Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Compensation Claims

What is a rhytidectomy?

Rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) is a type of cosmetic surgery used to give a more youthful facial appearance. It is normally performed under general anaesthetic.

There are many techniques used during facelift surgery depending on the desired result and the skill and training of the surgeon. One common method involves the removal of excess facial skin, which gives the impression of a tighter skin appearance around the jaw or hair line. Another approach involves the ‘re-draping’ of the skin in the neck area.

Your Surgeon should have explained the risks and potential complications associated with facelift surgery before you decided to proceed. If they did not, they might have been negligent if you then went on to suffer injury.

What is a facelift surgery negligence claim?

All forms of cosmetic surgery have risks that can affect both your health and appearance, even when negligence isn’t involved. However, if you feel you’ve suffered injury due to facelift surgery negligence, you may have a claim for compensation and other losses.

A rhytidectomy negligence claim may be required in certain circumstances. These include, but are not limited to:

• Clinical errors
• Poor surgical technique
• Lack of appropriate after-care
• Patient neglect
• Lack of precautionary measures

If you or your loved one has suffered any of the above, then you could have legal grounds to make a rhytidectomy negligence claim.

Why should I make a facelift surgery negligence claim?

Regardless of whether your rhytidectomy surgery was performed by the NHS or a private clinic, you should always experience safe and professional healthcare.

Any form of surgery comes with risks but it’s the responsibility of your surgeon to explain the potential complications associated with your rhytidectomy before you proceed and ensure that they carry out the procedure to the expected standard. If they did not, they may have been negligent if you then went on to suffer an injury.

In order to prove a clinical negligence claim, we have to prove:

Breach of Duty — The healthcare professional treated you in a way that no responsible healthcare professional in the same field would treat a patient.

AND

Causation— Proving that the harm done to you is a direct result of the negligent action, and it wouldn’t have otherwise occurred. This is assessed on the balance of probability, so there must be at least a 50% chance that the medical practitioner caused the damage.

If we are able to prove both elements we will secure compensation for any injuries you have suffered and include a claim for any financial losses you may have incurred, such as loss of earnings or the costs of any additional treatment you may have needed

If you think this applies to you or a loved one, contact our team of specialised solicitors and they’ll advise whether you could bring a facelift surgery negligence claim.

To find out more information about medical negligence and the claim process, take a look at our detailed guides.

Why choose Been Let Down for your rhytidectomy negligence claim?

At Been Let Down, we understand how traumatic and upsetting being a victim of facelift surgery negligence can be. You can rest assured that our experienced team of legal experts is committed to getting the best outcome for our clients.

We have over 15 years’ experience in medical and professional negligence law and support hundreds of clients across England and Wales. We’ll take your claim on a No Win No Fee basis so you will only be charged if your claim is successful.

Our SRA-accredited solicitors are here to help you put things right and we’ll be with you every step of the way. We also offer an initial free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team to collect the details of your claim and start the process towards compensation.

If you’ve been let down by a medical professional, you can rely on us for the very best representation. Our solicitors are recognised by The Law Society, Association of Person Injury Lawyers, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as specialists in this field.

Rhytidectomy surgery negligence FAQs

What do I do if I’m not happy with my facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery negligence can result in life-threatening medical complications, including infection, nerve damage and abnormal bleeding. We’re here to help if you believe a loved one’s or your own facelift surgery has gone wrong.

If you’re not happy with the results of your facelift surgery and believe it was affected by negligence, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. You should also make arrangements to speak to your GP or surgical team if you need any follow-up care.

Is facelift surgery dangerous?

When undergoing any surgery, there is the risk of infection and complications. Facelift surgery can occasionally result in problems but this cosmetic procedure is generally safe when carried out by qualified and experienced healthcare professionals.

How long do I have to bring my rhytidectomy negligence case forward?

As per the Limitation Act 1980, you usually have a time limit of three years to issue a Claim Form with the Court. This can be three years from the date you were injured or the date you realised you suffered complications.

There are exceptions to this three-year limit if the claimant is under 18, has diminished mental capacity or has passed away.

How much compensation could I receive for facelift surgery negligence?

Most rhytidectomy procedures are performed privately for cosmetic reasons but you may receive the surgery on the NHS if there are psychological or other health reasons. If your case is successful, the pay-out you receive should reflect the injuries sustained and any difference your surgery has made to your quality of life. We look to secure the best possible award for physical and psychological injuries together with any associated financial losses, such as lost earnings or the cost of additional treatment. Every case is different and carefully assessed by our expert team.

What are potential complications of facelift surgery?

Every patient that undergoes facelift surgery should have been notified about the potential risks and warned that they will experience some level of discomfort during recovery. However, the initial recovery should take around 2-4 weeks with the full effect taking up to 6-9 months. Any long-term issues could suggest the facelift has gone wrong. These include:

• Unnecessary or excessive scarring
• Blood clots under the skin
• Damage to nerves — numbness of the face and even paralysis of facial muscles
• Loss of skin and hair
• Excessive bleeding and swelling
• Pain and infection post-operation
• Injuries to other parts of the face including eyes/nose/mouth/ears
• Overtightening of the skin leading to a pulled appearance (windblown face)
• Asymmetrical Facial Features including the position of the earlobe

If you experienced any of the above, you could have been the victim of medical negligence and be entitled to compensation. Contact our team today and we’ll start working on your claim.

Start your facelift surgery negligence claim today

If you have been let down and suffered emotional distress or injury due to medical negligence, we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve. Get in touch today and find out how we can help with your case for facelift surgery compensation.

Please call us on 0800 234 3234 , use our online form or request a call back from a member of our legal team.