Breast Reduction Negligence Claims

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of breasts and reshape them. This operation is sometimes performed to relieve medical symptoms such as back pain, but can also be chosen for cosmetic purposes.

In the majority of cases, breast reduction surgery is successful. It gives patients an increased ability to exercise and move freely and ensures that they are more comfortable with how they look.

However, when doctors fail to meet a reasonable standard of care, patients may suffer complications. These include infections, uneven breasts and excessive scarring. If you have sustained any injury or harm as a result of negligent breast reduction surgery, you might be entitled to claim compensation.

We work in partnership with an experienced team of medical negligence solicitors who can let you know in minutes if you have a valid breast reduction negligence claim. You can request a free case assessment by calling 0800 470 0474 today or entering your details into our online claim form.

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Table of Contents

• Can I make a breast reduction negligence claim?
• What is breast reduction surgery?
• What are the risks and complications of a negligent breast reduction?
• Why do people have breast reduction surgery?
• What evidence do I need to support a breast reduction error claim?
• Types of cosmetic surgery negligence that could lead to a claim
• Can I still make a breast reduction compensation claim if I signed a waiver?
• How long do I have to claim compensation for a breast reduction that has gone wrong?
• How much compensation could I claim for my injuries?
• Will I receive a No Win No Fee service?

Can I make a breast reduction negligence claim?

The easiest way to find out if you can make a breast reduction compensation claim is through a free consultation with a legal adviser. Before taking on your case, they will investigate your circumstances and consult with a medicolegal expert. They will help you start a medical negligence claim and get the compensation you deserve if they can prove the following:

• A duty of care. By law, all medical staff must provide treatment that meets accepted medical standards, which are set by regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC).
• A breach of duty occurs when a surgeon fails to meet the standard of care expected in performing breast reduction surgery. This could involve surgical mistakes, substandard hygiene or failure to provide adequate post-operative care.
• Causation refers to the link between the breach of duty and the harm you suffered. You must prove that the surgeon’s actions or omissions directly caused or contributed to a negative outcome, such as complications, injuries, or unsatisfactory results.
• Damages refer to the harm or losses you suffered as a result, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, lost income, or other financial expenses.

If these apply to your case, your solicitor will contact the party responsible (whether this is the NHS or a private healthcare provider) and inform them of your intentions to make a breast reduction error claim. They will help you gather the evidence you need to support your case and handle all communication on your behalf.

Your solicitor will also calculate how much your claim is worth and work to secure the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Women who have large breasts can undergo a surgical procedure known as breast reduction. In the UK, this technique is one of the standard cosmetic surgery procedures undertaken by women who are looking to reduce the size of their breasts. The surgery can also be considered for medical reasons. It can help ease related issues such as back, neck, and shoulder pain and difficulty with physical activity.

Also known as reduction mammoplasty, it is s typically performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, glandular tissue, skin and fat are removed from the breasts. They are then reshaped to reduce their size, and the nipples may also be repositioned. Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

As with any other surgery, you can expect to experience several symptoms as your body heals, such as:

• Pain, tenderness and discomfort for a few days or weeks
• Swelling and bruising in the breasts and chest area
• Temporary changes in sensation in the breasts and nipples
• Fatigue and tiredness during the initial recovery period
• Difficulty with arm movement
• Scarring that should fade and flatten over time

However, negligent breast surgery can cause more severe long-term complications that are detailed in the section below. If you suffered any avoidable harm due to substandard care, you may be able to make a breast reduction error claim with the help of a medical negligence solicitor.

What are the risks and complications of a negligent breast reduction?

As stated above, you can expect to feel some pain and discomfort for a few weeks following breast surgery. Your symptoms should not be severe and should get better over time.

However, there are some times when breast reduction surgery does not go as planned. There are times when they result in long-term issues for the patient, which in some cases can be extremely serious. These can arise due to negligence during the surgery, as well as during the pre-operative and post-operative care.

If the cosmetic surgeons are negligent or provide a substandard level of medical care, it can lead to complications such as:

• Excessive scarring, which may be aesthetically displeasing and cause discomfort
• Lopsided or uneven breasts, which may require corrective surgery
• Uneven or lumpy skin
• Infection at the site of surgery, leading to pain, swelling, redness and potentially more severe complications
• Continued bleeding
• Nipple or breast tissue necrosis due to inadequate blood supply
• The collection of blood or fluid at the surgical site, which may require drainage
• Permanent loss of breast or nipple sensation due to damage to the nerves
• Breast ptosis (sagging) over time due to improper removal of breast tissue
• Chronic pain
• Difficulty breastfeeding

Botched breast reduction surgery can also cause significant psychological distress. It may lead to depression, anxiety, body image issues, and reduced quality of life. Your solicitor will also take these into account as part of your compensation claim.

Why do people have breast reduction surgery?

People opt for breast surgery for various reasons, primarily related to physical and emotional well-being. You may have chosen to undergo the procedure for one or a combination of these:

• Relief from the physical discomfort caused by large breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, skin irritation or rashes under the breasts, and numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers due to nerve compression;
• To improve posture, mobility and the ability to engage in physical activities;
• Due to feeling self-conscious, embarrassed, or dissatisfied with your body proportions;
• To solve functional issues, such as finding clothes that fit or sleeping well.

Ultimately, whether you choose to undergo breast surgery due to medical or cosmetic reasons, you are entitled to a high standard of care and treatment. If you suffered any harm due to surgery negligence, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.

What evidence do I need to support a breast reduction error claim?

You will need various types of evidence to support a successful breast reduction negligence claim.  Your documents must prove that you received negligent care and how this has affected you mentally, physically and financially.

Your solicitor will assess any evidence you have during your free case assessment. If your claim has merit, they will help you gather any further evidence you may need, which could include:

• Your medical records. These will help determine if the breast surgery was the best option for you and if the care you received was up to standard. They will also show the type and extent of the harm you suffered due to the procedure.
• Correspondence. Copies of any communication with the surgeon, hospital, or other medical staff about your surgery, such as letters or emails;
• Visual evidence. Photographs of your breasts before and after the surgery will show the outcome of the surgery and any complications or unsatisfactory results;
• Reports from qualified medical experts, such as plastic surgeons. They can assess the standard of care provided and determine whether any negligence occurred during the surgery or subsequent care;
• Witness statements. You can use testimony from friends and family members who were by your side during the surgery and subsequent care. These can help prove any concerns or issues during the procedure and the pain and suffering you endured as a result;
• Your notes. Keep a journal of how the breast reduction negligence has affected your life. Include all the harm you endured as a result, such as physical pain, emotional suffering, lost wages or missed activities;
• Financial records. You should also keep copies of all the losses and out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the negligent surgery, such as receipts and invoices.

This evidence will help build a solid personal injury claim and secure the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, if the other side denies liability, your solicitor will take your claim to court and argue it before a judge. They will decide the outcome of the case based on the available evidence.

Types of cosmetic surgery negligence that could lead to a claim

Typically, the NHS and private healthcare specialists in the UK offer excellent care to patients. However, mistakes can occasionally occur, causing avoidable pain and suffering to patients. In such cases, you can make a breast reduction negligence claim for compensation.

Examples of potential errors or omissions by medical staff include:

• Mistakes during the operation, such as making an incorrect incision, damage to nerves or blood vessels and leaving foreign objects inside the body;
• Poor hygiene standards, leading to infections;
• Failure to fully inform patients about the risks and possible outcomes and obtain their informed consent to move on with the procedure;
• Anaesthesia errors, such as administering too much or too little of it or adverse reactions to drugs;
• Failure to monitor the patient after the surgery and manage complications such as delayed wound healing or infections;
• Delayed diagnosis or treatment of complications like blood clots, necrosis or infections;
• Cosmetic errors such as poor breast shaping, uneven breasts or nipple asymmetry;
• Having been operated on by a surgeon who lacks the necessary skills, training, or experience;
• A failure to arrange follow-up care to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns they may have can also be grounds for a breast reduction negligence claim.

If you suffered any harm due to substandard care, do not hesitate to contact an experienced solicitor by calling 0800 470 0474. They will look into your case and let you know whether they can help you claim compensation.

Can I still make a breast reduction compensation claim if I signed a waiver?

Signing a waiver is standard before undergoing a medical procedure. By signing a waiver, you give your informed consent for the procedure being performed. That means you understand your condition and the potential risks of undergoing breast reduction surgery.

However, this does not absolve the medical staff from liability for any avoidable complications you suffered as a result. Your doctor still has a duty of care towards you and is expected to act with skill and knowledge.

If you sustained any avoidable harm due to your surgery, it could be considered negligence, and you could have the right to make a claim.

Whether you signed a waiver or not, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible if you had unsatisfactory breast reduction surgery. An experienced solicitor will examine your case and determine whether you can claim for breast surgery negligence.

How long do I have to claim compensation for a breast reduction that has gone wrong?

The time limit to start a claim is set by the Limitation Act 1980. With breast reduction negligence claims, you have three years to take legal action, starting from:

• The date of the negligent surgery, if the harm you suffered was immediate
• The date you became aware of your injury, known as the date of knowledge

Three years may seem like a long time, but you should start your claim as soon as possible. This way, all the events will be fresh in your mind, and it will often be easier to collect the necessary evidence to support your case. Furthermore, you will receive your compensation sooner if your claim is successful.

There are a few exceptions to this rule:

• If the claimant lacks the mental capacity to handle legal proceedings, there is no time limit to start a claim. This could be due to breast reduction negligence or a pre-existing condition, such as autism or bipolar disorder. In this case, a litigation friend could claim on their behalf at any time.
• If you received surgery abroad, you may still be eligible to make a compensation claim. However, in this case, the time limit to start your claim could depend on the rules of the country where you had your surgery.
• If you lost a loved one due to complications from a negligent surgery, you can start a compensation claim within three years of their death.

How much compensation could I claim for my injuries?

All personal injury claims are unique, so the amount of compensation you could receive if you make a successful claim will depend on your circumstances. Your solicitor will make sure you receive the maximum amount you are entitled to, which will consist of two types of damages:

General damages are awarded for the physical injury you suffered and the subjective ways in which it has affected you, such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Embarrassment and inability to engage in social activities
• Any negative impact on your hobbies and usual activities

Special damages are awarded for the financial losses and expenses that have resulted from the breast reduction negligence. These may include:

• Lost wages during recovery
• Travel expenses linked to your treatment
• The cost of private medical treatment
• Corrective surgeries
• The cost of care and assistance during recovery

The award for general damages will depend on the type and severity of the injury you suffered due to the clinical negligence. The compensation amount is based on historical cases and the guidelines offered by the Judicial College. Your solicitor will be able to give you an estimate of your likely compensation award during your free initial consultation.

Will I receive a No Win No Fee service?

If you have suffered injury or harm as a result of negligent breast reduction surgery, a solicitor can assist you with your case. If you have a fair chance of receiving compensation, they will offer you a no win no fee* agreement. That means you do not have to pay any legal fees upfront.

Furthermore, as the name suggests, you do not have to pay anything if you lose the claim. Your solicitor takes on the risk of litigation, and you only pay them a success fee if they win the case. This fee is agreed upon from the beginning and cannot exceed 25% of your settlement.

As part of this service, you will also have After the Event (ATE) insurance against the costs and disbursements incurred during the claims process. These include court fees, medical reports, the cost of expert witnesses and travel expenses.

To find out more about how a solicitor can help you make a breast reduction claim, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our contact form to request a case assessment with an experienced solicitor. This is provided entirely free of charge and without any obligation to proceed. If you do have a valid case, your solicitor will be happy to help you get the compensation you deserve on a no win no fee basis.

Last edited on 25th Jul 2025

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.