If you’ve made up your mind that you want cosmetic surgery, it’s really important that you find a reputable consultant to make sure that any work you decide to have done is done to the highest standards. It’s not only one of the most expensive beauty decisions you’ll ever make – but unlike a facial or a haircut, if it goes wrong, the consequences can be upsetting – even dangerous.
Are They Listed?
It’s crucial to make sure that you choose a surgeon who is a member of the General Medical Council’s specialist register. Anyone who is listed will have had to satisfy very stringent criteria. You can check the list here: www.gmc-uk.org
The British Association of Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgeons also has a searchable list of members, so you can look up a surgeon and also find one who specialises in the type of surgery you want to have: www.baaps.org.uk
Consult an Expert
You should always try to find a surgeon who is an expert in the type of surgery you’re considering. You’re much more likely to have problems if you choose someone who isn’t a specialist in that discipline. Think about it, you wouldn’t ask a chiropodist to fill your teeth, would you?
If you’re not sure whether a surgeon has carried out that type of work, don’t be shy about asking. It’s your body, and you are entitled to ask as many questions as you like! Ask for testimonials – before and after photos or letters from satisfied customers. Any surgeon will be more than happy to show you their previous handiwork.
Take your time when you have your consultation – is there a rapport between you and your chosen surgeon? Do they understand what you want from the procedure, and have they explained everything to you? You’re trusting your body to this person and it’s vital that at the very least, you like them!
Ask Questions, and Don’t Be Pressurised
If you’re thinking about having a cosmetic procedure, make sure that you have all the facts before you agree to anything. A surgeon who tries to rush you should be avoided like the plague, and a good surgeon should be happy to answer your questions, and explain the procedures, risks and limitations of what you want to do.
Most reputable cosmetic surgeons will also give you a ‘cooling off’ period to go away and think about whether you really want the work done. If you feel in any way under pressure to agree to a procedure on the spot – or anyone tries to talk you into having more surgery than you actually intended – walk away.
Beware the Terms and Conditions
Be very careful if you’re offered a ‘free’ consultation – there’s often a catch and it can be an expensive one at that. Some commercial cosmetic surgery clinics charge extortionate booking fees or take deposits from you (which turn out to be non-refundable when you read the small print) so don’t sign anything until you are absolutely sure you want to go ahead. You should always be wary of a clinic that tries to lock you into an agreement at the earliest opportunity…ask yourself why they need to trap people into using their facilities!
Avoid Budget Cosmetic Surgery
You’ll probably find that you can buy your chosen procedure a lot cheaper abroad. Of course there are some reputable places abroad, and not every foreign surgeon is a ‘cowboy’ – but the good surgeons won’t be working for the clinics advertising ‘cheap surgery’ in the back of women’s magazines.’ You really do get what you pay for. The NHS is often called upon to patch up the results of cheap surgery, and if it’s done abroad, you’ll have absolutely no comeback if you end up with more – or less – than you bargained for.
Having a cosmetic procedure is a massive decision, and the bottom line is that if you take your time and choose a cosmetic surgeon carefully, you are more likely to get the results you want.
