When Breast Surgery Goes Wrong: What Women Need to Know
Many women choose breast surgery to feel more confident in their bodies and take ownership of how they look and feel. But when something goes wrong, it can leave you feeling dismissed, financially burdened and emotionally set back. You may be dealing with physical pain, changes you didn’t agree to or a growing sense that your concerns weren’t taken seriously.
This guide is here to help you take back control. We explain what your surgeon was legally required to do before, during and after your procedure, what your rights are when those duties aren’t met, and how solicitors specialising in breast surgery compensation claims can help you seek justice, recover what you’re owed and move forward on your terms.
What are your surgeon’s obligations to you?
If you’ve made the decision to have breast surgery, you deserve to be treated with honesty, care and respect at every stage. In the UK, plastic surgeons are expected to follow strict professional standards set by organisations like the General Medical Council (GMC) and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). These standards are there to protect you - and if they aren’t met, it may be classed as negligence.
Here’s what your surgeon is legally required to do:
Before surgery
They must assess whether surgery is right for you, explain all potential risks and complications and give you a clear idea of the results you can expect - including where and how any scarring may appear. They should also discuss alternatives, so you can make an informed choice that works for you.
During surgery
They must carry out the procedure to a professional standard. This includes using safe and appropriate techniques, maintaining a hygienic environment, and taking every care to avoid avoidable harm.
After surgery
They must check on your healing, look out for signs of complications and provide the right aftercare. Ignoring these steps or failing to act when something isn’t right can put your health and recovery at risk - and may be a breach of their legal duty to you.
What can you do if your surgeon hasn’t met their obligations?
If your surgeon failed to meet their legal obligations to you - and you’ve been left with complications or an unexpected outcome that could have been avoided - you have every right to speak up. You placed your trust in a professional who had a duty to look after your health and wellbeing. When that duty is ignored, it isn’t just disappointing - it’s negligent.
Making a breast surgery compensation claim can help you take back some of the control that may have been lost during this experience. It’s a step towards justice, financial recovery and being heard. You should take the following steps:
Collect evidence
To support your claim, it helps to gather as much evidence as possible. This can include:
Medical records from your GP or surgeon.
Correspondence such as emails, letters or texts that show what was discussed before and after the surgery.
Dates and notes from any follow-up appointments.
Details of any aftercare advice given - or where it was lacking.
Descriptions of complications your surgeon failed to spot or treat.
Photographic evidence showing how your breasts looked at different stages of your surgical journey.
Receipts and invoices for any additional medical treatment you’ve needed, as well as travel costs to and from appointments.
This information can strengthen your claim and help show where the surgeon’s care fell short. You don’t have to go through this process alone - you have a right to be supported, listened to and treated fairly.
Contact specialist solicitors
Speaking to a solicitor who specialises in cosmetic surgery claims can make a real difference to how you move forward. These professionals understand the unique challenges women face after a procedure has gone wrong - from the emotional impact to the financial strain.
They can help you feel more in control of the process by clearly explaining your rights, helping you gather strong evidence, and outlining what you may be entitled to claim for - whether that’s the cost of corrective surgery, emotional distress or time off work. If your case does go to court, they’ll represent you with confidence and professionalism, so you don’t have to face it alone.
You’ve already been let down once - this step is about making sure your voice is heard and your experience is taken seriously.
What does compensation cover?
When breast surgery goes wrong due to negligence, compensation is about more than money - it’s about recognising the impact it’s had on your life and helping you rebuild. You’ve been through something you didn’t sign up for, and you deserve the chance to recover both practically and emotionally.
A compensation claim can cover:
Loss of earnings if you’ve had to take time off work or change your job due to complications.
The cost of further medical treatment, including corrective surgery or counselling to support your mental health.
Travel expenses to and from medical appointments related to your recovery.
Psychological suffering, including the emotional distress caused by unexpected results, pain or a loss of confidence.
How long do you have to claim?
You have three years from the date of your surgery to make a claim for cosmetic negligence. This time limit exists so that your case can be properly assessed while evidence is still clear and relevant.
If you’ve experienced complications or feel your surgeon didn’t treat you with the care you deserved, you don’t have to rush into action - but it’s helpful to know that the clock is ticking. Taking that first step, even just to understand your options, can be a powerful way to take back control and decide what’s right for you.
If you’re going through the aftermath of breast surgery that didn’t meet your expectations, it’s completely valid to feel frustrated, upset or unsure of what to do next. But you don’t have to stay silent. Compensation can support your recovery and help you move forward on your own terms. By taking these steps, you’re not only standing up for yourself - you’re also helping to hold your surgeon accountable, so that other women are less likely to go through the same experience.
