Dermabrasion Injury Claims

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the outer layers of skin are removed using a rotating tool. The skin that grows back is expected to be smoother and younger-looking. This technique can improve skin flaws such as acne scars, fine wrinkles, age spots, and precancerous skin patches.

When performed by an experienced practitioner using the correct technique, dermabrasion is typically safe, and people are pleased with the results. However, complications and side effects can sometimes arise, some of which can have permanent consequences. These include infections, burns, increased sensitivity to sunlight and rashes.

You may be eligible to make a dermabrasion injury claim if you have suffered any avoidable harm due to negligence. To find out if you have a valid case, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online contact form to request a call back.

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Table of Contents

• What is dermabrasion?
• What injuries could dermabrasion negligence cause?
• Am I eligible to make a dermabrasion accident claim?
• What evidence do I need to support a cosmetic surgery claim?
• Types of dermabrasion negligence that could lead to a compensation claim
• Can I still claim compensation if I signed a waiver?
• Is there a time limit to start a dermabrasion injury compensation claim?
• How much compensation could I receive for dermabrasion injuries?
• Will my solicitor work on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a medical procedure that removes the top layers of the skin. It is performed using a rapidly rotating tool with a rough surface, typically a wire brush or a rough-edged diamond wheel called a dermabrader.

Unlike microdermabrasion, which is much less invasive and can be performed at a beauty salon, dermabrasion is performed under anaesthesia by a qualified medical practitioner. The new skin that grows back after the procedure is expected to look younger and smoother. It can be used to treat or remove:

• Scars caused by injuries, acne or surgery
• Age spots and sun-damaged skin
• Fine wrinkles and crow’s feet
• Rhinophyma, which is red, thick skin on the nose
• Pox marks
• Tattoos
• Precancerous skin patches
• Stretch marks
• Patched of dark skin and uneven skin tone

Dermabrasion is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you can usually go home after the treatment. Before proceeding, your doctor will assess your eligibility and risk factors and inform you about possible side effects. They will also instruct you on how to care for your skin during the healing process, which may take up to several weeks.

If you have suffered injuries due to any negligence during the procedure, you may be eligible to claim dermabrasion injury compensation.

What injuries could dermabrasion negligence cause?

Dermabrasion is typically safe when performed by a qualified medical practitioner who will carefully assess your skin type and risk factors before carrying out the procedure. However, various types of negligence at different steps of the treatment can lead to avoidable injuries and complications for which you could claim compensation, such as:

• Chemical or abrasion burns
• Broken capillaries and long-lasting redness
• Allergic reactions to the anaesthetic
• Swelling and infections due to poor hygiene standards
• Harsh rases and acne flare-ups
• Permanent changes in skin colour
• Facial scars and lacerations
• Unnecessary or excessive bleeding
• Excessive skin sensitivity after the procedure
• Nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation in the affected area

Besides physical pain, such injuries can also have a profound psychological impact on the victim and result in emotional distress, anxiety, depression or loss of self-esteem.

Am I eligible to make a dermabrasion accident claim?

The easiest way to find out if you can pursue a claim following a negligent dermabrasion procedure is by seeking expert legal advice. A personal injury lawyer will take on your case and help you make a cosmetic negligence claim if they can prove the following:

• A duty of care. All medical professionals owe a legal duty to their patients. They must possess a certain level of skill and knowledge and provide care that meets the professional standard in their field.
• A breach of duty. Beauty treatment negligence occurs when the medical staff fails to meet the established standard of care. In a dermabrasion injury claim, this might include using the incorrect technique, failure to obtain informed consent or poor aftercare.
• Causation. This factor establishes the direct link between the breach of duty and the injury you suffered following dermabrasion.
• Damages. These refer to the harm and losses you suffered due to dermabrasion negligence. As detailed in the section below, you will need various types of evidence to prove the damages you suffered.

If all these can be proven in your case, an expert injury solicitor will help you make a no win no fee claim and determine how much compensation you are entitled to. They will handle all communication with the defendant on your behalf, and you only have to pay them anything if your case is successful.

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

If you suffered an injury due to dermabrasion, you will need evidence to make a medical negligence compensation claim. Your lawyer will review everything you already have and help you gather any further proof you may need to start your claim. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Clear photos taken before and after the procedure will help show the extent of the damage and the healing process or worsening over time;
• Medical records that show your initial consultation, medical history and the type and severity of the injury you suffered due to the substandard care;
• Records of any subsequent treatments required to address the injuries, including surgeries, medications and therapies;
• Expert testimony from dermatologists or other medical experts who can confirm whether the dermabrasion practitioner broke their duty of care towards you;
• A detailed account from you about the procedure and how the injury you suffered has affected your daily life;
• Statements from anyone who accompanied you to the appointments or witnessed the effects of the injury;
• Copies of any communication between you and the practitioner regarding the procedure and subsequent injury;
• The consent form or waiver you signed will help determine if you were adequately informed about the procedure and associated risks;
• A copy of any formal complaints you filed following your injury or harm;
• You also need financial records such as receipts, invoices and documentation of lost wages.

This evidence will help support your dermabrasion injury claim and secure the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Types of dermabrasion negligence that could lead to a compensation claim

Dermabrasion is an invasive cosmetic treatment that should only be carried out by a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. It is often performed under sedative or general anaesthesia, and it may take several months for your skin to return to normal. While most procedures are completed without complications, substandard care or negligence can cause serious injuries.

Some common types of negligence that could lead to an injury compensation claim include:

• A failure to thoroughly consider your medical history before undergoing the procedure, such as allergies, skin conditions or medicines that could impact healing;
• Using equipment that has not been adequately sterilised;
• Removing too much skin or not enough, which leads to either ineffective treatment or severe skin damage;
• Performing the procedure without the necessary training or certifications;
• Not fully explaining the potential risks, side effects, and complications associated with the procedure;
• Failure to obtain informed consent from the patient;
• Not providing proper aftercare instructions;
• Using equipment that is not functioning correctly or is outdated;
• Performing the procedure in an environment that does not meet hygiene standards;
• Using a technique that is not suitable for your skin type;
• Failure to recognise or treat complications such as infections or severe scarring.

If you or a loved one suffered a dermabrasion treatment injury due to cosmetic surgery negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your pain, suffering and any related financial costs.

Can I still claim compensation if I signed a waiver?

Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery or procedure, you will usually be asked to sign a waiver or consent form. This document ensures you have received the necessary information about the procedure and the possible risks and side effects. The consent form also aims to collect information from the patient regarding any contraindications (reasons not to go ahead) for the procedure, such as health conditions or the use of certain medicines.

However, the waiver does not protect the medical practitioner against liability for dermabrasion negligence. If you suffered any injury due to substandard care, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim even if you signed a waiver.

During your initial consultation, your solicitor will review the consent form and assess your chances of making a successful claim. If they believe your case has merit, they will help you gather the evidence you need to prove negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.

Is there a time limit to start a dermabrasion injury compensation claim?

As a general rule, you have three years from the date you received the beauty treatment to make a dermabrasion accident claim. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and cannot be surpassed, or your case will be time-barred and no longer valid.

While three years might seem like a long time, we advise you to start the claims process as early as possible. Depending on your circumstances, your lawyer may need several months to gather the necessary evidence to support your case. Beginning the claim as soon as possible will ensure the availability of evidence and that everything will be ready in time.

There are some exceptions to the three-year limitation date:

• If your injuries do not become apparent immediately, the time limit begins on the date of knowledge. This refers to when you became aware of the negligence and the harm you suffered as a result.
• If the injured party cannot start a claim due to their injuries or another condition, the time limit is suspended until recovery. In the meantime, a litigation friend could make a personal injury claim for them at any time.
• If you received treatment abroad and you want to make a claim, the time limit may differ based on the foreign country’s laws.

How much compensation could I receive for dermabrasion injuries?

The compensation you could receive if you make a successful claim for a dermabrasion injury will depend on the type and severity of the harm you suffered and how this has affected your life. Your solicitor will work hard to secure the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf. They will include two types of damages in your medical negligence claim:

Special damages cover the financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses you incurred following the incident. These can include but are not limited to:

• The cost of additional medical treatments needed to address complications
• The cost of travelling to and from medical appointments
• Loss of earnings due to time off work while recovering
• Costs of care and assistance with daily tasks during recovery

General damages cover the subjective effects of the negligent cosmetic procedure on your life. These are calculated based on the guidelines from the Judicial College and can include:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Mental and emotional distress, such as anxiety and embarrassment
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Inability to participate in activities you used to enjoy
• Loss of consortium

Will my solicitor work on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are entitled to dermabrasion injury compensation, your solicitor will handle your case on a no win no fee basis. They will not ask for any upfront fees, and you will not have to pay them a single penny if your claim fails. This service allows you access to legal representation regardless of your financial situation and without taking any risks.

Your solicitor will only receive a success fee if and after you get compensation for your injury, which is capped at 25% of your settlement.

At the beginning of your claim, your solicitor will also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf. This will cover all the litigation costs if your claim isn’t successful, including:

• Medical reports
• Court and counsel fees
• Expert witnesses
• Travel costs
• Printing and copying

If you lose the claim, the ATE will also cover the defendant’s expenses and solicitors, ensuring you will not be left out of pocket. You only pay the ATE premium if you win compensation.

To learn more about making a claim for compensation on a no win no fee basis, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a call back. You will receive a free case assessment with a friendly and experienced legal adviser.

Last edited on 8th Aug 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.