Cosmetic surgery FAQs
Thinking about cosmetic surgery? We have listed
some frequently asked patient questions which may be useful while
researching options.
How should I choose my cosmetic surgery
provider?
Any private hospital or clinic that provides cosmetic surgery
must be registered with the Healthcare Commission in accordance
with the Care Standards Act 2000. The Healthcare Commission is
responsible for monitoring the performance of all NHS and
independent healthcare organisations across England and Wales. You
may download a copy of a hospital’s most recent inspection report
from the Healthcare Commission’s website.
If you are undergoing a surgical procedure, it is advisable to
choose a hospital with specialist 24-hour back-up facilities should
emergency support be required.
If you are comfortable discussing your decision with your GP,
he/she may be able to advise you on choosing a reputable provider
as well as offering you advice on surgery in general.
How should I choose my consultant?
When choosing a surgeon to carry out your cosmetic procedure,
you should be confident that they have had specialist training in
their field. The hospital or clinic should be able to confirm their
qualifications with you.
Your surgeon should appear on the General Medical Council (GMC)
Specialist Register. You may view a surgeon’s details on this
register on their website. Those who have passed a specialist
examination in Plastic Surgery will often have FRCS (Plast) after
their name; however, this will depend on where and when the surgeon
qualified.
Another factor that helps to determine a plastic surgeon’s
credibility is their membership in a professional organisation.
There are two main organisations in the UK: the British Association
of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS) and the British Association of Aesthetic
Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). As well as being listed on the Specialist
Register of plastic surgeons, these members must also be eligible
to hold consultant positions in plastic surgery in the NHS and they
must be recommended by two existing reputable members.
A number of other specialist surgeons may have undergone
relevant training in cosmetic techniques within their specialist
fields, such as maxillofacial surgeons (facial cosmetic surgery),
ophthalmologists (cosmetic eye surgery) and general surgeons
(breast surgery).
It is very important that you are offered your initial
consultation with the surgeon that would be performing the
procedure, as it is crucial that you have confidence in their
ability and that you are able build a good rapport with them. You
will usually be expected to pay for these consultations – be
cautious if you are offered a free consultation, as this may
indicate that you will not be seeing the actual surgeon or it may
lead to a ‘hidden’ cost further down the line.
Do I need a GP referral?
Although a GP referral is not always necessary, it is a good
idea to talk to your GP if you're considering cosmetic surgery, as
he or she may be able to recommend a suitable consultant and advise
you on specific health issues or relevant details from your medical
history that you should mention to your surgeon.
Are there any risks involved?
As with all operations, plastic surgery carries both risks and
benefits. Your surgeon should discuss these with you, along with
any other concerns you have, prior to the procedure. Plastic
surgery risks will often depend on the patient’s health and
emotional well-being. There are also additional risks involved with
procedures performed under general anaesthesia.
Could the surgeon turn me down for surgery?
During your initial consultation, the surgeon will make a
professional assessment as to whether you are suitable for cosmetic
surgery. They will discuss your medical history and lifestyle,
advise you of the risks and side-effects of the procedure, and
assess your level of expectation. If the surgeon has any concerns
regarding your motivation for wanting cosmetic surgery, they may
recommend that you see a professional such as a clinical
psychologist before you finalise your decision.
What if I don’t understand all the medical
terminology?
Ensure that your surgeon explains the procedure to you
thoroughly and uses terminology that you understand. You should
never feel pressurised into making a decision and should feel
confident that the surgeon has answered your questions
adequately.
Below is a list of commonly used terms.
|
- Abdominoplasty: tummy tuck
|
|
| - Blepharoplasty: eyelid reduction |
|
| - Brachioplasty: arm lift |
|
| - Breast
augmentation: breast enlargement |
|
|
- General anaesthetic: putting a patient to
sleep for surgery
- Liposculpture: a
version of liposuction involving fat transfer
|
|
| - Liposuction: removal of excess fat through a
suction process |
|
|
- Local anaesthetic: numbing a small part of
the body
- Mammoplasty: breast reshaping
- Mastopexy: breast
uplift
|
|
- Otoplasty: ear surgery
- Pinnaplasty: ear
pinning |
|
- Prosthesis: implant
- Rhinoplasty: nose
reshaping
- Suture: stitch |
|
| |
|
What other people will be involved in my
surgery?
If you are having surgery, there will usually be an
anaesthetist, a team of theatre staff and ward nurses involved in
your care, who work in collaboration with the surgeon. Some
hospitals will also have the additional support of specially
trained plastic surgery nurses who can
offer valuable advice and support throughout your treatment and
provide specialist
after-surgery care.
How much time will I need to take off work?
This will depend on the procedure you have. Surgical procedures
may require up to two weeks off work. You should ask your surgeon
at the consultation how long they think you will
need to allow.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for
surgery?
It is important that you have realistic expectations of what the
surgery will achieve and that you prepare yourself for how you will
feel/look immediately after the operation and during the recovery
period. If a general anaesthetic is involved, patients are usually
advised to prepare themselves by following a healthy lifestyle,
which may involve cutting down on smoking and reducing alcohol
consumption.
What if I have any concerns after returning
home?
When selecting your cosmetic surgery provider and surgeon, you
should enquire as to what level of aftercare they provide following
your surgery. You should be confident that you will be able to
contact a medical professional at any time following your treatment
if you have any queries. Out of hours, you should ideally be able
to speak to the surgeon directly if you have any worries or
concerns.
Will I be covered by insurance?
No, cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by private health
insurance.
Return to the Cosmetic Surgery
page.
General Disclaimer
This page is designed for educational purposes only and is not
engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The
information provided through these pagess should not be used for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a
substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may
have a health problem, you should consult your health care
provider.