Cosmetic surgery and medical negligence
If you are a fan of US drama Nip/Tuck (www.warnerbros.co.uk), you will be aware that the world of cosmetic surgery isn't all Hollywood glamour and glitz. There exists a very serious, dangerous side to cosmetic procedures that can result in medical negligence compensation claims.
There were around 22,000 cosmetic surgery operations performed in the UK during 2005 and, as a result, more than 7 million has been paid out to patients who have made compensation claims for medical negligence and surgical errors over the past 13 years. Many claims are pursued as a result of surgical consultants who fail to adequately explain the risks of the procedure or provide proper postoperative care that lead to the onset of infections and disfigurements.
With an increase in cosmetic procedures and resulting medical negligence claims in mind, a scheme introduced by the National Care Standards Commission now allows for the regulation and inspection of clinics and individuals to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals receiving treatment.
It also established a regulation that all doctors registering after 1st April 2002 are not permitted to perform cosmetic surgery without completing specialist surgical training. In addition, they are required to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register as of 2002. However, these regulations do not apply to doctors registered before this date and may explain why compensation claims are still so prolific.
What is cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is not just plastic surgery but is any surgical procedure performed in order to change the appearance. As well as being used worldwide by those who want to make changes to the size of their nose or breasts, procedures such as reconstructive surgery can help patients to regain their self-confidence following burn injuries or other serious personal injuries.
There are many other surgical procedures in this area and cosmetic surgeons usually specialise in more than one, for example:
- Breast implants
- Facial scar revision
- Forehead lifts
- Hair replacement
- Laser eye surgery
- Skin resurfacing
- Blepharoplasty (surgery of the eyes)
- Mentoplasty (surgery of the chin)
- Octoplasty (surgery of the ears)
- Rhinoplasty (surgery of the nose)
- Rhytidectomy (surgery of the face)
Surgical errors and medical negligence claims
Cosmetic procedures, particularly if you go to a private clinic, are likely to cost a considerable amount of money. The last thing that you are expecting after having saved for a tummy tuck are devastating scars or significant internal damage caused by your surgeon's negligence or your nurse's failure to provide the correct level of aftercare.
Common types of medical negligence claims associated with cosmetic surgery include:
- Ineffective results from rhinoplasty, chemical peels, laser surgery and dermabrasion
- Vision problems following laser surgery
- Unexpected scarring caused by facelifts
- Damage to the accessory nerve following a facelift
- Unexpected scarring following breast uplifting or reduction surgery
- Unexpected scarring following liposuction procedures
- Perforation to the bowel following liposuction
- Cosmetic surgery performed without consent
Many popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as collagen injections, are unregulated. This means that there is an even greater risk of medical negligence by staff that do not follow proper procedures.
Cosmetic surgery procedures are usually paid for up front which means that patients are often left feeling powerless in the event that something goes wrong. Also, many people that have such procedures performed suffer from low self-esteem and any complications can leave them feeling broken. Therefore, an efficient yet understanding and compassionate claims management company, such as YouClaim, are exactly what they could be looking for.
Making a medical negligence claim today
If you have suffered medical negligence at the hands of a cosmetic surgeon or any other medical professional then you may be able to make a compensation claim through us today.
We work with a highly skilled panel of personal injury solicitors who have an excellent claim success rate and are experienced at dealing with such claims.
They work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning in the unlikely event that your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay their fees. However, we also make a promise that you will not have to pay anything at any time, regardless of the outcome of your claim.
Call us today on 0800 10 757 95 to gain free legal advice or make a no win, no fee medical negligence claim.
