Why should I choose Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors?

Deciding to seek compensation for a negligent chemical peel treatment can be daunting. However, at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we pride ourselves on offering a genuine and sympathetic service to support each of our clients individually. We tailor our services to your exact needs, supporting you throughout every step of the process.

After you start your claim with us, we will be there to support you with any questions you may have or guidance you may need. We promise to keep you informed throughout the process to ensure you have full understanding and peace of mind.

So far, our specialist lawyers have secured over £10 million in compensation for our clients. You can rest assured of our dedication and expertise in pursuing a successful claim.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment designed to peel away layers of damaged skin cells to boost collagen production, resulting in a smoother and softer appearance and lower downtime than aesthetic surgery. There are three main types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep peels.

• Superficial peels: use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin and clear away dead skin cells. They are used for skin rejuvenation to improve the appearance of mild skin discolouration and rough skin texture.
• Medium peels: involve glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid to penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin. They are effective for treating age spots, fine lines, and moderately uneven skin tone.
• Deep chemical peels: use stronger acids such as phenol to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. They are used to treat deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, pitted acne scars and precancerous growths.

In a chemical skin peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing a controlled 'blistering' effect. This process leads to the peeling away of dry, damaged layers, revealing fresh, new skin underneath.

This procedure is often used to treat blemishes and signs of ageing and is typically painless when performed correctly. However, if done improperly, it can cause pain, irritation and irreversible damage such as scarring.

Chemical peels are not suitable for all skin types, so it is essential to consult a professional, such as a GP or dermatologist, who can carefully assess your skin before proceeding with the treatment.

What are the signs of chemical peels gone wrong?

Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that use chemical solutions to improve skin appearance. While some side effects are expected, practitioners have a duty of care to assess suitability, explain risks clearly, apply the treatment correctly, and monitor healing. When these obligations are not met, preventable harm can occur.

The following issues may indicate that a chemical peel did not meet the expected standard of care and could point to negligence.

• Skin discolouration that may be permanent: changes in skin colour can occur after a chemical peel, but long-lasting or permanent discolouration may suggest that the peel was too strong, applied incorrectly, or used on skin that was not suitable for the treatment. This can also result from a failure to provide proper aftercare advice or to warn about sun exposure during recovery.
• Permanent or temporary facial scarring: some redness and peeling are expected, but scarring is not a routine outcome. Scars may develop if the chemicals penetrate too deeply, if hygiene standards were poor, or if complications such as infection were not identified and treated promptly.
• Allergic reactions to the chemicals used: practitioners should assess medical history and known sensitivities before treatment. Severe reactions such as swelling, blistering, burning or prolonged irritation may indicate that suitability checks were inadequate or that patch testing was not carried out when it should have been.
• Worsening infections due to mismanagement: chemical peels leave the skin vulnerable while it heals. If an infection develops and is not recognised or treated correctly, it can worsen and lead to further damage. A failure to identify infection during follow-up or to provide clear aftercare instructions may be negligent.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH causes dark patches to form on the skin after inflammation or injury. While it can be a known risk, it may point to negligence if the practitioner failed to assess skin type, used an inappropriate peel strength, or did not advise properly on aftercare and sun protection.
• Damage to internal organs in severe cases: in rare but serious situations, improper use of certain chemical agents can lead to kidney, liver or heart damage. This may occur if unsafe substances are used, incorrect concentrations are applied, or the practitioner lacks appropriate training. Such outcomes may indicate a serious breach of professional standards.

If you have experienced any of these issues following a chemical peel, it does not automatically mean negligence has occurred. However, if your practitioner failed to fulfil their duty of care and you experienced preventable complications as a result, you may be entitled to a compensation claim.

What standards should your practitioner follow?

Anyone carrying out a chemical peel has a legal duty of care to act in a way that protects your safety and wellbeing. This duty applies before, during and after the procedure, and failures at any stage can lead to avoidable harm.

• Before treatment: your practitioner should assess whether you are suitable for a chemical peel. This includes reviewing your medical history, skin type, existing skin conditions and any medications that could affect healing. They should explain the realistic outcomes of the procedure, the level of peeling or redness you can expect, and all potential risks, including scarring, infection and changes in skin colour. You should also be informed of alternative treatments so you can make a fully informed decision.
• During the procedure: the practitioner must use the correct type and strength of chemical peel for your skin, apply it safely and maintain proper hygiene throughout. Using inappropriate chemicals, incorrect concentrations or poor technique can increase the risk of burns, scarring and long-term damage.
• After treatment: your practitioner should provide clear aftercare instructions and arrange appropriate follow-up where needed. They must monitor your healing and act promptly if complications such as infection, excessive inflammation or abnormal skin changes develop. Failing to identify or manage complications can worsen the outcome and may amount to negligence.

If these standards are not followed and you suffer harm as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you understand whether your practitioner met their obligations and advise on your next steps.

How much compensation can you get for a chemical peel gone wrong?

The amount of compensation you will receive for a chemical peel claim can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the amount of risk that was posed to you. The amount of financial losses incurred will also be considered, for example, if you needed to take time off work as a result of your injuries.

The more information we are able to receive, the better we can assist you with your claim and give you a rough estimate of what sort of compensation you could be looking at.

What does compensation cover for a chemical peel injury claim?

Compensation for a chemical peel negligence claim is intended to reflect the full impact the treatment has had on your life, not just the physical injury. If negligence is proven, a claim may include compensation for the following losses.

• Pain and suffering: this covers the physical pain, discomfort and ongoing symptoms caused by the chemical peel, including burns, scarring, skin damage or prolonged healing.
• Psychological harm: many people experience emotional distress after a cosmetic procedure goes wrong. Compensation may take account of anxiety, embarrassment, loss of confidence or depression, particularly where visible skin damage affects daily life, work or relationships.
• Lost earnings: if your injuries meant you had to take time off work, reduce your hours or were unable to return to your role as planned, you may be able to claim for lost income and any future loss of earnings linked to your injuries.
• Medical expenses: this can include the cost of corrective treatment, medication, consultations, skin care products prescribed as part of your recovery, or further procedures needed to address the damage caused.
• Care costs: if you require help with daily tasks while recovering, either from a professional carer or from friends or family, these costs may be included in your claim, even where care was provided informally.
• Travel expenses: reasonable travel costs related to medical appointments, follow-up treatment or corrective procedures can also be claimed, provided they are linked to your injury.

Keeping a clear record of these losses, such as receipts, wage slips and appointment details, can help support your claim. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can guide you through what evidence is needed and help you pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of the harm you have suffered.

How long will the chemical peel injury compensation process take?

While we can’t give an exact length of time for how long a chemical peel claim will take, our solicitors will ensure that your case proceeds as swiftly and efficiently as possible so that you can continue with your recovery process and receive the compensation you deserve.

As soon as you start your claim, one of our dedicated lawyers will be assigned to your case and they will assess the specific details of your claim and discuss potential timescales.

Do I have a chemical peel claim?

Any clinician or practitioner who carries out a cosmetic procedure, such as a chemical peel, has a duty of care to ensure that what they are administering is done in a safe and sterile manner. The wellbeing of their patients should be at the forefront of their mind at all times throughout the process and best practices should always be undertaken.

Not only will these cosmeticians be responsible for avoiding any complications that can be reasonably prevented during your chemical peel, but they should also provide patients with comprehensive information about the process, how it works and the risks that could come with it. They should also be willing to discuss their qualifications with you and put you at ease.

If a clinic does not uphold this duty and you have suffered adverse effects as a result, then you may be eligible to make a claim for chemical peel compensation.

Are there time limits on making a chemical peel claim?

Chemical peel negligence claims are subject to strict time limits. In most cases, you have three years to start a claim. This three-year period usually begins on the date the chemical peel treatment was carried out.

In some situations, the time limit may start later. This can apply where the harm caused by the chemical peel was not immediately obvious. Under the date of knowledge rule, the three-year period may begin from the point at which you first became aware that something had gone wrong and that the injury may be linked to the treatment. For example, this could be when scarring, ongoing skin discolouration or worsening skin damage becomes clear weeks or months after the procedure.

How can Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors help?

If you have experienced avoidable harm following a cosmetic procedure, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors take clear, practical steps to progress your claim and secure the compensation you are entitled to. From the outset, the focus is on building a strong case while reducing any stress or uncertainty for you.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will:

• Gather detailed evidence: this includes obtaining your medical records, reviewing treatment history, and securing independent expert medical opinions to support your claim.
• Assess liability: carefully analysing whether negligence occurred and how it has impacted your health, wellbeing and daily life.
• Handle all communication: managing correspondence with the surgeon, clinic and their insurers on your behalf.
• Calculate the full extent of your claim: ensuring all aspects are considered, including corrective treatment, rehabilitation and any financial losses.
• Pursue your claim proactively: taking decisive action to move your case forward efficiently and without unnecessary delay.
• Negotiate settlement or proceed to court if needed: always working to secure the maximum compensation available based on your circumstances.

By taking a thorough and proactive approach, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors place you in the strongest possible position to achieve a successful outcome. Their experience in cosmetic surgery negligence claims ensures every aspect of your case is handled with precision, helping you move forward with confidence and secure the full compensation you deserve.