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More and more people are opting to have cosmetic surgery.  But, it is not a decision which should be undertaken lightly.  It is your body and any decision to have cosmetic surgery should be yours alone, following specific and comprehensive advice from a qualified cosmetic surgeon.

We also recommend visiting The Department of Health’s website for detailed, unbiased advice and information to help you make an informed and educated decision.  Here are a few of our top tips for people who are considering cosmetic surgery as well: 

Your expectations

Be realistic.  Surgery will change your physical appearance and bring corresponding psychological benefits, but there are limits to what it can do.  For example, if you feel your concerns about your appearance result from low self-esteem, there are alternatives to cosmetic surgery which you might want to consider instead, such as seeing a counsellor or psychologist.

 

Research

Read as much as you can about the procedure or treatment you are interested in having.  Also try to talk to people who have had the procedure that you are considering. 

 

Finding a cosmetic surgeon

Make sure that the surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council.  Also look for a surgeon who is a member of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

 

Talk to your cosmetic surgeon

Initial consultations should be with the surgeon who will actually perform the procedure, ONLY they have the necessary qualifications and expertise to be able to answer your questions fully.  It is important to be honest when you meet the surgeon, so that they can give you the correct advice about whether the procedure will achieve the results you want.  The surgeon should provide full details of the procedure itself, including what will happen, how long it will take, whether you will require an overnight stay, how long the results will last, whether there will be any scars and any risks.  The Department of Health has put together a useful checklist of questions you may want to ask. 

 

Talk to your GP
It’s a good idea to talk to your GP beforehand, not only will they be able to give you general advice about surgery but they can make sure that, with your permission, any important information about your medical history is passed to your cosmetic surgeon.

 

Arranging for surgery

After talking to the surgeon you may decide to go ahead with the procedure but you should not feel that you have been pressured into a decision - take as much time as you need.

 

Aftercare

Find out what kind of aftercare you will get.  Ask what happens if you are unhappy with the results or if things don't go to plan.

 

Useful links

• General Medical Council - find out if a cosmetic surgeon is on the Specialist Register.
• Care Quality Commission - information on cosmetic surgery and details of all hospitals, clinics and other providers who are registered with the Commission.
• The Department of Health - information on cosmetic surgery, treatments, advice and outcomes.
• The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) - information on a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures.
• The British Association of Comestic Surgeons - find out if a cosmetic surgeon is a member of this association which was established to promote and maintain the highest standards in this speciality.

 

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