A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can be a major operation and there can be significant consequences if the medical professionals looking after you make mistakes. If you’ve suffered from negligent treatment, Slater and Gordon’s specialist legal experts can help get the compensation you deserve.
Am I eligible to make a claim for tummy tuck compensation?
Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, is the procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the waist area to leave the patient with a flatter stomach. Some people undergo tummy tuck surgery for cosmetic reasons, and some for medical reasons, including:
To correct abnormalities after a disease, illness or surgery, e.g. large tumours or hernia repair
To fix structural defects of the abdomen
Regardless of the reason you undergo tummy tuck surgery, if mistakes are made during surgery, or during your recovery, which cause an injury or illness, you may be entitled to No Win No Fee compensation for medical negligence.
Are there different types of tummy tuck surgery?
All tummy tuck procedures are undergone to alter the shape of the abdomen (tummy), either for cosmetic reasons or to repair damage to the area caused by a medical condition. The key difference between the different types of tummy tuck is the extent of the surgery required.
Standard abdominoplasty: this is the most common type of tummy tuck procedure undergone, and it involves an incision from hip to hip, the separation of the skin from the abdominal wall, removal of excess fat and skin, and the realignment of the bully button.
Extended abdominoplasty: this operation is very similar to the standard abdominoplasty, though requires a larger incision (sometimes around the hips to the back). It is commonly used after a significant weight loss to remove more excess skin.
Partial abdominoplasty: this is a less invasive form of the surgery, though it still requires a large incision. It does not usually require the repositioning of the belly button.
Almost all tummy tuck surgeries are carried out under general anaesthetic, though some partial abdominoplasty surgeries may only require a regional or local anaesthetic.
What type of mistakes can lead to tummy tuck negligence?
As with any other type of surgery, all tummy tuck procedures carry an element of risk. Your doctor and medical team will attempt to mitigate these risks, though no operation can ever be entirely risk free.
However, when a doctor or medical professional makes a mistake due to negligent behaviour or treatment, this can cause injury or illness that could have been avoided, thereby exposing the patient to unnecessary harm. In these cases, you may be entitled to make a tummy tuck compensation claim.
There are a number of mistakes that can lead to tummy tuck negligence, such as:
Risks haven't been explained properly
Neglecting the patient
Lack of precautionary measures
Clinical error
Lack of instructions regarding after-care
What type of injuries can result from a botched tummy tuck?
Negligent treatment before, during and after a tummy tuck procedure can cause a number of different issues, including illness, injury or incorrect cosmetic results. In some cases, this can cause severe discomfort or pain, and require further rehabilitation or treatment. This can include:
Infection
Blood clots
Excessive scarring
Skin or fat necrosis (hard lumps beneath the skin)
Nerve damage – resulting in numbness in the abdominal region
Incorrect positioning, or loss, of the belly button
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
At Slater and Gordon, we are proud to have one of the best medical negligence teams in the country, and we’re highly ranked in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
The team are have decades of experience in dealing with negligent cosmetic surgery claims and can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but that you also receive the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery.
We count highly trained nurses and medical professionals among our team, who provide us with expert knowledge in-house, helping us to secure the best possible outcome and provide clients with access to high-quality treatment and rehabilitation. This means our clients can focus on their recovery with some of the best care available, while we handle their claim.
How much could I receive from a tummy tuck compensation claim?
It’s not possible to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to receive without first reviewing the circumstances of your case. This is because there are a number of factors that can determine the level of compensation you receive, including the severity of your injuries, and the impact that they have had on your daily life.
Is there a time limit for making a claim for tummy tuck compensation?
A tummy tuck compensation claim must be brought within three years from the date of your operation, or when you first became aware of the illness or injury you suffered as a result.
It is worth noting that there are some exceptions to this rule; for instance, if you are claiming on behalf of a child or someone who lacks the mental capacity to be able to pursue a claim for themselves.
It is always strongly advised that you reach out to a specialist cosmetic surgery solicitor as soon as possible to discuss your case, as they will be able to advise you on any deadlines that may apply to your case.
You can speak to a member of our team today on 0330 041 5869.
How long will a claim for tummy tuck compensation take?
Every tummy tuck compensation claim is different, which makes it difficult to determine how long your case may take to settle. There are a number of different factors that can influence the timeline, including the severity of your injuries and whether or not the other side accepts liability early on.
Generally speaking, the more complex the case is, the longer it will take to settle. We strongly advise you discuss your personal circumstances with a specialist cosmetic surgery solicitor as soon as possible, and they will be able to offer you more advice and guidance to ensure your claim is handled quickly.
Can I make a tummy tuck compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
The vast majority of our cases are funded by way of a Conditional Fee Agreement, otherwise known as a No Win No Fee agreement. What this means is if you lose your case, you won't have to pay anything and therefore, there’s no financial risk to you. Contact our cosmetic surgery solicitors for a free consultation.
Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?
If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)