Woman Suffered Complications Following Treatment Problems

A North East woman whose life was turned upside down when she suffered serious health problems after having cosmetic surgery arranged by Dr Ashish Dutta has spoken of her relief after his failed appeal over a decision to suspend him from practice for 12 months.

In a hearing on Friday (February 1st) at the High Court in Manchester, Mr Justice Haddon-Cave upheld ‘in its entirety’ a previous General Medical Council (GMC) Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service decision related to concerns raised over his conduct and the potential risks posed to patients, which led to a 12-month suspension.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist medical negligence team in Newcastle represents Andrea Scott, 34, who was left with significant scarring and stitching which burst open after having breast augmentation surgery at the Aesthetic Beauty Centre in Newcastle in January 2010 – treatment that Dr Dutta arranged and advised on despite, at the time, being subject to a six-month suspension by the GMC’s Interim Orders Panel.

The national law firm is working to help Mrs Scott get answers over the appalling problems she has suffered since her surgery, as well as to help her access vital funds which will go towards accessing revision treatment and support.

Mrs Scott, a company director from Consett, said: “I am incredibly relieved by this decision. My home and work life have been turned completely upside down by the number of procedures and consultations I’ve needed following complications which simply should not have been allowed to happen in the first place.

“My decision to have the operation was not driven by cosmetic reasons and was out of an actual need as one of my breasts was bigger than the other, yet I have been left with both physical and psychological scars because of it.

“The original decision on his suspension was such a positive move and a sign he would be held to account for the hell that I’ve been through, so it is a major relief that this appeal means no one else will face the same problems I have.

“When you go for surgery like this you put your faith in those who are carrying out the procedure, but I feel so let down and the problems I’ve faced have taken a toll on my personal and working life. I simply want answers over the damage done and reassurances that the safety issues I have faced will not be repeated.”

Angela Kirtley, a medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office representing Mrs Scott, said: “This decision is an important one which has a significant impact on patient safety. People who undergo major cosmetic surgery expect that such procedures will be carried out in the safest possible manner, while they should also receive the best possible support following such operations.

“Sadly, Andrea’s case is a shocking example of the problems which can arise, as well as the terrible consequences that problems caused by surgery can have on a person’s life.

“We have issued court proceedings but are hoping to resolve matters with Dr Dutta’s solicitors now the High Court decision is known.”

If you've suffered due to negligent cosmetic surgery you might be entitled to claim compensation. See our Cosmetic Surgery Claims or Breast Surgery Claims page for more information.