Compensation sought by patient left with scars after face lift surgery

We are investigating a potential negligence claim for a lady who had a disappointing result from face lift surgery. She developed prominent swelling on her jawline soon afterwards, which was syringed by her surgeon. He prescribed antibiotics and suggested that the swelling may have been a foreign body reaction. Our client returned to him several times as the swelling did not improve. After various treatments had failed, she underwent a biopsy and a hair was found in the swelling. It had become infected, causing the problem.

We will review our client’s medical records to look at what advice she was given pre-operatively and whether she consented adequately for her surgery. We will also look at the standard of surgical technique employed and whether this meets the level expected of a reasonable and responsible body of plastic surgeons – the test to establish clinical negligence liability. Our team will also consider the post-surgical care provided to see whether the right investigations were undertaken in a timely manner. We are conscious that our client chose to have cosmetic surgery to improve her appearance but sadly has been left with facial scarring and loss of sensation.

Expert evidence will be commissioned to assess the standard of medical care provided and the compensation our client may be entitled to. If the claim succeeds, her settlement is likely to include the cost of revision surgery to improve her scarring.

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