- Fill out our ‘contact us‘ form.
- Click the live chat to tell an advisor what happened.
Learn More
You can learn more about medical negligence claims in these resources.
- Check how to claim for pressure sores.
- View our guide to sepsis misdiagnosis claims.
- Read about blood clot claims.
External references.
- Learn more about cosmetic procedures in this NHS resource.
- Learn about the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in this government resource.
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England publishes professional standards.
Please contact our team to learn more about how to claim cosmetic surgery compensation with a specialist solicitor from our experienced panel.