Botched Beauty? Here’s How to Make It Right

When a Bad Result Becomes Negligence

Not every disappointing outcome is grounds for a claim. It’s natural to hope for perfect results, but sometimes, the outcome simply does not meet expectations, and that alone, isn’t always enough to make a claim. However, if your practitioner failed to meet the professional standard of care expected in cosmetic treatment, and that failure has caused you physical injury or emotional harm, then you may have suffered from clinical negligence.

Common examples of negligence include:

• Inadequate or careless surgical techniques
• Infections caused by poor hygiene or aftercare
• Use of unsafe or unapproved products
• Incorrectly administered fillers or Botox
• Recommending inappropriate procedures or treatment
• Ignoring or mishandling complications during recovery
• Failure to explain all the risks and potential complications

If you are unsure whether your experience amounts to negligence, do not worry, our expert team reviews every case individually and will help you understand whether you have a potential claim.

But I signed a consent form, can I still bring a cosmetic surgery claim?

Yes you can. Signing a consent form does not automatically mean you gave informed consent. Unfortunately, we often see cases where patients were asked to sign forms without being properly advised of all the material risks and potential complications. It is your practitioner’s legal and professional duty to make sure you fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before going ahead with any cosmetic procedure. If you were not given clear information, felt rushed or pressured into signing, and have suffered as a result, you may have grounds to make a claim.

How to Start a Cosmetic Negligence Claim

If you believe you’ve suffered harm due to a botched cosmetic procedure and the care you received fell below an acceptable standard, the first step is to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case, such as:

• Photos of your injuries or results (especially before and after pictures)
• Copies of consent forms and medical records
• Any emails, leaflets or documentation you received before treatment
• Notes from follow-up appointments or communications with your practitioner
• Details of any financial losses, such as corrective procedure, travel expenses or lost income

Once you’ve gathered this information, our specialist team will carefully review your case and advise whether you have grounds to proceed. We understand that taking legal action can feel daunting which is why we offer no win, no fee arrangements. This means you won’t pay anything unless your claim is successful, giving you peace of mind while we work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can Cover

Every cosmetic surgery claim is unique, which means there is no fixed amount of compensation, the award will depend on your individual circumstances. However, compensation is designed to help you recover both financially and emotionally and may include:

• The cost of corrective treatment to repair or improve the results
• Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Financial losses, such as lost income, travel costs, or medication expenses
• Emotional distress or psychological harm resulting from your experience

While compensation cannot undo what’s happened, it can provide vital support to help you move forward, rebuild confidence, and access the care you need.

Are there time limits for bringing a claim?

Yes, under the Limitation Act 1980, there is generally a three-year tine limit for bringing a personal injury or clinical negligence claim. The time limit typically starts on the date of your procedure (when the negligence occurred). However, if your injury or complication was only discovered later, the time limit starts from the date you first became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) that something has gone wrong.

To give us the best possible chance to investigate and build your case, it is important to get in touch as soon as you can. Our expert team can advise you on the relevant time limits and guide you through the next steps with care and understanding.

Protecting Yourself in the Future

If you have experienced cosmetic negligence, you have the right to seek justice, claim compensation and begin to move forward. But it is also important to know how to protect yourself in the future. Before undergoing any future treatments, take time to check your practitioner’s qualifications and credentials and look for verified reviews. Always make sure you fully understand the risks, ask as many questions as you need, and most importantly never feel pressured into proceeding with a treatment you’re unsure about.

Final Thoughts

A cosmetic procedure gone wrong can be deeply traumatic, but you don’t have to face it alone. With specialist legal advice and compassionate support, you can hold negligent practitioners accountable and take meaningful steps toward healing, justice, and rebuilding your confidence.