Rhinoplasty Compensation Guidelines: UK Law Explained

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a ‘nose job’, is a popular cosmetic procedure used to alter the nose's appearance. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is always a risk that something could go wrong.

If you have suffered complications due to an unsuccessful rhinoplasty caused by the negligence of your surgeon, or any other medical staff involved, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Rhinoplasty claims can be complicated as you will need to prove that any suffering that you have endured was caused by your surgeon and could have been avoided.

If you have suffered due to rhinoplasty negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors on 0808 273 2474, or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our expert team will contact you at a time convenient for you. 

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as a ‘nose job’ or nose reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that can change the size or shape of your nose. This could mean altering the cartilage and bone, or reshaping the skin around your nose, sometimes a skin graft or implant is used.

However complex your rhinoplasty procedure is, your cosmetic surgeon has a duty of care. If you experience negligent practice, your surgeon could be liable. 

The NHS does not cover rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, but you may get a rhinoplasty procedure through the NHS for medical reasons, usually to help with breathing difficulties. 

Signs of a negligent rhinoplasty

Bad rhinoplasty is classed as anything that causes preventable damage or does not solve the issue at hand. A medical professional carrying out rhinoplasty procedures should have the correct qualifications and training to be performing the surgery. 

Bad rhinoplasty warning signs can be:

• Deformity
• Asymmetry
• Alar collapse
• A drooping or excessively upturned lip
• Excessive removal of cartilage
• Breathing difficulties
• Inappropriate scarring
• Failure to perform surgery in accordance with the patient’s consent 

It is vital that your surgeon informs you of any risks and complications that can arise during and after the procedure. It is important to note that negligence does not include you being unhappy with the look of your nose after the procedure.

If you do not like the look of your nose post-surgery, you should discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible, as revision rhinoplasty may be an option. 

Can you sue a cosmetic surgeon in the UK?

If you have had rhinoplasty and your procedure has gone wrong due to cosmetic negligence, you may be able to make rhinoplasty negligence claims against the surgeon or the cosmetic practice. 

Rhinoplasty negligence claims can include amounts for a range of damages sustained as a result of rhinoplasty gone wrong. These can include: 

• General damages - this covers damages of general pain and suffering as a direct result of your rhinoplasty.
• Special damages - these could include: 
• Medical expenses - when rhinoplasty goes wrong, it could mean that you have had to pay for additional medical treatment.
• Travel costs - you can also include travel costs that you have incurred due to trips to further medical appointments.
• Care claim - if you have had to pay for care as a result of your rhinoplasty procedure.
• Loss of earnings - if you have had to have an extended period of time off work due to the rhinoplasty going wrong, you can claim for loss of earnings.

Find out more information here.

What evidence is used to make a claim?

To help build your claim, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will require certain documents and evidence from you. Documents that may be required to build a case against your cosmetic surgeon include: 

• Pictures of bruising, swelling or damage to your nose/face
• Any records from the cosmetic surgeon involved with your rhinoplasty
• Proof of financial loss, such as time off work caused by long recovery time
• Medical results and scans that prove damage after surgery

How we can help

If you have experienced cosmetic negligence as a result of your rhinoplasty procedure, we are here to help. We were the first leading cosmetic claims solicitors in England and Wales, and our team has a 95% success rate after obtaining medical evidence.

Call us today on 0808 252 0175, or request a callback at a time convenient for you.