What to do if cosmetic surgery goes wrong and where to get help
Whatever your opinions on cosmetic surgery are, it's becoming more and more popular.
But as it becomes more common for people (not just celebrities) to get 'tweakments' like botox and filler, as well as more major procedures like breast enlargements, we have to consider the risk.
Daniella Westbrook, for example, claimed this week that her cosmetic surgeon operated without anaesthetic and even slapped her. The soap star, 49, had flown to Turkey to have botox and fillers to help straighten her nose when she said the surgeon cut open and tried to operate on her face unexpectedly.
While this may be extreme, others may also be left more hindered than helped from a cosmetic procedure gone wrong. Here we look at what you can do if that happens to you.
Read more: Celeb cosmetic surgery regrets: Simon Cowell, Courteney Cox, Linda Evangelista and more – Yahoo Life UK, 10-min read
What to do if you're not happy with your cosmetic surgery results
"First step is to return to your surgeon and discuss this with them," says Nora Nugent, vice president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
"This could happen for a number of reasons e.g. it's early in the recovery so the final result is not yet achieved, slow healing, a complication, or the result is not as expected."
And if you still feel the need, you should be able to make a complaint.
"Every hospital or clinic has a complaints procedure which will be available on their website or by asking a member of staff," the BAAPS site outlines.
"Ask the hospital or clinic for a copy of its complaints procedure, which will explain how to proceed. Your first step will normally be to raise the matter (in writing or by speaking to them) with the practitioner (e.g. the nurse or surgeon concerned)."
The Independent Sector Complains Adjudication (ISCAS) publishes a code of practice for private hospitals to adhere to, and if your hospital is registered with ISCAS, the organisation may be able to help you. Use its step-by-step patients' guide for advice on the complaints process and what to do if you're still not satisfied.
In summary, these are the three stages:
Complaint raised directly with clinic or hospital where care was provided
Internal review of complaint by someone who was not involved at stage 1
External review: ISCAS Independent Adjudication [legal ruling or judgement]
"If your complaint is responded to effectively when you first raise your concerns, then it is unlikely that matters will need to be escalated through stages 2 and 3," the ISCAS website states.
Read more: You look like dad’: Single mum reveals moment she decided on £12,000 facelift to get ‘sky-high confidence’ – Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read
Meanwhile, the General Medical Council (GMC) regulates doctors and surgeons, and has the authority to withdraw a surgeon's 'fitness to practice'. It provides details on how to make a complaint, when to file it, and who to direct it to, here.
Can you ask for your money back?
"This depends on what the reason behind being unhappy is and the terms and conditions of the surgeon and hospital," says Nugent of BAAPS. "Terms and conditions should be available to read through in advance of surgery.
"Complications can happen with all surgery and are discussed ahead of time. A refund is not available in all circumstances."
However, you may be able to make a cosmetic surgery or procedure compensation claim.
The Accident Claims Advice site says you may be eligible if:
The person treating you acted negligently in some way, and
You were made ill or suffered an injury because of that negligence
You can prove the error led to your suffering
It outlines that the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments that might lead to a claim include:
Botox
Chemical Peel
Tummy tucks
Plastic surgery
Breast augmentation
Ear surgery
Cosmetic dentistry
Eyelid surgery
See more advice on how to prove you were caused suffering, gather evidence, the types of cosmetic injuries you can claim for (physical and psychological), how much you might get, and more, here.
Read more: Linda Evangelista tapes back face for Vogue cover after botched procedure: 'That’s not my jaw and neck' – Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read
Preventing disappointment
Also, to prevent yourself from not being happy in the first place and ensure you are in safe hands, it's useful to know that a fully qualified plastic surgeon will be on The Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery with the GMC and should have what is known as the FCRS (Plast) qualification.
Surgeons who are not BAAPS members may instead be a member of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), both of which are endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Nugent also warns that patients should consider that some results are unrealistic. "Results vary from individual to individual and every procedure carries risks," she adds. "Don't expect a cosmetic procedure to fix or help form relationships, or to transform body image if more complex issues underlie."
Having a cosmetic procedure is a major decision – as well as researching the operation and your surgeon carefully, make sure you consider your reasons thoroughly and discuss your plans with friends and family for a second opinion.
"Patients have a right to informed consent ahead of their procedures and to be aware of the terms and conditions of their treatment in advance of having it," says Nugent.
"They should not be pressurised into having surgery and should have a ‘cooling-off’ period between consultation and surgery. Surgeons have a duty of care to look after their patients during and after surgery including if a complication occurs."
Watch: A woman claims she was 'butchered' by a Turkish surgeon
