Welcome to BuyAssociation.co.uk

Choosing your cosmetic surgeon - Nigel Mercer, BAAPS

How do You Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Do not underestimate how important your choice of surgeon for a cosmetic surgery procedure is. It really is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Not only will you be investing a considerable amount of time and money, but you will also be putting your trust and safety in your surgeon’s hands. You will live with the result for life.

Unfortunately for the public, the British Government does not designate cosmetic surgery as a separate surgical specialty, but the only specialty in which surgeons receive training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery is Plastic Surgery. Surgeons from other specialties are trained in specific procedures and may perform those procedures to a very high standard, and any surgeon should perform sufficient cases to retain their competence, and they should attend courses and submit audit figures for their cosmetic surgical work. Some surgeons state that they only do cosmetic surgery, but it does not mean that they are an expert. Do not take pre and post-operative photos as a reliable indicator of competence. Even the worst surgeon will get some good results.

No matter whom you see, you must do your research and ask the right questions.

1) Ask your GP. They are busy, but they are there to protect you, and they should know who has a good reputation in your area. There is no need to travel to get value for money and expertise.
2) Ask friends. If they have had surgery or treatment, they may be able to recommend someone.
3) Choose a surgeon, not a clinic or a hospital. If you go to one of the ‘clinics’ you may not see the same surgeon that your friend saw and some may employ surgeons, who come on short-term contracts and then leave. A free consultation is not really free. A surgeon should charge you for their advice and you should not be sold a product or procedure. Beware sales talk on the phone and any “offers” to get you through the door. Don’t hand over a booking fee at a first consultation.
4) Check the GMC (General Medical Council) website. Fully trained surgeons should be on the “Specialist Register” of the GMC.
5) Check the BAAPS (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) website. BAAPS is a special interest group for specialists who perform cosmetic procedures. It lists BAAPS members by region. There are excellent surgeons through out the country and you do not have to go to London to find excellence.
6) Ask how many procedures the surgeon has done and what their complication rate is. They are obliged to tell you. Ask what they will do if there is a problem with your operation and, in particular, think what this implies if you have surgery abroad or away from where you live.
7) Do not make a decision on the day of the consultation. No matter how long you have been thinking about the problem, walk out of the door and think over what has been said to you. Avoid anyone that tells you that “you must have” a cosmetic operation or procedure. No surgical procedure or cosmetic treatment carries a guarantee, so ask yourself. “If I do not get the result I wanted, have I made the right decision?”

If you have any doubts, do not have the treatment.

Nigel Mercer

Nigel Mercer is President of BAAPS, a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the BAAPS website.

More pages

Page 1: How do You Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Related Articles

• Making Safe Choices

Find fantastic Spa Pamper Days from only £32.50 per person

Buy discount contact lenses - Up to 70% discount

Botanic Choice UK Extra 25 % Off Sale Prices for Natural Vitamins Supplements Teas and Spa Products