Why should I choose Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors?

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors was the first law practice in England and Wales to deal exclusively with cases of cosmetic surgery negligence. Our lawyers have the depth and breadth of knowledge you need to pursue a successful laser vein removal negligence claim.

Our expertise also means that we understand how distressing it can be when a laser vein removal procedure goes wrong. This is why we are dedicated to helping our clients secure the funds they need to get their lives back on track. To date we have recovered more than £10 million for our clients who have received substandard care.

No matter what your circumstances are, we offer all of our clients a sympathetic, straightforward and professional approach to ensure that you feel supported and comfortable with your claim.

How long will the claims process take?

As every case is unique, it is not possible to provide an exact length of time for how long a laser vein removal claims case will take. However, as soon as you start your claim with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, your dedicated lawyer will assess your case and then discuss all possible timescales with you.

It is important to start your varicose vein treatment claim as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of success. But rest assured, our solicitors will ensure that your case proceeds as quickly and as efficiently as possible in order to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How do I know if I can claim?

Your surgeon or practitioner should take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of avoidable injury before, during and after thread vein removal. These measures may include:

• Assessing your medical history: they should consider any health conditions, medications, previous skin reactions and factors that may affect healing or increase the risk of complications.
• Examining your skin type and treatment area: the laser settings and treatment method should be suitable for your skin tone, the size and location of the thread veins, and the condition of the surrounding skin.
• Carrying out appropriate patch testing: a patch test can help assess how your skin responds before a larger area is treated. The practitioner should review the result and adjust the treatment settings where necessary.
• Using suitable laser settings: the laser strength, pulse duration and treatment technique should be selected carefully to reduce the risk of burns, blistering, pigmentation changes, scarring and nerve injury.
• Ensuring the procedure is carried out by a suitably qualified practitioner: the person performing the treatment should have the appropriate qualifications, training, experience and competence to use the equipment safely.
• Obtaining informed consent: before treatment, your surgeon or practitioner should explain the nature of the procedure, its expected benefits, the recognised risks and the possible complications.
• Explaining alternative treatments: you should be told about any reasonable alternatives to laser thread vein removal, including the option of having no treatment, so that you can make an informed decision.
• Disclosing material risks: the practitioner should explain risks that a reasonable person in your position would consider significant, including burns, blistering, infection, scarring, changes in pigmentation and nerve injury.
• Providing appropriate aftercare advice: you should receive clear guidance on caring for the treated area, which symptoms may be expected and when to seek medical help.
• Recognising and treating complications promptly: if signs of burns, infection, nerve injury or another complication develop, the practitioner should respond appropriately and arrange further treatment where required.

Laser vein removal negligence may occur where unsuitable laser settings were used, your skin type or medical history was not properly assessed, patch testing was inadequate, or complications were not recognised and managed appropriately. A compensation claim may also be possible where treatment was carried out by an inadequately trained or unqualified practitioner, or where you were not properly informed about the material risks and available alternatives before giving your consent.

Laser equipment should also be properly maintained and regularly serviced to ensure it is safe to use. Poorly maintained or defective equipment can increase the risk of burns and other avoidable injuries. If substandard treatment or unsafe equipment caused your injury, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can assess whether you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Click on the button below to read more on what to expect when making a claim.

Understanding how laser vein removal treatment works

Laser vein removal is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of thread veins, also known as spider veins. During treatment, a laser delivers controlled pulses of light energy through the skin. The heat generated by the laser damages the targeted vein, causing it to collapse and gradually be reabsorbed by the body. Over time, the treated vein fades from view as blood is naturally redirected through surrounding healthy veins.

The procedure is commonly used to treat small thread veins on the face and legs. The number of sessions required will depend on the size, number and location of the veins being treated, and some people may need multiple treatments to achieve their desired result.

Although laser vein removal is generally considered safe when performed by a suitably qualified practitioner, it carries recognised risks. Mild side effects, such as redness, swelling and tenderness, usually resolve within two to four weeks. In some cases, treated veins may reopen, known as vein recanalisation, which can occur within six to twelve months and may require further treatment.

What are the signs of laser vein removal gone wrong?

Temporary redness, mild tenderness and slight swelling can be expected after laser vein removal and will usually improve as the skin heals. However, symptoms that are severe, worsening or persistent may indicate that the treatment has gone wrong. Warning signs can include:

• Burns: severe pain, pronounced redness, raw or broken skin, or areas that appear unusually darkened. Burns may occur where unsuitable laser settings are used or where the skin reacts more severely than anticipated.
• Blistering: fluid-filled blisters, broken skin, crusting, scabbing or weeping. Blistering can be a sign that the skin has been exposed to excessive heat and should be medically assessed if it is severe or does not begin to improve.
• Scarring: scarring is a recognised risk of some laser procedures and is not automatically evidence of negligence. However, unexpected scarring, scarring that is more extensive than anticipated, or a result that differs significantly from what the practitioner explained before treatment may raise concerns. This can include lasting changes in skin texture, indented areas or visibly uneven skin.
• Hyperpigmentation: patches of skin becoming darker than the surrounding area. This may occur where the laser affects the skin’s pigment, particularly if the settings were not suitable for the person’s skin type. Persistent skin discoloration can last several months or become permanent.
• Hypopigmentation: pale or white patches caused by a loss of skin pigment. These changes may be temporary or permanent and may indicate that the skin has been damaged during treatment.
• Infection: increasing pain, heat, swelling, discharge, an unpleasant smell or redness spreading beyond the treatment area. Infection may develop where the skin barrier has been damaged or appropriate aftercare has not been provided.
• Nerve injury: persistent numbness, tingling, burning sensations, shooting pain or unusual sensitivity around the treated area. These symptoms may indicate damage to nearby nerves and should be medically assessed.

While the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that negligence occurred, the practitioner has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of avoidable complications. If they fail to do this and you suffer preventable issues as a result, you may be entitled to claim laser vein removal compensation.

How much compensation can you get for laser vein removal claims?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a laser vein removal claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life. Factors such as physical pain, psychological harm, the cost of corrective treatment, loss of earnings and any ongoing care or support may all be taken into account.

As every claim is different, it is not possible to calculate compensation without considering the specific circumstances of your case. Contact Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors for a free assessment and an indication of how much compensation you may be entitled to claim.

How long do you have to claim laser vein removal compensation?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, in England and Wales, you generally have three years to begin a laser vein removal compensation claim. This time limit usually runs from either the date of the procedure or the date you first knew, or could reasonably have been expected to know, that negligent treatment may have caused your injury, whichever is later.

Exceptions may apply. For example, the time limit does not usually begin until a child turns 18, while different rules can apply where a person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own legal affairs. In limited circumstances, a court may also allow a claim to proceed after the three-year deadline.

How can we help?

If your quality of life has been negatively affected by laser vein removal complications caused by medical negligence, then we are here to help you make a legal claim for compensation.

A successful claim can help to prevent other patients from suffering at the hands of a negligent clinic or practitioner, and compensation amounts can go some way to alleviating any physical and emotional trauma you have experienced.

If you'd like to find out more about your legal rights, read our report: Cosmetic Surgery: Knowing Your Rights if Something Goes Wrong.