Compensation for substandard breast enhancement surgery

Jenny Waight, specialist clinical negligence lawyer acting for the claimant successfully obtained an out of court settlement of £28,000 to compensate the claimant for their pain and suffering and to pay for revision surgery and psychiatric treatment.

The claimant sought private surgery for breast enhancement as she was unhappy with her empty looking breasts following having children.

She underwent bilateral breast augmentation surgery but was not fully informed of the risks of surgery.  Further, she should have been advised that a lift (mastopexy) was the best option for her due to the droopiness of her breasts (ptosis).

The claimant suffered a double bubble deformity and made a complaint to the surgeon and private hospital.  A second opinion was obtained and it was arranged that she would have revision surgery.  However, the surgery was cancelled as the surgeon was pressurising the claimant to sign a settlement agreement for just £2,000.

The claimant instructed Jenny Waight who obtained independent expert evidence from a plastic surgeon who was critical of the defendant’s failure to obtain informed consent.  Further, the defendant surgeon failed to undertake surgery to an acceptable standard leading to the double bubble effect.

Further evidence was obtained from an independent psychiatrist who concluded that the claimant had suffered PTSD as a result of the negligence.

Despite the defendant denying liability in full, a settlement was agreed before the issue of court proceedings.

Jenny Waight specialises in cosmetic surgery cases.  If you would like to ask Jenny a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any personal injury, contact Jenny at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701374 in confidence.