Cosmetic surgery claims

If you suffered a mistake by a cosmetic surgeon, you could be left with undesirable results that are both physically and emotionally devastating. If this sounds like you, you may be able to make a cosmetic surgery compensation claim. Our specialist medical negligence team can help you understand your options and take the next step.

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Author

Alison Flaherty

Director of Clinical Negligence

Last Updated

14th July 2026

Can I make a cosmetic surgery claim?

You might be able to claim for cosmetic surgery compensation, if you’ve experienced negligent care during your procedure. This might mean your surgeon gave misleading advice, made mistakes in your surgery, or that the aftercare you were given was inadequate

Cosmetic surgery negligence can take many forms. People have come to us when they were not properly informed about the risks, when their procedure was carried out incorrectly, or they were given inadequate aftercare. Some of our clients have received faulty or poor-quality implants in their surgery – which can lead to invasive, restorative surgery that wouldn’t have been required otherwise. Other examples include a failure to review someone’s medical history, a lack of informed consent, or misrepresentation of the likely results.

If you had the procedure abroad, you may still be able to claim. Cosmetic tourism is growing in the UK, and while costs can be lower overseas, standards and regulations vary. Even if you’re unsure whether what happened to you counts as negligence, it’s still worth speaking to us. We’ll tell you honestly whether your situation qualifies, wherever the treatment took place.

Example of a cosmetic surgery claim

Imagine someone who undergoes breast augmentation surgery and is not informed beforehand that the implants being used have a known structural fault. The implants later fail, causing pain, further surgery, and significant emotional distress. Because the patient was not warned of this risk and the practitioner failed to meet the required standard of care, this could form the basis of a valid cosmetic surgery negligence claim.

Related cosmetic surgery claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Recovering costs, correcting harm, and rebuilding confidence.

When cosmetic surgery goes wrong, it can have a huge impact on your confidence and sense of self. It can mean much longer recovery time than you expected, and you may find yourself in considerable pain while you wait for the surgery to be corrected. In some cases, corrections might not even be possible.

Cosmetic surgery compensation can give you the financial means to address the harm caused – whether that means funding corrective treatment, covering lost earnings, or accessing the psychological support you may need.

A successful cosmetic surgery claims may help fund:

Corrective surgical or non-surgical procedures

Psychological support and counselling

Loss of earnings and impact on your ability to work

The cost of the original procedure, if privately funded

Ongoing care and treatment costs

Travel and transport costs related to your recovery

Costs of care provided by family or friends during your recovery

Understanding the potential value

No two cases are the same, and your solicitor will work to make sure your compensation settlement reflects the full impact of what has happened to you – not just the physical injury, but the emotional toll and practical consequences too. The value of your claim will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the harm, whether corrective procedures were required, the emotional and psychological impact, and any financial losses you’ve suffered as a result. If you paid privately for the original procedure, the cost of that treatment can also be included in your claim.

Specialist cosmetic surgery solicitors

Our team have decades of experience in complex medical negligence claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your cosmetic surgery claim?

Cosmetic surgery negligence often means tackling immense emotional hurdles. It can affect how you feel about yourself and navigate your daily life. You can be left wondering if you are partly to blame. But our expert team can handle this on your behalf. We know the standard of care expected of cosmetic practitioners is the same as for any medical professional. It is important to prove a breach in duty for your case to be successful, and we have over 40 years representing people in situations like yours - and settling successfully on their behalf.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist medical negligence solicitors with over 3=40 years of experience

Dedicated clinical negligence team with deep expertise in cosmetic surgery cases

Experience handling both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic negligence claims

Ability to assess claims involving procedures carried out abroad

Clear, honest advice at every stage so you can make confident decisions

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No win, no fee – so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You’re not alone

We’re with you every step of your claim.

Many of the clients we support felt uncertain at first – unsure whether what happened to them counted as negligence, or whether it was simply an unavoidable risk of surgery. If you’re in that position, you’re not alone. We will listen carefully, explain what we think has happened, and give you an honest view of your options – without pressure.

We specialise in complex medical negligence cases. We understand the complexities and nuances of a cosmetic surgery claim, and we work closely with expert medical witnesses and nurse practitioners to help understand your personal circumstances, the expectations of your treatment, and where processes and procedures may have fallen down.

We’re committed to supporting you right the way through your claim. We’ll work to maximise your compensation, so that you can take meaningful steps towards feeling like yourself again. We understand that when a cosmetic procedure goes wrong, the impact goes far beyond the physical. Many people find themselves dealing with a significant loss of confidence, and real anxiety about their appearance and future. These feelings are entirely understandable – and they matter just as much as the physical harm in how we approach your claim.

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FAQs about cosmetic surgery claims

I elected to have the cosmetic surgery - can I still claim?

Yes, absolutely. Whether your cosmetic surgery was elective or not, you are still entitled to make a claim if it can be proven that the care provided by your surgeon or practitioner fell below an acceptable standard of care. Choosing to have a procedure doesn’t waive your right to competent, safe treatment.

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

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the negligence to make your claim. If you only became aware of the negligence at a later date – for example, if a defective implant wasn’t discovered straight away – the 3-year period runs from when you first became aware. If you are unsure whether you’re within the time limit, speak to us as soon as possible and we’ll advise you.

What evidence do I need for my claim?

Your solicitor will help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include your medical records, photographs documenting the harm, financial documents detailing any costs you have incurred, and expert assessments that support the case for negligence. You don’t need to have all of this in place before you contact us – we‘ll guide you through what is needed.

Can I claim compensation if I signed a waiver?

Signing a waiver does not prevent you from making a claim for cosmetic surgery negligence. If negligence can be proven, a waiver does not remove your legal right to compensation. We can assess your situation and advise you on whether you have grounds to proceed.

Can I claim if my procedure was carried out abroad?

Yes, in some cases. If you underwent a cosmetic procedure abroad and experienced negligence, you may still be eligible to make a claim. Standards and regulations vary from country to country, but we can assess your situation and advise you on whether we are able to pursue your claim. Contact us to discuss your experience.

How much does it cost to make a claim?

We understand that starting a claim can feel like a significant step, but there’s no need to worry. Our services operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and you won’t pay anything unless your claim is successful.

What types of cosmetic surgery can I claim for?

Some of the types of cosmetic surgery you may be able to claim for if you suffered negligence include: