A woman has been awarded a five-figure damages settlement after liposuction treatment carried out at a London cosmetic surgery clinic left her with ‘significant areas of loose skin’ and needing further corrective treatment.
The out-of-court compensation settlement was offered by the clinic following legal representation on behalf of the woman by Hudgell Solicitors’ specialist medical negligence team.
The 37-year-old had chosen to have a procedure to remove loose skin, having lost three stones in weight. However, it was alleged she was given liposuction treatment without having a physical consultation first, and without being fully informed of possible complications, and alternative treatments.
The woman underwent five hours of treatment, which she was told would remove several litres of fat. However, only 600ml of fat was actually removed during the procedure, before it was abandoned as the woman had been in pain, and it was decided not to continue.
Claim alleged failure to ensure patient fully consented to treatment
As part of the legal claim against the clinic, solicitor Shauna Page, of Hudgell Solicitors, stated that her client had been left with significant redundant skin and is in need of abdominoplasty surgery (a tummy tuck).
It was alleged the woman had not given her full consent to the procedure because she wasn’t given the full facts about potential issues and alternative treatments which could have been offered to her, and would have been more suitable. It was alleged she also suffered avoidable pain due to issues with anaesthetic treatment.
Despite making no admissions to the allegations, legal representatives acting on behalf of the clinic made an offer to settle the matter without going to court, resulting in a five-figure settlement being agreed.
“There were a number of concerning aspects to this case in terms of patient care,” said Miss Page.
“Firstly we say there was a clear failure to carry out a thorough consultation. The initial consultation was carried out by a video call. This would not have allowed a proper examination of our client’s abdomen to assess skin laxity and confirm the appropriateness of liposuction or any other alternative treatment options.
“No reasonably competent plastic surgeon, or doctor holding themselves out to have the skills of a plastic surgeon, should plan abdominal liposuction without having physically examined the patient.
“Secondly, we alleged that our client was not sufficiently talked through the possible complications and the alternative treatment options available to her, and this is an important part of any treatment. Patients must be fully informed with regards their treatment and options.
“During the procedure she experienced significant pain, despite anaesthetic, which she was told afterwards was due to previous abdominal surgery which she had had. However, she had mentioned and explained about this during her initial consultation at length, but was not informed it could be an issue.
“Finally, we alleged negligence in failing to offer our client an abdominoplasty, which an independent consultant reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon, who we consulted as part of the case, said should have been offered and would have given her the outcome she wanted from cosmetic surgery. Our client’s lymphatic drainage specialist also said this was the worst liposuction she has ever seen.
“There was no follow up by the clinic after the surgery and she was left needing further treatment, which she should have been advised to choose at the offset.
“Poor consultation and procedures led to a very poor result for our client. We were pleased to be able to secure this damages settlement out of court for her.”
Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Compensation Claims
If you’re unhappy with the service provided by your cosmetic surgeon or have suffered ongoing pain and complications, you could be eligible to make a no win no fee cosmetic surgery claim.
We’ve helped thousands to secure compensation for cosmetic surgery claims, holding plastic surgeons to account for substandard treatment which has caused physical and emotional pain. Our cosmetic surgery solicitors are here to help those who have suffered poor results after surgery, and will fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.
