Aesthetic Treatment Expert Witness

Dermal Fillers, Botulinum Toxin and Non Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Common issues examined in aesthetic treatment litigation

Expert opinion may be required in cases involving a range of issues relating to patient assessment, treatment planning and complication management.

Examples include:

• adequacy of consultation and medical history taking
• suitability assessment prior to treatment
• informed consent and risk disclosure
• product selection and treatment planning
• practitioner training and competence
• infection control and hygiene standards
• complication recognition and management
• aftercare advice and follow up protocols
• clinical record keeping and documentation

Complications associated with aesthetic treatments may include vascular occlusion, tissue injury, asymmetry, infection, and delayed recognition of adverse outcomes.

Expert evidence assists the Court in determining whether the practitioner acted in accordance with accepted professional standards at the time the treatment was carried out.

Role of the expert witness in cosmetic treatment claims

In disputes involving aesthetic procedures, the expert witness provides independent opinion on whether appropriate standards of care were followed.

This may involve reviewing treatment records, clinical photographs, consent documentation and practitioner training records to assess whether the treatment was performed in line with accepted industry practice.

The expert’s role is not to advocate for either party but to assist the Court by providing impartial professional opinion.

Laura Minett undertakes medico legal work relating to permanent makeup, aesthetic treatments and cosmetic procedures, providing independent expert opinion in civil litigation.

Non surgical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections are widely performed in clinics across the UK. As the popularity of these procedures has increased, disputes relating to treatment outcomes, practitioner competence and informed consent have also become more common.

In legal proceedings relating to cosmetic treatments, expert evidence may be required to assist the Court in understanding accepted standards of practice within the aesthetics industry.

Reports are prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35.

Documents Reviewed:

• treatment consultation forms
• consent documentation
• practitioner treatment notes
• clinical photographs before and after treatment
• aftercare instructions provided to the client
• practitioner training certificates or qualifications
• witness statements where available