Advice
More and more people are opting to have cosmetic surgery. Choosing the right surgeon and clinic can be difficult unless choice is informed by balanced advice. The Cosmetic Surgery Interspeciality Committee – made up of experts representing the different types of doctors who perform cosmetic treatments – offers the following suggestions:
Research the procedure
Read as much as you can about the procedure or treatment you are interested in having. This will help make sure it is right for you and that you are aware of any pros and cons of treatment. For example:
- The Department of Health has produced a booklet for women considering having breast implants www.doh.gov.uk
- The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) provides information on a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures. Visit their website www.baaps.org.uk or call their advice line on 020 7405 2234.
- The British Association of Otolarygologists/Head and Neck Surgeons provides information on cosmetic surgery performed by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons. Call 020 7404 8373, email sharon@bao-nhs.demon.co.uk or visit www.entuk.org
- The British Association of Dermatologists provides information on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed by Dermatologists. Call 020 7383 0266 or visit www.bad.org.uk
- Advice on cosmetic surgery (eyelid and periocular) can be obtained from the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society. Email info@bopss.org
Choose the right doctor
Get a referral from your GP – they can make sure that, with your permission, any important information about your medical history is passed to the cosmetic surgeon. It also means that your GP can provide the right care for you if you have any problems or need advice after the procedure. If you do not wish to involve your GP, make sure you choose a surgeon who has been recommended to you, or by obtaining as much information as possible.
You should be offered an initial consultation with the doctor who will perform the operation/procedure. Do not be afraid to consult the doctor about his/her qualifications and expertise in the procedure you are interested in. You may want to ask how many times they have performed the procedure and how often complications occur. Feel free to take someone with you, together with a note of any questions you'd like to ask during the consultation.
Other sources of help
The Royal College of Surgeons of England has a leaflet that suggests questions patients having any operation may wish to ask. For a copy see www.rcseng.ac.uk or call 020 7869 6045.
- Find out whether a cosmetic surgeon is on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register by calling 020 7915 3630 or visit www.gmc-uk.org. All doctors setting up as cosmetic surgeons for the first time from April 2002 must be on this register. Some cosmetic surgeons practising before this date may not be on the specialist register but they will be required to keep their practise up to date
- The Independent Healthcare Forum has produced a guide on the standards that cosmetic surgeons should meet. For a copy call 020 7379 8598.
Find out about the clinic or the hospital
The best way to choose a clinic or hospital is through your GP. If this is not an option, make an appointment at a few clinics so that you can compare prices and the services offered.
If you would like more information about our Advice service, please get in contact with us by phoning 020 8971 8000 or use our contact page.
