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Questions about cosmetic surgery
Questions and answers on finding a surgeon and including a list of questions to ask your intended surgeon.
- I am considering cosmetic surgery. How can I find a surgeon?
- What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?
- I am considering cosmetic surgery. How can I find out if my doctor is properly qualified?
- I am considering cosmetic surgery. Where can I get advice?
The College is a member of the Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee which has produced some Advice for people considering cosmetic surgery.
I am considering cosmetic surgery. How can I find a surgeon?
It is advisable to seek a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). GPs have knowledge of the specialists in their areas and will be in the best position to choose the one most appropriate for you. They can also make sure any important information on your medical condition is passed to the surgeon and help care for you if you have any problems or need advice after the procedure. It is never a good idea to choose a surgeon on price alone and you should be wary of the claims made in advertisements.
Members of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons are plastic surgeons who are on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register (see What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?).
You may like to contact the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons on 020 7405 2234 for further advice or visit its website at www.baaps.org.uk which includes a 'find a surgeon' function and a useful selection of frequently asked questions.
Doctors and surgeons from other specialties may carry out cosmetic surgery. For example an ear, nose and throat surgeon may carry out rhinoplasty (nose operations) and dermatologists treat the skin. Learn more about different types of specialist surgeon.
What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?
Plastic surgery is one of the nine main specialties recognised by The Royal College of Surgeons (eg orthopaedic surgery, urology). See a description of each specialty.
Consultant plastic surgeons are listed as being fully trained in this specialty on the General Medical Council's (GMC) Specialist Register. You can check this on the GMC website (www.gmc-uk.org; Tel: 020 7580 7642) or at public libraries. This means that, once they have qualified as a doctor, they have successfully completed specialist training in plastic surgery (usually for six years). Some plastic surgeons carry out aesthetic surgery (to improve appearance), others specialise in other areas such as reconstruction or burns.
Cosmetic surgeons may be highly skilled and capable but there are not currently any regulations covering their training. However, all doctors setting up as cosmetic surgeons for the first time from April 2002 must be on the GMC's Specialist Register (see above).
Doctors and surgeons from several specialties may carry out cosmetic surgery (solely to improve appearance).
See I am considering cosmetic surgery. How can I find a surgeon?.
I am considering cosmetic surgery. How can I find out if my doctor is properly qualified?
Patients considering cosmetic surgery should contact their General Practitioner (GP) for guidance. Fully qualified specialists should be registered on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register. You can check this on the GMC website (www.gmc-uk.org, Tel: 020 7580 7642) or at public libraries.
See I am considering cosmetic surgery. How can I find a surgeon? and What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?
You should also feel free to ask the surgeon about this (no respectable surgeon minds being asked about his or her qualifications or experience).
The Independent Healthcare Association has produced a guide on the standards cosmetic surgeons should meet. For a copy visit their website:
www.independenthealthcare.org.uk.
I am considering cosmetic surgery. Where can I get advice?
See the information provided under the questions on cosmetic surgery above.
Some of the questions you may like to consider or ask the surgeon before agreeing to have cosmetic surgery might include:
- How many years' experience do you have in the procedure I am interested in and how many similar operations do you perform each week?
- Do you think that what I want to achieve from surgery is realistic?
- Could there be anything in my medical history that would affect the surgery?
- What will happen during the operation and what anaesthetic will be used?
- How long will the stay in hospital be? Will there be any pain or any stitches and how long is the recovery time?
- How long will the results last?
- How much will it cost?
- Who will be doing the operation?
- What are the risks?
The Royal College of Surgeons Patient Liaison Group (PLG) has produced a leaflet giving useful information for patients having any operation. Download a copy here.
