For many women, choosing to undergo breast surgery is a deeply personal decision. When carried out properly, the results can have a lasting, positive effect on body confidence and self-esteem. However, not every experience goes to plan.
Some women may face complications as part of the natural risks of surgery – outcomes that can occur even when the procedure has been performed correctly. For others, complications may be the result of negligence, such as when a surgeon fails to meet their legal obligations before, during or after the operation.
This guide outlines what breast surgery involves, what can go wrong, and what you can do if you’re currently dealing with complications after your procedure – including making breast surgery compensation claims.
An overview of breast surgery
Breast surgery refers to the procedures that change size, shape and position of breasts. Common types include breast augmentation, reduction and uplift (mastopexy), often chosen for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons after pregnancy, weight changes, ageing or illness. Each procedure involves different risks and should only be carried out by a GMC-registered plastic surgeon following a full assessment.
- Breast augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to increase size or improve shape. Implants are placed either under or over the chest muscle, depending on your body type and desired outcome.
- Breast reduction removes excess tissue, skin and fat to ease discomfort and improve proportion, often relieving back or shoulder pain.
- Breast uplift (mastopexy) lifts and reshapes sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance, sometimes alongside augmentation or reduction.
All breast procedures should be planned carefully and carried out by a General Medical Council-registered plastic surgeon with the skill and experience to deliver safe results and appropriate aftercare.
What are the signs something went wrong during breast surgery?
While some discomfort, bruising and swelling is to be expected during recovery, there are certain signs that may point to a complication or a lack of appropriate care from your surgeon. If your results differ noticeably from what was explained beforehand, or issues are not identified or treated during aftercare, it may suggest negligence.
Signs that something may have gone wrong include:
- Scarring that wasn’t discussed: this could involve scars that are larger, more visible or in different places than your surgeon explained prior to the operation.
- Infection not properly handled: such as your surgeon not giving correct aftercare advice or failing to spot or treat infection during follow-ups.
- Implants merging across the chest: known as symmastia, this creates a loss of natural cleavage.
- Sagging that remains or returns quickly: possibly a result of the wrong type of procedure being chosen.
- An extra fold or crease under the breast: often referred to as double bubble, this happens when the implant drops too low.
- Enlarged areolae: this may suggest the surgeon didn’t use the right stitching method, like a round block suture.
- Tissue falling below the implant: this is known as a waterfall or Snoopy deformity, and can be linked to poor placement or technique.
- Visible imbalance: such as uneven breast size, shape, nipple height or areola position, which may result from poor planning or execution.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues and believe your surgeon didn’t meet their duty of care, you may be able to claim compensation.
What can you do if you’ve experienced complications?
If you’re experiencing complications after breast surgery, it’s important to act promptly. Not all complications are caused by negligence, but if your surgeon failed to meet their duty of care, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Taking the following steps can help protect your health and support your case:
- Seek medical advice: this may involve returning to your original surgeon or getting a second opinion from another qualified professional.
- Collect evidence: keep a record of all medical reports, correspondence, photographs, prescriptions and receipts related to your treatment.
- Document your experience: note down symptoms, dates of appointments, advice you were given, and how the issue has affected your daily life.
- Contact a solicitor: speak to a specialist cosmetic surgery solicitor with experience handling negligence claims.
How long do you have to make a claim for compensation?
You usually have three years from the date you became aware that something went wrong with your surgery to start a claim. This is known as the limitation period. There may be exceptions depending on your circumstances, so it’s best to speak with a solicitor specialising in cosmetic surgery claims as soon as possible.
