I had rhinoplasty two years ago at a reputable clinic in England and recently discovered they posted my before-and-after pictures online without my permission. My face is fully visible, the timing and my feelings were misrepresented, and I feel violated — can I take legal action?
I went to a well-regarded clinic in England for rhinoplasty two years ago. Since the surgery I've been private about the whole thing, but recently found my unblurred before-and-after photos on the clinic's website and social media where they also apparently lied about when the photos were taken and how I felt about the results.
The timeline: surgery two years ago, no agreement to have images shared, and no notification that my pictures would be used. The core friction is consent — I never agreed to have my face posted publicly and I am a private person who feels strongly about control over my own images.
"I never agreed to have my pictures posted online."
I noticed the images on their website and social media, with my full face visible and no blurring. After requesting my paperwork from the surgery (without explicitly asking them to remove the photos), the clinic did not send the documents but did remove the pictures from their Instagram and story within a couple of hours. I'm now wondering whether I can still sue, since my images were up for a long time without consent.
"They posted my before and after pictures all over their website and social media WITHOUT my consent."
The immediate outcome is that the social posts were taken down quickly after I requested paperwork, but I did not receive the documents I asked for, and the experience has left me feeling violated and unsure about next steps, including legal options.
🏠 The Aftermath
After I requested my surgical paperwork the clinic removed the Instagram posts and story within a few hours, but they didn't send me the documents I requested.
- The clinic took down the images from Instagram and their story quickly after my request.
- I still haven't received the paperwork I asked for.
- The photos had been publicly visible for a long time before removal.
Concrete consequences include a sense of violated privacy, uncertainty about how widely the images were shared, and now the question of whether to pursue legal action for the non-consensual use of my identifiable images.
They removed the posts quickly, but that doesn't undo the breach of consent that already happened.
I feel a mix of relief that the images were taken down and frustration that I had to chase the clinic and still haven't received my paperwork; there's an odd aftertaste to their quick removal versus the earlier lack of consent.
💭 Emotional Reflection
This is largely about consent and boundaries: the OP explicitly states they never agreed to have their photos used and felt deeply private about the surgery, so the clinic's actions violated those expectations. Even reputable providers can make harmful choices when consent and communication are ignored.
The emotional stakes are real — having one's face published without permission feels exposing and intrusive, and quick removal after a request doesn't necessarily make up for the breach. The situation highlights how records and consent practices matter to patients' trust.
Reasonable people may disagree on what the next step should be — some will prioritize a formal legal response, others may accept removal and move on — but the common thread is that better communication and clear consent processes were lacking here.
How people reacted to the situation:
This is a clear violation of consent — you have every right to be upset and to seek legal advice about how the images were used.
Good that they removed the posts quickly, but removal doesn't erase the harm. Document everything and consider your options.
Always ask for and keep copies of consent forms and paperwork. If they won't give you your documents, that's another red flag.
Responses were mixed between validation of the OP's privacy concerns, relief the images were removed, and calls to document and pursue further action if desired.
🌱 Final Thoughts
This situation centers on consent, privacy, and how institutions handle patient images. Quick removal is a step, but it doesn't substitute for an explanation, proper paperwork, or accountability for publishing identifiable photos without permission.
If you value control over your image and personal information, insist on clear, written consent practices and keep copies of any forms you sign.
What do you think?
Would you have left, or stayed and kept trying to make it work? Share your thoughts below 👇
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