Q: I have always been self conscious about my body and I saved up to have breast enlargement surgery at a private clinic I had seen advertised on Facebook.
I opted for silicone breast implants and signed a Consent Form, but I cannot remember what it said. I went under the knife 2 months ago. I was horrified once I removed my bandages as my breasts appear dramatically lopsided. I am now more self conscious about my appearance than ever and I don’t want to leave the house. Is there anything I can do?
A: Firstly, you need to find out whether the private clinic you attended has medical indemnity insurance. Not all clinics do. Breast enlargement is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the UK but that sadly does not mean it is completely risk free.
As with any type of surgery, breast enlargement can result in complications, which may relate to the operation itself or may occur due to a problem with the implants.
Such complications should have been discussed with you prior to your surgery and should have been outlined on the Consent Form which you signed. This will need to be reviewed to assess whether you were given the opportunity to properly consent to your surgery.
Ultimately, you will need a medical expert to confirm what has ‘gone wrong’. It may be that the poor cosmetic effect has arisen as a result of an unacceptable standard of surgery. To have to deal with a botched procedure is understandably distressing. It may be that further surgery will be required to remedy the wrong done. Compensation can also be claimed if you have developed psychiatric symptoms as a consequence.
You should contact a local solicitor as soon as possible to discuss your case in further detail.
(Article 09/07/2018)
Claire Parfitt
Senior Solicitor
Senior Solicitor within our Civil Litigation team in Wrexham and Oswestry