Why choose us for your laser skin resurfacing claim?

For more than 20 years, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has offered an unrivalled service in cosmetic surgery claims, culminating in £10 million secured for our clients. We have a 95% success rate for all the cases we have handled after obtaining medical evidence.

Our dedication to pursuing compensation claims for our clients means we are best placed to help you recover the financial reward you deserve after suffering as a result of laser skin resurfacing gone wrong.

With a rating of ‘excellent’ from our clients on TrustPilot, we have the specialist expertise required to help you secure the maximum financial reward to compensate for your suffering.

You can depend on the expertise of Michael Saul, Head of Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, and his team of clinical negligence solicitors when you make a laser skin treatment claim for compensation.

How long will my laser skin resurfacing claim take?

Due to the unique nature of every laser skin rejuvenation claim we handle, it can be difficult to predict how long the legal process will take beforehand. While we are unable to provide a specific time frame of how long your claim will take, we will be there to support you every step of the way.

Your dedicated solicitor will be on hand to guide you through the entire process from start to finish, and will offer you continual support and guidance for any questions you may have.

For more information on what you can expect when making a laser skin rejuvenation claim with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors speak to our specialist cosmetic negligence team about making a claim.

What are the risks associated with laser resurfacing treatment?

The risks associated with laser skin resurfacing depend on the laser type, settings and skin type. Some side effects are expected during recovery, while others may indicate a complication that needs further attention.

Because of regulatory changes introduced in 2010, practitioners carrying out certain cosmetic laser treatments do not necessarily need to be medically qualified. This can mean that levels of training, experience and clinical oversight vary, which may place patients at greater risk if treatment is not properly assessed, performed or managed.

If you believe your practitioner did not handle your laser skin resurfacing treatment appropriately and you experienced avoidable harm as a result, contact Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors. Our specialist team will review what happened and advise you on whether you may be able to make a laser skin resurfacing compensation claim.

What constitutes negligent laser skin resurfacing treatment?

Negligent laser skin resurfacing treatment can occur when a practitioner fails to provide an appropriate standard of care and a patient experiences avoidable harm as a result.

In England, many cosmetic laser treatments do not fall within the CQC’s regulated activities framework simply because a laser is being used, meaning treatment may be provided outside a CQC-registered healthcare setting. However, practitioners must still take appropriate precautions and provide treatment safely.

Examples of potential laser skin resurfacing negligence can include:

• using an unsuitable laser, setting or treatment technique;
• failing to properly assess the patient’s skin type and medical history before treatment;
• failing to take appropriate precautions to reduce foreseeable complications;
• providing treatment without adequate training or competence;
• failing to provide suitable aftercare or respond appropriately when complications develop; or
• failing to explain material risks and possible adverse outcomes before the patient agrees to treatment. GMC guidance for doctors providing cosmetic interventions specifically requires patients to be given clear and accurate information about risks.

Particular care may be required when treating darker skin tones, as changes in pigmentation can occur following laser resurfacing and hyperpigmentation is more likely in people with darker skin or skin that tans easily. An inappropriate choice of laser or treatment settings may therefore increase the risk of unwanted pigment changes.

Not every complication means that treatment was negligent. However, if a preventable complication occurred because sufficient precautions, assessments or safety measures were not taken, there may be grounds to investigate a laser skin resurfacing compensation claim.

What are the signs that laser skin resurfacing has gone wrong?

Healing time after undergoing laser skin resurfacing can stretch into several months, particularly if a CO2 laser has been used. However, if you notice that something is wrong or are not satisfied with the surgery you have received, there are some indicators that can confirm you may have suffered from negligence.

These include:

• Burns
• Permanent changes to skin pigment
• Inappropriate scarring
• Excessive scarring

Do not suffer in silence. If you have been the victim of negligence on the part of a clinic or surgeon, we can help you to understand your rights and pursue compensation where appropriate.

How can we help with your laser skin resurfacing claim?

Our unmatched expertise means that our clients can benefit from a comprehensive and stress-free service. We place your best interests at the centre of what we do, to ensure your case is handled sensitively, respectfully and with minimal disruption to your life.

We promise to be completely transparent in our approach to achieving the outcome you desire after you have suffered the effects of laser skin resurfacing gone wrong.

How much does it cost to make a laser skin resurfacing claim?

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we may be able to handle your claim on a No Win No Fee basis. This reduces the financial risk of taking legal action because you will not need to pay your solicitor’s legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful, subject to the terms of your agreement.

If you have experienced avoidable harm following plastic surgery or another cosmetic procedure, our specialist solicitors can assess what happened and explain the funding options available to you.

If your claim is successful, you will secure compensation for the impact the negligent treatment has had on you. Any applicable success fee or other deductions will be clearly explained before you agree to proceed.

FAQs about laser skin resurfacing

Why do people get laser skin resurfacing?

People may choose laser skin resurfacing to improve the appearance and texture of their skin. The treatment can be used to fade dark spots, reduce visible sun damage and improve uneven skin tone, helping to create a smoother and more even complexion.

Laser resurfacing may also be used to address concerns such as fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation and facial scarring. Depending on the type and depth of treatment, laser surgery may be used for less significant scarring as well as very severe scarring, although the suitability of treatment will depend on the individual’s skin and the nature of the scarring.

The treatment works by removing or targeting damaged layers of skin and encouraging the growth of new skin cells and collagen. Results from laser resurfacing can last for years, but natural ageing continues, so changes to the skin may still develop over time.

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

Laser skin resurfacing uses focused beams of light to target the skin, either by removing damaged outer layers or heating the tissue beneath the surface. The aim is to improve skin texture and appearance while encouraging the skin’s natural healing response.

Ablative lasers remove thin layers of the skin and are commonly used to treat deeper wrinkles, scarring and more significant areas of skin damage. As the treated skin heals, new skin forms in its place.

Non-ablative lasers work differently. Rather than removing the top layer of skin, they heat the underlying tissue to stimulate collagen production. This can help improve skin tone and texture with less surface disruption than ablative treatment.

What are the time limits for making a laser skin resurfacing claim?

In most cases, you have three years to start a laser skin resurfacing negligence claim under the Limitation Act 1980. This period generally runs from the date the negligent treatment caused your injury or, if later, the date you first became aware that you had a significant injury that could be linked to the treatment.

For example, some complications following laser skin resurfacing may not be immediately recognised as being connected to negligent treatment. In these circumstances, the three-year period may begin from your date of knowledge rather than the date of the procedure itself.

It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our specialist cosmetic surgery solicitors can assess the circumstances of your treatment, establish the relevant time limit and help you begin your laser skin resurfacing compensation claim promptly.

What evidence should I gather for a laser treatment claim?

If you are considering a laser treatment claim, gathering evidence can help show what treatment you received, how you were affected and what happened afterwards. Useful evidence includes:

• Medical records and medical expenses: records of appointments, treatment, prescriptions and any further care you needed following the laser procedure, along with receipts or invoices for related costs.
• Emails and other communication: correspondence with the practitioner, laser clinic or beauty salon, including messages about the treatment, aftercare, concerns you raised and any response you received.
• A diary of your recovery: notes describing your symptoms, pain, emotional distress, appointments and the impact the injury has had on your daily life.
• Pictures and photographs: clear photographs showing the condition of your skin before treatment, immediately afterwards and throughout your recovery can help demonstrate how the injury developed over time.

Do not worry if you do not already have all of this evidence. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will identify the records and information needed to investigate your laser skin resurfacing claim and obtain relevant evidence on your behalf.