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Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Solicitors

Choosing to have cosmetic surgery or a non-surgical aesthetic procedure is a deeply personal decision, and you placed your trust in a practitioner who owed you a duty of care. When something goes wrong and you’re left with avoidable harm, scarring, or lasting psychological distress, it can feel deeply unfair.

At JNP Legal, our medical negligence solicitors understand how difficult this situation can be. Our experienced team handles cosmetic surgery negligence claims for clients across South Wales and beyond, and we’ll help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Contact our cosmetic surgery negligence solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun

If you’ve suffered harm following a cosmetic procedure and want to understand your options, our team is here to help. We’re a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun.

Please email us at law@jnplegal.org or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form and we will respond to you quickly.

What is cosmetic surgery negligence?

Cosmetic surgery negligence occurs when a practitioner fails to meet the standard of care reasonably expected of a competent professional in their field, and that failure directly causes you harm you wouldn’t otherwise have suffered.

This applies to both surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, or liposuction, and non-surgical treatments, such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, and laser procedures. The fact that a procedure was elective doesn’t prevent you from making a claim. You should expect the same standard of care whether you were treated through the NHS or a private clinic.

Common types of cosmetic surgery negligence claim

Cosmetic surgery negligence claims can arise from a wide range of procedures. Our solicitors have experience handling claims involving:

Breast augmentation, reduction, and uplift procedures
Rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and facial surgery
Liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tucks)
Facelifts and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Botox injections and dermal fillers
Laser skin treatments and chemical peels
Cosmetic dental procedures
Body contouring and fat-transfer procedures

Whether your claim involves plastic surgery negligence, sub-standard cosmetic surgery or a non-surgical treatment, we can advise on your options.

Examples of negligent care

Common examples of negligent care include:

Inadequate pre-procedure assessment or failure to identify a contraindication
Poor surgical technique leading to scarring, asymmetry, or nerve damage
Failure to obtain proper informed consent before the procedure
Use of substandard or inappropriate materials or implants
Errors in administering anaesthesia or post-operative medication
Failure to identify or treat complications promptlyNegligent aftercare or discharge advice leading to avoidable harm

Injuries you can claim for

Cosmetic surgery negligence can cause a wide range of physical and psychological injuries, including:

Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Infection and wound complications
Nerve damage and loss of sensation
Asymmetry or poor outcomes requiring corrective surgery
Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
Pain and suffering, both short-term and long-term

Compensation can also cover financial losses such as corrective treatment, lost earnings and ongoing care.

How much compensation could you receive?

The value of a cosmetic surgery negligence claim depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, and the financial losses you’ve incurred.

Compensation typically includes general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, plus special damages for financial losses such as corrective surgery, medical expenses, travel costs and lost earnings. We’ll give you a realistic assessment of what your claim may be worth once we’ve reviewed your circumstances and obtained the necessary evidence.

Proving a cosmetic surgery negligence claim

To bring a successful claim, you generally need to establish three things:

Duty of care: the practitioner owed you a duty to treat you with reasonable skill and care.
Breach of duty: they fell below the standard expected of a competent professional in their field.
Causation and harm: their breach directly caused the injury or loss you suffered.

Our solicitors will work with independent medical experts to review your records, assess your injuries and build a clear picture of what went wrong.

Time limits for cosmetic surgery negligence claims

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent procedure, or three years from the date you first became aware (or reasonably should have been aware) that your injury may have been caused by negligence, to bring a claim. Limited exceptions apply, including for children and those who lack mental capacity.

Starting your claim promptly gives us time to gather evidence and build a strong case. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within time, please contact us as soon as possible.

The cosmetic surgery negligence claims process

Claims generally follow these stages:

Initial advice:we’ll review your case and advise whether you have grounds to claim.
Evidence gathering: we’ll obtain your medical records and instruct independent experts to assess your injuries and the standard of care you received.
Letter of claim: we’ll write formally to the practitioner or clinic setting out the basis of your claim.
Negotiation or proceedings: many claims settle without going to court. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll issue proceedings on your behalf.
Resolution: if your claim succeeds, you’ll receive compensation by way of an agreed settlement or a court award.

We’ll keep you fully informed and explain your options clearly throughout.

Claims against private clinics and surgery abroad

Most cosmetic procedures take place in private clinics rather than NHS settings. If your treatment was provided privately, you can still bring a claim, though the process may differ from an NHS negligence matter.

If you were harmed by cosmetic surgery abroad, a claim may still be possible depending on where the procedure took place. These claims can be complex, so it’s important to seek advice early.

No win, no fee cosmetic surgery claims

At JNP Legal, we are able to provide no win, no fee arrangement (otherwise known as conditional fee agreements) for qualifying cosmetic surgery negligence cases. This means you won’t pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

We’ll explain the terms of any funding arrangement clearly before your case begins. Please contact our specialist medical negligence team to discuss whether your case may qualify.

Why choose JNP Legal for your cosmetic surgery negligence claim

Bringing a negligence claim often means revisiting a distressing experience. Our medical negligence solicitors take the time to understand your situation, explain your options honestly and build your case with care.

As a regional firm with strong roots in South Wales, we’re proud to provide accessible legal services that put clients first. We hold the Law Society’s Lexcel practice quality mark, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of client care and practice management.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim compensation if my cosmetic surgery went wrong?

Yes, if you suffered harm as a result of substandard care. Not every unsatisfactory outcome amounts to negligence, but if a practitioner’s care fell below a reasonable standard and caused you injury, you’ll likely have grounds to claim.

How long do I have to make a cosmetic surgery negligence claim?

In most cases, three years from the date of the negligent procedure, or from the date you became aware the harm was caused by negligence. Time limits are strict, so we’d always recommend seeking advice as early as possible.

How much compensation can I claim for cosmetic surgery negligence?

The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your quality of life, and the financial losses you’ve sustained. Every case is different, and we’ll provide a realistic assessment once we’ve reviewed your situation in detail.

Can I claim if I had cosmetic surgery abroad?

Potentially, yes. The viability of a claim depends on factors including where the procedure took place and the terms of your agreement with the provider.

Will I have to go to court?

Most cosmetic surgery negligence claims are resolved through negotiation and never reach court. However, if the other party disputes liability or refuses to settle on fair terms, we’ll be prepared to issue proceedings and represent you throughout.

Can I claim for psychological injury after cosmetic surgery?

Yes. Psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can form part of a cosmetic surgery negligence claim.

Can I claim for the cost of corrective surgery?

Yes. The cost of corrective treatment to repair harm caused by negligent cosmetic surgery is a recoverable financial loss. Independent medical experts can assess the likely cost of correction as part of the claims process.

Do you handle non-surgical cosmetic claims like Botox and dermal fillers?

Yes. Non-surgical procedures can give rise to negligence claims if they’re carried out negligently and cause you harm. This includes Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser treatments, and chemical peels. The same principles of duty of care, breach, and causation apply.

How long does a cosmetic surgery negligence claim take?

This varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether liability is disputed, and the extent of your injuries. Some claims settle within months; others involving more serious injuries can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline once we understand your case and will keep you updated throughout.

Does it cost anything to start a claim?

For many cosmetic surgery negligence cases, we’re able to offer no win, no fee funding, meaning you won’t pay our fees if your claim is unsuccessful. We’ll explain all funding arrangements clearly and transparently at the outset.

Start your cosmetic surgery negligence claim with JNP Legal

If you’ve been harmed by negligent cosmetic surgery or an aesthetic procedure that went wrong, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced solicitors are here to listen, advise, and support you at every stage.

We’re a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun.