Case Study

The importance of making sure you are aware of the benefits – and risks – of cosmetic surgery has been highlighted by the case of a young Devon woman.

She has won compensation after surgery to increase the size of her breasts went wrong – not once, but twice.

She paid a surgeon to undertake the breast enlargement procedure.

But after surgery it was clear that, whilst the size of her breasts had increased, the cosmetic outcome was poor with her breasts projecting towards her arms as opposed to the front of the body.

She told the surgeon she was not satisfied, and the surgeon agreed to carry out revision surgery, this time placing the implants over the chest muscle (as opposed to under the muscle) to achieve a better forward projection. 

But, when the woman awoke from the surgery, she discovered the implant had been placed under the muscle, not over as agreed.

It meant there was no improvement in her outcome. In fact, the implants placed were larger, meaning that the cosmetic defect was even more obvious.

Elizabeth Larner, clinical negligence lawyer at Wollens Solicitors, took up the case and secured the compensation for the woman.

Elizabeth said: “It is important that with cosmetic surgery, as with all surgeries, every patient is fully appraised of the benefits and risks of any surgery they are going to undertake. In this instance, the lady concerned was encouraged to proceed with a surgery that was never going to give her the outcome that she desired, because a breast enlargement was only going to create a more obvious outward projection, as opposed to the cleavage she desired”.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a poor outcome to cosmetic surgery, you can contact Elizabeth Larner for a free initial consultation on 01803 225135 or via email, elizabeth.larner@wollens.co.uk.   You can also go to www.wollens.co.uk and complete an online enquiry form. One of the Wollens team will contact you as soon as they are available. 

Speak to Elizabeth Larner

Elizabeth is a Partner at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Elizabeth via email Elizabeth.Larner@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 225135.

You can also complete an online enquiry form. One of the Wollens team will contact you as soon as they are available.