Why choose Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors for your rhinoplasty negligence claim?

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors was founded in 2005 as the first law firm in England and Wales to focus solely on cosmetic and aesthetic treatment negligence. That specialism matters - rhinoplasty negligence claims sit within a complex area of medical negligence law, and having solicitors with specific expertise in cosmetic surgery gives you the strongest possible foundation for your case.

• First specialist firm: the first UK legal practice dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery negligence
• Approximate 95% success rate: in all cases continued after medical evidence is obtained
• Over £10 million: recovered in compensation for our clients
• No win, no fee: there is no financial risk to making a rhinoplasty claim with us
• Independent medical experts: we work with leading independent specialists to build the strongest possible case
• Led by Michael Saul: respected legal expert and founder of Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors
• Excellent Trustpilot rating: verified reviews from people we have helped

Our accreditations include Lexcel Practice Management Standard and Law Society Personal Injury, and we are an APIL-accredited personal injury practice.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK. It is performed to reshape the nose for cosmetic reasons - such as nose reduction, nose augmentation, or correcting a deviated nasal septum - or for medical reasons, such as improving breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities.

Rhinoplasty surgery can be carried out as either open rhinoplasty, where a small incision is made at the base of the nose to allow access to the nasal structure, or closed rhinoplasty, where all incisions are made inside the nostrils. Both approaches involve reshaping the cartilage wall, nose bone and surrounding tissue to achieve the desired result.

While many people undergo rhinoplasty without complication, it is a medical procedure and rhinoplasty carries risks. When those risks materialise as a result of negligent treatment rather than accepted surgical risk, you have grounds to pursue rhinoplasty negligence compensation.

Signs your nose job has gone wrong

After rhinoplasty surgery, some swelling, bruising and discomfort is expected during the recovery period. However, once the healing process has progressed, certain complications may indicate that something has gone wrong as a result of negligent rhinoplasty.

Common signs of a botched nose job or botched rhinoplasty include:

• Nasal collapse: the bridge of the nose, or columella, caves inwards due to excessive tissue or cartilage removal
• Saddle nose deformity: a visible depression above the tip of the nose (supra-tip hollowing), often caused by over-resection of the nasal septum
• Septal perforation: a hole in the nasal septum (cartilage wall), which can cause whistling, crusting and breathing difficulties
• Breathing difficulties: obstruction of the nasal airway following rhinoplasty surgery, which may require corrective surgery to resolve
• Olfactory nerve damage: an altered sense of smell resulting from nerve damage during the procedure
• Asymmetrical nostrils or a pinched appearance: caused by the surgeon removing too much tissue from the nasal complex
• Visible scarring: particularly in open rhinoplasty cases where incision management was poor
• Persistent infection: indicating inadequate post-operative care or sterilisation failures
• Results materially different from those discussed and agreed before surgery

The physical effects of a botched nose surgery can also have a serious psychological impact. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety or depression as a result of rhinoplasty that has gone wrong, this forms part of the avoidable harm you have suffered and can be reflected in your compensation claim.

What is a surgeon's duty of care in rhinoplasty?

Whether rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic or medical reasons, all surgeons and medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients. That duty applies before, during and after the procedure.

Before surgery, your surgeon should:

• Carry out a thorough assessment of your suitability for rhinoplasty
• Explain the potential risks of the procedure clearly and honestly
• Obtain your informed consent, ensuring you understand what the surgery involves and what realistic outcomes to expect
• Check for any contraindications or factors that might increase risk

During surgery, your surgeon should:

• Operate to the standard expected of a competent surgeon in the same field
• Avoid surgical errors that cause avoidable damage to the nasal structure, cartilage, bone or surrounding tissue
• Maintain appropriate hygiene and infection control standards throughout

After surgery, your surgeon or clinic should:

• Provide adequate aftercare and follow-up appointments
• Monitor your recovery and respond promptly to signs of complication
• Refer you for further treatment where complications arise

If your surgeon or clinic failed in their duty of care at any stage, and that failure resulted in harm you would not otherwise have suffered, you may have grounds for a rhinoplasty negligence claim.

Botched rhinoplasty: can I claim?

Yes - if your nose job went wrong as a result of negligent treatment, you can pursue rhinoplasty negligence compensation. Botched rhinoplasty claims are one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery negligence claims we handle, and our specialist solicitors have extensive experience guiding people through this process.

To succeed in a rhinoplasty negligence claim, it will generally need to be shown that:

1. Your surgeon or clinic owed you a duty of care
2. That duty of care was breached (i.e. the standard of care fell below what a reasonable, competent surgeon would have provided)
3. That breach caused the harm you experienced

Not every complication following rhinoplasty surgery amounts to negligence - some risks are inherent in any surgical procedure. Our team will assess the specific circumstances of your case and advise you clearly and honestly on whether you have a claim worth pursuing.

How much compensation could I get for a rhinoplasty claim?

Rhinoplasty compensation amounts vary depending on the nature and severity of the harm you have experienced. Compensation is generally split into two categories:

General damages cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity - in other words, the physical and psychological impact the negligent rhinoplasty has had on your life.

Special damages cover financial losses, including:

• The cost of corrective surgery or further surgery to address the harm caused
• Medical bills and private treatment costs
• Loss of earnings if you have been unable to work as a result
• Travel and other expenses related to treatment

General guidelines figures for negligent rhinoplasty are:

In terms of Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) compensation bands, rhinoplasty negligence claims involving serious or permanent outcomes - such as significant breathing difficulties, permanent scarring or disfigurement - can attract general damages in the range of several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the impact on your daily life. Cases involving psychological injury alongside physical harm may attract higher awards. Our team of specialist rhinoplasty solicitors will discuss realistic compensation figures with you once we have assessed the evidence in your case. 

We have recovered over £10 million in compensation for people who have experienced cosmetic surgery negligence, including rhinoplasty negligence compensation settlements.

No win, no fee rhinoplasty claims: how it works

All rhinoplasty negligence claims with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means:

• There are no upfront costs. You do not need to pay anything to start your claim.
• If we do not win your case, you do not pay our fees. You will not be left out of pocket.
• If we win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. Under the terms of our no win, no fee agreement, the success fee is capped at 25% of your compensation.

This arrangement means everyone who has experienced negligent rhinoplasty can access specialist legal advice without financial risk, regardless of their circumstances.

How long does the rhinoplasty claims process take?

The length of the rhinoplasty claims process depends on the specific circumstances of your case. More straightforward rhinoplasty negligence claims can sometimes be resolved within 12 to 18 months, while cases involving serious complications or disputed liability may take longer.

When you contact us, you will be assigned a dedicated solicitor who will assess your case, outline the steps involved and keep you updated throughout. Our goal is to make the claims process as clear and straightforward as possible for you.

Can I sue a rhinoplasty surgeon?

Yes. If your rhinoplasty surgeon failed in their duty of care and that failure caused you avoidable harm, you can make a rhinoplasty negligence claim against them. This applies whether the surgery was carried out at a private hospital, an independent clinic, or by a surgeon working in the NHS. Our specialist solicitors will advise you on who is liable and how best to proceed.

What is the time limit for making a rhinoplasty claim?

In the UK, the standard time limit for medical negligence claims is three years. This runs from either the date of the surgery itself or the date you first became aware that something had gone wrong as a result of the procedure - whichever is later. If the person affected was under 18 at the time of surgery, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday. It is important to seek legal advice as early as possible, as gathering medical records and expert evidence takes time.

What evidence do I need to support my rhinoplasty negligence claim?

Medical negligence claims, including rhinoplasty claims, rely on evidence that demonstrates both the standard of care provided and the harm caused. Useful evidence includes: 

• Your medical records (pre-operative consultations, operative notes and post-operative care records)
• Photographic evidence showing the outcome of the surgery
• An independent expert medical opinion confirming that the care you received fell below the standard expected of a competent rhinoplasty surgeon
• Records of any financial losses you have incurred, such as costs of corrective surgery or lost earnings.

Our team will guide you through what is needed and can assist in obtaining independent expert evidence on your behalf.

How long do I have to file a compensation claim for rhinoplasty?

The standard time limit is three years from the date of the surgery or from the date of knowledge - the point at which you first became aware (or reasonably should have become aware) that your complications were caused by negligent treatment rather than acceptable surgical risk. Do not delay in seeking advice: the sooner you contact us, the more time we have to build the strongest possible case.

Does it matter if my surgery was carried out at a private hospital or clinic abroad?

Rhinoplasty negligence claims can be pursued against surgeons and clinics operating in the UK, whether in a private hospital or an independent clinic. If your surgery was carried out abroad, the position is more complex, and it is particularly important to seek specialist legal advice. We can assess the specific circumstances and advise you on your options.

What if I cannot prove my rhinoplasty went wrong?

Our team works with independent medical experts who will review your case and provide an opinion on whether the care you received fell below an acceptable standard. You do not need to have proof in hand before you contact us - that is what our specialist solicitors are here to help you establish.

Can I claim for psychological harm as well as physical harm?

Yes. The impact of a botched nose job extends beyond physical complications. Anxiety, depression and loss of confidence are recognised forms of injury in medical negligence claims. If the rhinoplasty that went wrong has affected your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health, both can be reflected in your rhinoplasty compensation.

Can I make a botched nose job claim on behalf of someone else?

In certain circumstances, a claim can be made on behalf of another person - for example, if they lack the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves. Contact our team and we will advise you on the specific position.

What is the difference between a risk and negligence in rhinoplasty surgery?

Not every complication following nose surgery means that negligence has occurred. Some complications are recognised risks of the procedure that your surgeon was required to explain to you in advance. Negligence occurs when the complication resulted from a breach of duty - such as a surgical error, inadequate aftercare or failure to obtain informed consent - rather than from an inherent risk of the procedure. Our medical negligence solicitors will help you understand which category your experience falls into.