PLASTIC PATIENTS SEEK COMPENSATION

13|05|08

The increase in popularity of cosmetic surgery in Wales has led to an increase in malpractice claims, according to leading South Wales solicitors John Collins and Partners LLP.

The number of procedures in Wales and across the rest of the UK has risen from 202,000 to 700,000 in just four years. Adding to this demand, Britain’s largest cosmetic surgery group has stated that there was a huge demand for gift vouchers for procedures in the run up to Christmas, meaning a large number of operations and treatments are set to take place in 2008.

John Collins and Partners, which specialises in clinical negligence, has recently experienced an increase in enquiries relating to botched cosmetic procedures as the popularity of botox, collagen fillers and other surgical treatments rockets in the UK. Inspired by celebrities and TV makeover shows, more people are turning to surgery to improve their looks, and the firm is predicting a surge of complaints from unhappy patients following the current surgery boom. 

Matthew Owen, Partner with John Collins and Partners LLP and a member of the Law Society’s specialist clinical negligence panel, said:

"There has been a worrying increase in the number of enquiries I have received lately relating to botched plastic surgery cases. Those who have received a voucher for a procedure as a Christmas present, or have just decided to get a nip or tuck before the summer season begins, should make sure they thoroughly look into the surgery, the surgeon, their reputation and standards. There are many excellent and reputable plastic surgeons in the UK who undertake such surgery to a very high standard.  However, any surgery carries risks, and it is important that you have carefully considered those risks before choosing to undergo the procedure".

The cosmetic surgery industry is set to break the £1 Billion mark this year according to market analysts Mintel - the market is currently worth around £900 million. The two most popular procedures are facelifts and breast surgery. Possible complications of face-lifts, tummy tucks and liposuction include nerve damage, chronic pain and even death.

The Medical Defence Union, the biggest provider of medical indemnity to doctors, has paid out just under £8.5 million in compensation and legal costs over the past ten years to patients harmed by cosmetic surgery.

Matthew Owen continued:

"If you do decide to have cosmetic surgery, and the procedure goes wrong, there are a number of steps you should take. Firstly, don’t be afraid to speak up – you have paid for and been promised a particular procedure and you deserve to have it performed correctly. Talk to your provider about rectifying the problem, and if you are still dissatisfied, follow its internal complaints procedure – all registered providers must have one; ask to see a written copy.

"If you’re still unhappy with a registered provider, complain to the Healthcare Commission or equivalent, or the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services if your surgery is a member. If your complaint is about performance of an individual, such as a doctor, contact his or her registration council. You may be able to consider legal action if you think your treatment wasn't carried out with reasonable care and skill and where you have pain or injury. In this case you should contact an experienced solicitor who can help you with your claim."

Matthew Owen is a Partner in the Clinical Negligence department at John Collins & Partners Solicitors. He can be contacted on 01792 773 773 or by email on matthew.owen@johncollins.co.uk