What to do when plastic surgery goes wrong

Plastic surgery transforms the lives of many individuals and in the majority of cases revision surgery is not necessary, but what should you do when your plastic surgery goes wrong? 'Botched' plastic surgery can result in extreme physical and mental health issues. All revision surgery carries risks and living with the results of plastic surgery that has gone wrong, may cause both physical pain, mental distress and anxiety. The good news is the majority of complications can be rectified with revision surgery and every ethical plastic surgeon wants to do everything they can, to ensure high patient satisfaction.

Which popular plastic surgery procedures have high revision rates?

Breast augmentation and rhinoplasty are two procedures that are associated with high numbers of revision rates.

Breast augmentation

Complications that may require breast augmentation revision surgery include:

• Infection and, or necrosis (death of skin cells)
• Chronic breast pain
• Breast or nipple numbness
• Capsular contracture,
• Rupture of a breast implant can cause small lumps called (silicone granulomas)
• Noticeable rippling or breast implant edges
• Incorrect placement of breast implants, resulting in an unpleasing shape or asymmetry

Four Causes of Revision Breast Augmentation

1. A style of breast implant is withdrawn from the market, such as the case with Allergan breast implants due to the link with BIA-ALCL.
2. Substandard breast implants, that have been manufactured fraudulently, have been used, such as the case with PIP breast implants.
3. Larger breast im plants, and, or an alternative implant filling, and, or an alternative shape of breast implant is desired.
4. An injury or accident has resulted in damage to the breast implant or the breast implant moving resulting in an unpleasing shape or asymmetry.

Rhinoplasty

Complications that may require revision surgery include:

• Infection and, or necrosis (death of skin cells)
• Bones do not heal correctly
• Lack of anatomical correction
• Overcorrection or under correction, resulting in an unpleasing shape or asymmetry.

Almost all plastic surgery procedures may require revision surgery due to complications including:

• Infection and, or necrosis (death of skin cells)
• Unpleasing shape or asymmetry

How to request revision surgery

There are potential complications with all surgical procedures that can result in the need for revision surgery. Prior to any procedure, you should have been given clear information in writing with regards to what type of revision surgery will be provided if you have complications or you are not happy with your results. All charges should have been advised upfront.

Speak with your plastic surgeon

Even in the most qualified and experienced of hands, complications can still occur. Do not be afraid to tell your plastic surgeon if you are not happy with your results. Your plastic surgeon will appreciate the opportunity to perform revision surgery to give you the outcome you desire.

Write to your plastic surgeon

Occasionally there may be a misunderstanding regarding the reasons you are requesting revision surgery. When you are not able to actually see your surgeon face to face after speaking with them, the next step is to write and advise why you are asking for revision surgery. Below is an email template you can edit and send to your surgeon.

Dear

Further to my request by telephone to arrange a consultation to discuss revision surgery, I was disappointed to be advised I would have to pay additional charges. I am concerned that maybe I did not properly communicate why I feel revision surgery is necessary.

I am requesting revision surgery for:

Details of the treatment/procedure you received.

Where the treatment took place and the date.

Details of why you are dissatisfied along with relevant dates and times.

Can you please explain and break down all additional charges and why they are being applied with reference to the above information. I request you respond to this email within 3 working days.

Kind regards

Plastic surgery and how to make a medical negligence claim

Each of these elements must be proved to have a case for medical negligence:

• Duty of care - the healthcare professional has a duty of care owed to the claimant not to cause injury.
• Dereliction - duty of care breach resulting in dereliction (negligence or deviation from the standard of care)
• Damages and Direct cause - the breach of duty of care has caused harm to the claimant

The next step is to make an official complaint and the governing body to send a complaint regarding medical negligence in the UK is the General Medical Council (GMC).

• Send your email trail with a brief explanation which includes:
• Consultants details
• Details of the treatment/procedure you received
• Where the treatment took place and the date
• Details of why you are dissatisfied along with relevant dates and times

Ensure you save all email trails, as you may need them if you need to pursue a medical negligence claim.

Mental health support

When plastic surgery goes wrong it is likely to impact your mental health, many people feel embarrassed to seek help. Please remember everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own body. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need mental health support, below are links for charities you can call, text or email.

Mind Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) or text 86463

Rethink Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday)

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text: 85258