Can I Sue a Plastic Surgeon for Bad Rhinoplasty?

If you have had a botched rhinoplasty procedure, you could be entitled to compensation if the surgery has caused injuries, infection, or permanent damage. A rhinoplasty procedure is a type of surgery that can change the shape of your nose. However, complications can arise, as a result of a bad nose job, which may include breathing difficulties, asymmetry, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes.

A cosmetic surgeon has a duty of care to ensure that your surgery goes as it should and that you do not suffer any long-term damage from your rhinoplasty. Below we look at some answers associated with the question, can I sue my plastic surgeon for bad rhinoplasty? If you’ve had a nose job gone wrong, then the expert team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you, learn more about making a rhinoplasty claim today.

What is a rhinoplasty procedure?

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping or a ‘nose job’, is a type of procedure that can change the size or shape of your nose. This could mean changing the cartilage and bone or reshaping the skin around your nose, sometimes a skin graft or implant will be used. However complex your rhinoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon has a duty of care. If they make a mistake, they could be liable due to medical negligence.

The NHS does not cover rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, but you may get a rhinoplasty procedure through the NHS for medical reasons. This is most commonly done to help with breathing difficulties.

Rhinoplasty involves complexities and challenges that require a qualified and experienced surgeon. The surgeon should be registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) to increase the likelihood of satisfactory aesthetic results and avoid complications. You can check whether your surgeon has a licence through the online GMC register, and it is important to establish this before having surgery, so that it does not result in a botched nose job. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving successful outcomes and minimising the risk of complications.

What counts as a bad rhinoplasty procedure?

Bad rhinoplasty or a nose job gone wrong is classed as anything that causes preventable damage or does not solve the issue at hand. Any medical professional carrying out rhinoplasty, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, should have the correct qualifications. If you have experienced a botched rhinoplasty, you may be able to claim compensation.

Rhinoplasty, as a specific type of plastic surgery procedure, requires a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure successful outcomes.

A poorly performed surgery can lead to an unnatural nose shape and deformities, emphasising the importance of personalised approaches to achieve a desirable outcome.

A bad rhinoplasty procedure can include:

• Deformity

• Asymmetry

• Alar collapse

• A drooping or excessively upturned tip

• Excessive removal of cartilage

• Breathing difficulties

• Inappropriate scarring

• Failure to perform surgery in accordance with the patient’s consent

Your surgeon should discuss all of the risks with you before the procedure. It is important to note that you cannot sue your surgeon if you simply do not like the look of your rhinoplasty. You should discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible, as you may need a revision rhinoplasty.

You may be able to sue your surgeon for bad rhinoplasty surgery if they made specific promises to you that were not carried out through the procedure. When it comes to things such as infection or damage, this can be difficult to prove. You should discuss your botched nose job with a cosmetic surgery lawyer, as they can let you know whether you have enough evidence to build a case.

How to avoid a botched nose job

While no surgical procedure is entirely risk-free, there are several steps patients can take to minimise the risk of a botched nose job. Here are some tips to help you avoid a botched rhinoplasty:

• Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in rhinoplasty.

• Ensure that you have realistic expectations of the procedure and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

• Follow pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to minimise the risk of complications.

• Be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty and discuss them with your surgeon.

• Consider getting a second opinion before undergoing the procedure.

By following these tips, patients can reduce the risk of a botched nose job and increase the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome.

Should I sue my plastic surgeon for a bad rhinoplasty?

So the question still remains, can I sue my plastic surgeon for a nose job gone wrong? Depending on the severity of your botched rhinoplasty, you may be left with long-lasting damage or require further surgery to correct mistakes. This could impact your finances, as well as your mental and physical health. Suing a plastic surgeon will ensure you get the compensation you need for any losses.

Making a case is not just for financial purposes either. Getting the justice you deserve if your plastic surgeon is proven to be negligent will ensure the same thing does not happen again. The healthcare facility will open an investigation against your plastic surgeon, which could protect others from injury or damage due to medical negligence. They may also lose their licence if they are proven to be negligent.

This choice is not an easy one.

For further advice on whether you should sue your plastic surgeon for a botched nose job you should speak to our experienced team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors for advice on how to make a claim for rhinoplasty negligence.

How can I make a case for bad rhinoplasty against my plastic surgeon?

The best way to make a case for bad rhinoplasty is by getting the correct legal advice and support from a cosmetic surgery solicitor. They have the experience and knowledge required to build a case and get the appropriate evidence to support your nose job gone wrong claim.

The documents you will require to build a case against your plastic surgeon include:

• Pictures of bruising, swelling, or damage

• Statements from the healthcare professionals involved with your rhinoplasty

• A written statement from yourself

• Any proof of financial loss, such as time off work due to long recovery times

• Medical results and scans that prove damage after your surgery

A good solicitor will help you get all the evidence you need and will help you with your written statement. If you are the victim of a bad rhinoplasty, speak to a solicitor for advice.

FAQs

1. What are my rights if a rhinoplasty goes wrong?

If your rhinoplasty goes wrong due to negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Plastic surgeons are required to adhere to professional standards and provide clear, informed consent about the risks involved in the procedure. If they fail in their duty of care, and this leads to harm, you can pursue legal action for compensation.

Compensation may cover physical injuries, psychological impact, and financial losses, such as the cost of revision surgery or lost wages during recovery. Consulting a solicitor with expertise in cosmetic surgery claims is the best way to understand your rights and assess the strength of your case.

2. Can I sue my surgeon if I am unhappy with my nose job?

You cannot sue a surgeon simply because you dislike the cosmetic outcome of your nose job. Dissatisfaction with the appearance of your nose is not sufficient grounds for a claim unless it stems from negligence, such as the surgeon failing to follow agreed plans or causing avoidable harm.

To make a claim, you need evidence that the surgeon acted negligently, such as by failing to explain risks, making avoidable errors during the procedure, or not following proper surgical techniques. If harm occurred that could have been prevented, you may be entitled to compensation.

3. What counts as negligence in rhinoplasty?

Negligence in rhinoplasty occurs when a surgeon fails to meet the standards expected of a competent professional, and this leads to preventable harm. Examples include surgical errors, inadequate pre-operative planning, failure to manage post-operative care, or proceeding without informed consent.

For instance, if a surgeon removes too much cartilage, causing nasal collapse, or neglects to address breathing issues as agreed, these could be considered acts of negligence. A solicitor can review your case and help determine whether your surgeon breached their duty of care.

4. What evidence do I need to make a claim for a botched rhinoplasty?

To make a claim for a botched rhinoplasty, you will need evidence showing that the surgeon’s negligence caused harm. This may include photographs documenting visible damage, medical records highlighting complications, and expert opinions from other healthcare professionals. Complications such as an overly rotated nose tip and the effects of improper nasal support during surgery can be significant evidence of negligence.

Your own written account of the experience, including details of consultations with the surgeon and how the surgery impacted you, will also be important. Financial evidence, such as proof of lost income or expenses for corrective treatment, strengthens your case. A solicitor specialising in cosmetic surgery claims can help you collect and organise the necessary documentation.

5. How long do I have to make a claim for rhinoplasty negligence?

In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the procedure or from when you became aware of the harm caused by negligence to make a claim. This time limit is known as the “limitation period.”

If you are unsure about when this period begins in your case, or if you are nearing the deadline, it is advisable to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. They can confirm whether you are within the time frame and help you proceed with your claim efficiently.

6. What compensation can I receive for a botched nose job?

Compensation for a botched nose job is designed to address the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the procedure. This can include covering the cost of corrective surgery, lost income due to extended recovery time, and the psychological distress caused by the experience.

The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of the harm, the impact on your daily life, and any financial losses incurred. A solicitor can provide an estimate based on the details of your case and guide you through the process of securing compensation.

7. How do I prove that my rhinoplasty surgeon was negligent?

To prove negligence, you must show that your surgeon’s actions fell below professional standards and directly caused harm. This often involves gathering evidence such as medical records, photographs of complications, and expert testimony from independent healthcare professionals.

A solicitor experienced in rhinoplasty negligence claims will work with you to build a strong case, ensuring all relevant evidence is presented clearly. They can also help arrange independent medical assessments to support your claim.

8. What Should I Do If I think my rhinoplasty has gone wrong?

If you believe your nose job has gone wrong, your first step should be to seek medical advice to address any immediate health concerns. Once your condition is stabilised, gather evidence of the complications and contact a solicitor who specialises in cosmetic surgery claims.

Avoid discussing your case directly with the surgeon or their representatives without legal advice, as this may affect your claim. A solicitor can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected.

9. Can I make a claim if I need revision rhinoplasty?

If you require revision surgery due to harm caused by negligence during your initial rhinoplasty, you may be able to make a claim. Revision surgery can be expensive and emotionally taxing, so compensation may be sought to cover these costs and address the impact of the first procedure.

Your solicitor will need evidence showing that the need for revision surgery arose from the original surgeon’s mistakes rather than natural healing outcomes or dissatisfaction with cosmetic results.

10. Why should I work with a cosmetic surgery solicitor?

Cosmetic surgery claims are complex and require in-depth knowledge of medical negligence law and the cosmetic surgery industry. A solicitor specialising in this area will understand how to gather evidence, work with medical experts, and negotiate effectively to secure the best outcome.

Working with a specialist also gives you peace of mind that your case is being handled by someone familiar with the unique challenges of cosmetic surgery claims. They will guide you through the process, ensuring your case is presented in the strongest possible way.

If you have experienced a botched nose job, we are here to help. We are the UK’s first leading cosmetic claims and negligence solicitors. Contact us for advice on how you can make a claim for rhinoplasty negligence on 0808 252 0175, or fill in our online contact form to request a callback.