When looking for a cosmetic surgeon your GP is the best person to contact first. Your GP knows who the local well-established surgeons are. Your GP also knows your medical history and whether there is anything that might affect or be affected by surgery. It is still vital that you do your own research.
Always do your homework. Cosmetic Surgery can be positively life changing but all surgery has risks and complications can occur despite taking all possible precautions. This is why it is vital that you have all the relevant information so you can choose a surgeon who gives the best advice. including refusal to offer surgery if your expectations are not realistic or where the risks of surgery are outweighed by the benefits.
When choosing your surgeon always check that they are:
- On the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery
- FRCS(Plast) qualified
- Full members of BAPRAS
- UK Trained and insured
- Recommend that you think carefully about any advice given and have a ‘cooling off period’ ideally two weeks, before booking your surgery.
- Aftercare should be included as part of your surgical package of care to deal with any complications.
Price is important but NEVER let it be the priority, your safety is more important!
Surgeons from other surgical specialities also provide cosmetic surgery within specific anatomical areas of the body but you should check that they are on the GMC Specialist Register for the discipline in which they have trained, as well as checking their outcomes.
To check your potential Surgeons registration status go to:
- The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) – http://www.bapras.org.uk
- General Medical Council – www.gmc-uk.org
Further advice about Cosmetic Surgery and finding a Surgeon can be found at:
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) – http://www.baaps.org.uk
Cosmetic Surgeons are now able to apply to the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) to become registered as qualified and competent to perform specific procedures.
It will enable surgeons working in the independent sector to demonstrate they meet the right standards and have the right experience to perform cosmetic surgery – http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/changes-cosmetic-surgery.