Cosmetic Surgery Claims

Failing to receive a reasonable level of care during or after cosmetic surgery can result in avoidable harm and suffering. If this has happened to you, you may be eligible to make a cosmetic surgery claim for compensation.

Cosmetic negligence can result in various degrees of illness and injury, and, in severe cases, it can even lead to unexpected death. A claim will cover the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you suffered because of errors in your cosmetic surgery.

To find out if you have a valid medical negligence case, do not hesitate to call us free on 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. An experienced solicitor will help you pursue the compensation you deserve and answer any questions about the claims process.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a cosmetic surgery claim?
• What is the duty of care of cosmetic surgeons?
• What is the time limit to start a cosmetic surgery negligence claim?
• How do I make a cosmetic surgery claim for compensation?
• How much compensation can I claim for cosmetic surgery gone wrong?
• Will I be able to make a claim for cosmetic negligence on a No Win No Fee basis?
• What are the most common types of cosmetic surgery?
• Frequently asked questions
• What can I do if the results of my cosmetic surgery are not what I expected?
• What evidence do I need to support a cosmetic surgery claim?
• What should I consider before having cosmetic surgery?
• What are the most common causes of cosmetic surgery compensation claims?
• What are the consequences of cosmetic surgery gone wrong?
• Can I claim cosmetic surgery compensation if I had a procedure abroad?
• How long will it take to process my cosmetic surgery compensation claim?
• How can I speed up a claim for cosmetic surgery negligence?

Am I eligible to make a cosmetic surgery claim?

Yes, you may be eligible to claim for cosmetic surgery compensation if you have suffered an illness, injury or error whilst receiving treatment and:

• You were owed a legal duty of care by a healthcare provider.
• They breached this duty through negligence or omission.
• That has directly caused you an injury of some type.
• You have experienced avoidable pain and suffering as a result.

What is the duty of care of cosmetic surgeons?

The duty of care of cosmetic surgeons refers to the legal and ethical responsibility they have towards their patients and includes:

• Have the necessary qualifications, training, and expertise in their field.
• Keep up to date with medical techniques and standards.
• Give patients accurate information about risks, benefits and alternatives.
• Obtain informed consent from the patient before performing any procedure.
• Assess the patient’s suitability for the procedure, including their psychological needs.
• Keep complete and accurate records of consultations.
• Maintain proper hygiene and use safe equipment.
• Acknowledge and operate within the limits of their expertise.
• Provide appropriate care after the surgery and monitor the patient’s recovery.

A breach of these duties may entitle you to make a cosmetic surgery negligence claim.

What is the time limit to start a cosmetic surgery negligence claim?

The standard limitation period for most personal injury claims, including for cosmetic surgery procedures that have gone wrong, is three years, starting from:

• The date of the negligent treatment.
• The date you first realised the treatment was negligent.

There can be exceptions to the standard limitation period, such as:

• If the injured party is under 18, they will have until their 21st birthday to claim.
• If the claimant cannot conduct legal proceedings due to a lack of mental capacity, the time limit is suspended.
• If you have received cosmetic treatment abroad, the claim limitation date can vary significantly from country to country and may be as short as 1 year.

How do I make a cosmetic surgery claim for compensation?

There are a few simple steps involved in making a cosmetic surgery claim for clinical negligence:

• Contact an experienced personal injury claims solicitor to verify your eligibility.
• Gather supporting evidence, such as photos, medical records and witness statements.
• Undergo an independent medical assessment for an expert report.
• Send a letter of claim to the hospital or clinic explaining what happened.
• Negotiate a settlement or issue court proceedings if liability is denied.
• Receive compensation for cosmetic surgery negligence.

How much compensation can I claim for cosmetic surgery gone wrong?

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life. You may claim for:

General damages, which cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity, for example:

• £1,710 to £13,740 for trivial to mild facial scarring.
• £9,110 to £30,090 for significant facial scarring that can be significantly corrected with further surgery.
• £17,960 to £48,420 for substantial facial disfigurement and psychological damage.
• £29,780 to £97,330 for very severe facial scarring and disfigurement.
• £2,080 to £19,930 for scarring to other body parts, depending on the severity.
• £1,350 to £5,130 for minor emotional damage.

Special damages, which cover financial losses and expenses such as:

• The cost of future corrective surgery.
• Lost wages during recovery.
• Travel, prescriptions, and aftercare costs.
• Loss of a unique career.
• Any other related financial expenses.

Will I be able to make a claim for cosmetic negligence on a No Win No Fee basis?

Yes, the medical negligence solicitors we partner with will be pleased to offer their services under a no win no fee agreement. That means you will not have to pay any upfront costs, and you will not have to pay them a penny if they fail to secure compensation for your injuries.

You only have to pay if your claim is successful. In this case, your lawyer will receive a success fee capped at 25% of the compensation awarded.

What are the most common types of cosmetic surgery?

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 31,057 cosmetic surgeries took place in 2022. Of these, the most common ones are:

• Tummy tuck to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles. Read More: Tummy tuck claims
• Liposuction, to remove excess fatty deposits from certain areas of the body, such as the thighs, abdomen, arms, hips, or neck. Read More: Liposuction claims
• Facelift to rejuvenate the face and reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, and loss of facial volume. Read More: Facelift negligence claims
• Nose reshaping to alter the shape, size, or overall appearance of the nose. Read More: Rhinoplasty negligence claims
• Breast augmentation to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Read More: Breast surgery negligence claims
• Ear reshaping to improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ears by reshaping, repositioning or removing cartilage. Read More: Ear surgery claims
• Eyelid surgery to address sagging eyelids, excess skin or fat, and puffiness around the eyes and enhance the appearance of the eyelids.
• Brow lift surgery to raise the eyebrows and smooth out lines or wrinkles on the forehead and upper face. Read More: Brow lift negligence claims
• Gastric band operations to help individuals with obesity lose weight by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. Read More: Gastric band surgery negligence
• Laser skin resurfacing to address concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin texture and improve the appearance of the skin.
• Botox injections to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. Read More: Botched Botox injection claims

Frequently asked questions

To find out if you can claim compensation for cosmetic surgery, you should get legal advice by calling 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation. Alternatively, use our online claim form, and a legal adviser will call you back.

In the meantime, you can read more about the most frequent questions related to cosmetic surgery cases below.

What can I do if the results of my cosmetic surgery are not what I expected?

If the results of your cosmetic procedure are not what you expected, you should take the following steps:

• Talk to your surgeon and try to understand what went wrong.
• Allow your body to heal.
• If you are still unsatisfied after healing, discuss a second procedure with your surgeon.
• Make a formal complaint to the surgeon or clinic where the procedure took place.
• Seek a second opinion from another surgeon.

If everything else fails, get legal advice from a specialist cosmetic surgery solicitor to find out if you can start a medical negligence claim.

What evidence do I need to support a cosmetic surgery claim?

When making a cosmetic surgery claim, evidence is crucial to prove a breach of duty, causation and damages. This could include:

• Pictures or videos of yourself taken before, during and after the surgery.
• Medical records including assessments, consent forms, surgical notes and post-operative care.
• Expert medical reports regarding the standard of care you received.
• Photos taken during your recovery and after any corrective surgery.
• Any communication with medical professionals, such as emails or text messages.
• Witness statements from family members, friends, or others who had similar experiences.
• A psychological assessment, if you suffered emotional distress.
• Your testimony regarding the pain and suffering you have experienced due to the negligence.
• Proof of related expenses, such as medical bills, receipts for medications and travel costs.

What should I consider before having cosmetic surgery?

Before you decide to have cosmetic surgery, you should seek comprehensive information about the risks involved and consider the following points:

• What you want to change and why.
• Your expectations and desired outcome.
• Whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
• How the procedure works and what risks or complications may occur.
• The surgeon’s experience, training, and qualifications.
• Recovery time, expected results, and how long they may last.
• What happens if you are unhappy with the outcome.
• What support is available if something goes wrong during or after surgery.
• The additional or hidden costs related to treatment or follow-up care.

What are the most common causes of cosmetic surgery compensation claims?

A solicitor can help you claim compensation for various types of cosmetic surgery negligence, including:

• Errors which result in muscle, tissue or nerve damage.
• Poor hygiene standards resulting in infections.
• Manufacturing defects with implants.
• Surgical errors causing excessive scarring.
• Poor post-operative care resulting in infections or haematoma.
• Complications arising from pain relief drugs or anaesthesia.
• Failure to explain the risks associated with the procedure to the patient.
• Physical and psychological injuries following errors in cosmetic surgery.

What are the consequences of cosmetic surgery gone wrong?

Careless surgery or inadequate aftercare can lead to various consequences, such as:

• Scarring, disfigurement and asymmetry.
• Nerve damage and tissue necrosis.
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia or medications.
• Psychological and emotional trauma.
• Infections.
• Loss of sensation.
• Changes in skin colour.
• Blurred vision, sagging eyelids and, in severe cases, blindness.
• The need for additional medical treatment and corrective surgery.
• Ongoing pain, discomfort and disability.

Can I claim cosmetic surgery compensation if I had a procedure abroad?

Yes, you may also be entitled to make a claim for cosmetic surgery done abroad if you experienced negligence. However, the process may be more complex and require you to take legal action in the country where the procedure took place.

While cosmetic surgery may be cheaper outside the UK, there are potential issues associated with seeking medical treatment overseas, such as:

• Lower quality and standards of healthcare facilities.
• It can be difficult to check a surgeon’s qualifications.
• Differences in regulations and oversight.
• Language barriers that pose communication challenges.
• Post-operative care may be limited.
• Some overseas clinics may not have insurance to cover negligence claims.
• Different legal systems can affect whether and how you can seek compensation.

How long will it take to process my cosmetic surgery compensation claim?

The cosmetic surgery claims process will depend on the complexity of each case. If there are no liability disputes and all facts are clear, compensation may be awarded within a matter of months.

However, in some instances, a claim can take years to resolve. Your solicitor will strive to handle your claim as efficiently as possible and secure interim payments for your immediate needs.

How can I speed up a claim for cosmetic surgery negligence?

To help your medical negligence team build a strong case and secure compensation as quickly as possible, you should:

• Seek legal advice as soon as you can to start the claims process.
• Keep detailed records of everything that happened.
• Give accurate and thorough information about the incident and your injuries.
• Cooperate fully and quickly if your solicitor needs more details or information.
• Follow the medical advice given to you to show you are committed to your recovery.
• Fill in the required forms and sign documents without delay.

To find out if you have a valid cosmetic surgery claim, speak to a trained legal adviser by calling 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation. Or request a call back by entering your details in our online claim form.

Last edited on 8th Jan 2026

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.