Guide to Liposuction Compensation Claims

Claiming for liposuction negligence

Liposuction surgery, which involves the removal of excess fat from beneath the surface of the skin, accounts for one in ten of all male and female cosmetic procedures in the UK.

Although it is considered less risky than a tummy tuck, the greater the amount of fat to be removed, the greater the risks arising from the procedure, which may leave patients with unsightly dents and bumps, and other skin abnormalities.

There are different liposuction techniques and they produce different results. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved which range from minor to more serious and life-threatening.

The majority of cosmetic work is carried out in private medical practices rather than by the NHS. A doctor who practices cosmetic surgery should have undertaken qualified training and is required to be on the Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery at the General Medical Council. These rules do not apply to doctors who registered with the Council before 2002.

Liposuction is a procedure that should be carried out by qualified, experienced surgeons. Negligent treatment can lead to a painful recovery and cause complications, including:

Swelling and bruising
Severe scarring and skin abnormalities
Burns
Bleeding
Numbness
Build up of fluid on the lungs
Injury to stomach organs
Infections
Adverse reaction to the anaesthetic

A patient can also be initially disappointed with the results and the effects upon their appearance.

At your first consultation and before you sign a consent form allowing surgery to go ahead, your surgeon should ask you about your expectations and what exactly you want to achieve.

A surgeon has a duty of care to:

Carefully explain the risks and limitations of liposuction surgery, for example, maintaining a new shape in the long term will require regular exercise and eating a healthy diet.
Enquire into your medical history and any conditions or circumstances that may present a risk or lead to complications.

Where a procedure falls below the acceptable standard, a surgeon may be found to be in breach of the ‘duty of care’ you are owed.

Poor cosmetic work can cause patients to suffer more than ongoing pain and distress. The long-term consequences of negligent treatment can also leave both permanent physical and psychological scars which may affect your quality of life and ability to socialise.

Your Legal Friend has many years of clinical negligence experience, helping clients who have suffered disfiguring injuries caused by cosmetic procedures that have gone wrong.

We can help you:

Make your case heard
Obtain financial compensation
Ensure the financial needs of further corrective surgery, support, and counselling will be fully met.

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Our medical negligence team has years of experience working on a wide variety of medical malpractice cases so we understand just how difficult a decision it can be to bring a medical negligence case.

Our Liposuction expert team. We deal with medical negligence claims arising from Liposuction.

That’s why we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. We ensure that your claim is handled carefully and professionally by our specialist solicitors, while working alongside medical experts, to guarantee the best results for you.

Our medical negligence team is headed by Laura Morgan who has a wealth of experience in leading complicated, high-value medical negligence cases.

Laura is recognised within the legal profession as a leader in the field of medical negligence and serious injury compensation. Laura has acted in a wide range of cases over her 17 years of practice and has particular expertise in acting for children who have suffered brain injury due to mismanaged birth or surgical errors, and in managing claims that have resulted in the death of a loved one. Laura has achieved a number of large settlements including £5.4 million for a 7 year old and £4 million for an 11 year old child.

Laura’s expertise and dedication to her clients is recognised in the Chambers guide to the Legal Profession in which she was praised for the efficiency of her approach to case handling and described as “tenacious and detail-oriented”.

Laura has been a member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel since 2005 and accredited as a Senior Litigator in the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) since 2006. Laura is also a member of the specialist lawyers panel for Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA), the UK’s leading charity committed to patient safety and justice.

Talk to us today

For an informal, confidential chat with one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors, call us now on 0151 550 5228(calls free from landlines and mobiles). Or just complete the 'Start a new claim’ option on the right and we'll call you straight back.

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The effects of medical negligence can be devastating for the individual and their families, so securing appropriate compensation for them as quickly as possible is our top priority.

Laura Morgan

Director of Medical Negligence

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For a confidential chat, call one of our experts today 0151 550 5228

10 simple steps to claim

Step
1

Obtaining your medical records

Step
2

Providing your statement of what happened

Step
3

Minimising your loss

Step
4

Establishing that a breach of duty occurred

Step
5

Estabilishing the effect of the breach of duty

Step
86

Preparing your case for CourtCalculating the value of your claim

Step
7

Proving your loss

Step
68

Calculating the value of your claimPreparing your case for Court

Step
9

Attending the trial in Court

Step
10

Awarding your compensation claim

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Your questions... answered

What is liposuction? What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy-tuck? What should I expect before the procedure? What should my surgeon do If I have a medical condition? When should a surgeon not use liposuction? What should I expect from a liposuction procedure? What usually happens after liposuction surgery What are the possible complications of liposuction surgery? Liposuction – do I have a claim?

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is the surgical removal of small areas of excess fat from one or more of the following key areas:

Abdomen (stomach)
Hips and thighs
Buttocks
Knees and, ankles
Upper arms, neck and sides

Surgery is most often performed on the thighs, abdomen and buttocks in women and lower waist and chest in men.

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy-tuck?

Liposuction is often performed along with a tummy tuck in particular types of procedures. This is because liposuction is intended solely for fat loss and will not tighten loose skin.

Liposuctioninvolves the less invasive process of drawing out fat from different areas of the body.
A tummy-tuck(also known as an abdominoplasty) is a more major operation focused primarily upon the removal of excess skin and the straightening and/or firming up of the stomach muscles, exclusively around the midsection of the body.

What should I expect before the procedure?

Your surgeon should take you through a detailed patient consultation to include:

Your medical history
Physical examination
Psychological evaluation.

Blood and urine samples should also be taken to rule out a potential number of complications.

Your surgeon should explain the limitations, potential risks and complications involved. Liposuction is not intended as a method of weight loss but as a spot reduction and body contouring technique. There are recommended restrictions on the amount of fat that can be removed at any one time.

It’s important to understand that, while liposuction may help to enhance your appearance and self-confidence, it will probably not give you your ideal body.

Read less

What should my surgeon do If I have a medical condition?

Your surgeon should carefully check for any medical conditions or health complaints that may present a risk of complications, including:

History of heart problems (heart attack)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Allergic reactions to medications
Pulmonary problems (shortness of breath)
Allergies (antibiotics, asthma)
Smoking, alcohol, or drug use.

When should a surgeon not use liposuction?

On certain areas of the body, such as the fat on the sides of the breasts, because the breast is a common site for cancer.
As a treatment for cellulite (the uneven, dimpled appearance of skin over hips, thighs, and buttocks) or excess skin.
As a cure for general obesity or as a substitute for exercise and diet.

What should I expect from a liposuction procedure?

A local anaesthetic is usually applied to the area of body to be treated. A general anaesthetic may be used if required.

Incisions are made in the target areas and then a flexible tube called a cannula is inserted into a vein or cavity to drain away fluid or to administer drugs.

Types of liposuction surgery

There are several different techniques currently available:

Tumescent liposuction - is the most common type of surgery. A large quantity of medicated solution containing three liquids - a local anaesthetic, a chemical to reduce blood loss and bruising, and an intravenous salt solution - is injected into the target areas. The fat is easier to remove and there is a reduction in the pain, swelling and bruising naturally caused by the procedure. This procedure takes a longer period of time.
The super-wet technique- similar to tumescent liposuction but not as much fluid is used during the surgery. The amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. The method takes less time but often requires a general anaesthetic.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)- uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn fat cells to liquid so they can be more easily drawn out.

There are two methods:

External (above the surface of the skin with a special emitter) or
Internal (below the surface of the skin with a small, heated cannula).

UAL is often used together with the tumescent technique, in follow-up (secondary) procedures, or for greater precision. This procedure usually takes longer than the super-wet technique.

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)- uses laser beams to turn fat cells to liquid so they can be more easily siphoned out. The cannula used during LAL is smaller than traditional types.
Dry liposuction– produces a significantly higher degree of bleeding and bruising as side effects, so is no longer commonly used.

Read less

What usually happens after liposuction surgery

Following the procedure, your surgeon should apply bandages and a compression garment to improve blood circulation, minimise swelling and help maintain your body shape.

Bandages are usually kept in place for at least 2 weeks and the compression garment for a further period of time. Stitches will be removed after 5 to 10 days and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

You may feel sensations such as numbness or tingling, as well as pain, which are perfectly normal. Bruising and pain are usually managed with medication and usually disappear within two to three weeks. You may still have some swelling several months later.

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What are the possible complications of liposuction surgery?

Signs that a procedure may not have gone according to plan, which could have been caused by poor technique or negligence, are:

Severe scarring and skin abnormalities
Uneven areas and dents in your skin, or contouring problems
Uneven fat removal
"Baggy" skin, especially in older people
Reaction to the anaesthetic
Injury of stomach organs
Fluid imbalance
A build of fluid on the lungs caused by fluid being injected into the body.
Blockage of the artery to the lungs caused by fat getting into the blood vessels and travelling to the lungs
Inflammation of the veins where the liposuction has taken place
Seeping fluid from where cuts were made into the skin
Bleeding and / or blood clots under the skin
Infections
Area treated remains numb for months.

Specific complications:

Ultrasound surgery – skin burns.
Laser surgery - increased risk of adverse reactions, including infection, dimpling, lumpiness, numbness, scarring, discolouration or sagging skin. Pain can last for months.

Read less

Liposuction – do I have a claim?

There are always risks involved when undergoing any type of surgery and mistakes can leave you with serious injuries and scarring for life.

Your surgeon should have explained exactly what to expect and made you fully aware of where complications may occur in your particular liposuction procedure.

The surgeon is also responsible for ensuring that your surgery is performed to an acceptable standard.

Many of the problems associated with cosmetic procedures can be prevented if:

A through pre-surgery examination had been carefully carried out.
You were given the full facts and clear advice about potential complications and the limited benefits of a treatment or surgery.

You may have a claim if your surgeon was negligent at any stage, before or after the surgery, and you have suffered:

Long term injuries – which continue to cause pain and physical discomfort long after the surgery has been completed.
Psychological trauma – caused by unsightly scarring and physical disfigurement, which can lead to a loss of confidence, self–esteem and social well-being.

Read less

Liposuction is the surgical removal of small areas of excess fat from one or more of the following key areas:

Abdomen (stomach)
Hips and thighs
Buttocks
Knees and, ankles
Upper arms, neck and sides

Surgery is most often performed on the thighs, abdomen and buttocks in women and lower waist and chest in men.

Liposuction is often performed along with a tummy tuck in particular types of procedures. This is because liposuction is intended solely for fat loss and will not tighten loose skin.

Liposuctioninvolves the less invasive process of drawing out fat from different areas of the body.
A tummy-tuck(also known as an abdominoplasty) is a more major operation focused primarily upon the removal of excess skin and the straightening and/or firming up of the stomach muscles, exclusively around the midsection of the body.

Your surgeon should take you through a detailed patient consultation to include:

Your medical history
Physical examination
Psychological evaluation.

Blood and urine samples should also be taken to rule out a potential number of complications.

It’s important to understand that, while liposuction may help to enhance your appearance and self-confidence, it will probably not give you your ideal body.

Read less

Your surgeon should carefully check for any medical conditions or health complaints that may present a risk of complications, including:

History of heart problems (heart attack)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Allergic reactions to medications
Pulmonary problems (shortness of breath)
Allergies (antibiotics, asthma)
Smoking, alcohol, or drug use.

On certain areas of the body, such as the fat on the sides of the breasts, because the breast is a common site for cancer.
As a treatment for cellulite (the uneven, dimpled appearance of skin over hips, thighs, and buttocks) or excess skin.
As a cure for general obesity or as a substitute for exercise and diet.

A local anaesthetic is usually applied to the area of body to be treated. A general anaesthetic may be used if required.

Incisions are made in the target areas and then a flexible tube called a cannula is inserted into a vein or cavity to drain away fluid or to administer drugs.

Types of liposuction surgery

There are several different techniques currently available:

Tumescent liposuction - is the most common type of surgery. A large quantity of medicated solution containing three liquids - a local anaesthetic, a chemical to reduce blood loss and bruising, and an intravenous salt solution - is injected into the target areas. The fat is easier to remove and there is a reduction in the pain, swelling and bruising naturally caused by the procedure. This procedure takes a longer period of time.
The super-wet technique- similar to tumescent liposuction but not as much fluid is used during the surgery. The amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. The method takes less time but often requires a general anaesthetic.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)- uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn fat cells to liquid so they can be more easily drawn out.

There are two methods:

External (above the surface of the skin with a special emitter) or
Internal (below the surface of the skin with a small, heated cannula).

UAL is often used together with the tumescent technique, in follow-up (secondary) procedures, or for greater precision. This procedure usually takes longer than the super-wet technique.

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)- uses laser beams to turn fat cells to liquid so they can be more easily siphoned out. The cannula used during LAL is smaller than traditional types.
Dry liposuction– produces a significantly higher degree of bleeding and bruising as side effects, so is no longer commonly used.

Read less

Following the procedure, your surgeon should apply bandages and a compression garment to improve blood circulation, minimise swelling and help maintain your body shape.

Read less

Signs that a procedure may not have gone according to plan, which could have been caused by poor technique or negligence, are:

Severe scarring and skin abnormalities
Uneven areas and dents in your skin, or contouring problems
Uneven fat removal
"Baggy" skin, especially in older people
Reaction to the anaesthetic
Injury of stomach organs
Fluid imbalance
A build of fluid on the lungs caused by fluid being injected into the body.
Blockage of the artery to the lungs caused by fat getting into the blood vessels and travelling to the lungs
Inflammation of the veins where the liposuction has taken place
Seeping fluid from where cuts were made into the skin
Bleeding and / or blood clots under the skin
Infections
Area treated remains numb for months.

Specific complications:

Ultrasound surgery – skin burns.
Laser surgery - increased risk of adverse reactions, including infection, dimpling, lumpiness, numbness, scarring, discolouration or sagging skin. Pain can last for months.

Read less

There are always risks involved when undergoing any type of surgery and mistakes can leave you with serious injuries and scarring for life.

Your surgeon should have explained exactly what to expect and made you fully aware of where complications may occur in your particular liposuction procedure.

The surgeon is also responsible for ensuring that your surgery is performed to an acceptable standard.

Many of the problems associated with cosmetic procedures can be prevented if:

A through pre-surgery examination had been carefully carried out.
You were given the full facts and clear advice about potential complications and the limited benefits of a treatment or surgery.

You may have a claim if your surgeon was negligent at any stage, before or after the surgery, and you have suffered:

Long term injuries – which continue to cause pain and physical discomfort long after the surgery has been completed.
Psychological trauma – caused by unsightly scarring and physical disfigurement, which can lead to a loss of confidence, self–esteem and social well-being.

Read less