What is cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic surgery, is where a person chooses to have an operation, or invasive medical procedure, to change their physical appearance for aesthetic reasons.
Aesthetic surgery can provide profound health benefits to patients - both physically and for their psychosocial wellbeing. This has been evidenced in multiple scientific studies.
Most aesthetic surgery combines a “functional” and aesthetic component, even in situations where there is no functional change, the impact on a patient’s psychological situation can be life changing.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers - typically used to relax or fill crease lines - do not involve surgery. However, there are still risks attached. For information about non-surgical procedures visit NHS choices.
We also provide information about other types of surgery.
Can I get cosmetic surgery on the NHS?
Cosmetic surgery is rarely available through the NHS unless there is an overriding physical or psychological reason. Even when cosmetic surgery is available on the NHS, waiting times are usually long. For this reason, most people will pay to have surgery carried out privately.
Will the NHS help me if something doesn’t go according to plan?
If you have cosmetic surgery privately and it does not go according to plan (for example, it does not give you the result you wanted), the NHS will not help you unless you have a serious complication, which means you need emergency or life-saving treatment.
Further information or questions...
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