How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Surgeon for You - For Women

Cosmetic surgery can freshen up your looks and give a real boost to your self-esteem. But to start your journey to the new you, it?s really important to research, and gather advice and information about cosmetic surgery providers and cosmetic surgeons.

Choosing a cosmetic surgery provider
There?s a huge range of cosmetic surgery providers out there so you should make a shortlist of your options. Look for factual information to back up your choices, particularly if the treatment you are interested in involves a general anaesthetic.

Check hospital credentials
Hospitals in England carrying out cosmetic surgery are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Make sure that the hospitals you?re interested in are registered, as in this way you can be assured that they adhere to the Essential Standards of Quality & Safety set by the Commission. If you want to you can ask to see a copy of a hospital?s latest inspection report.

Visit your GP
You don?t need a referral letter from your GP to make a first appointment with a cosmetic surgeon, but you should probably discuss your intentions with them. Also, if you decide to go ahead, your surgeon will request details of your medical history from your GP in due course.

Choosing a cosmetic surgeon

As a private patient you?re free to select the surgeon of your choice, but you should carefully research qualifications, reputation and experience. You could ask your GP about specialists in your local area, and attend open days and free mini consultations to gather information. Recommendations are useful but remember that every situation is unique.

Checking your cosmetic surgeon?s credentials
Use the internet to check credentials, remember that all surgeons should be on the register of the General Medical Council (GMC). You can check by calling the GMC Helpline 0161 923 6602. Also look out for the letters FRCS (Plast*) which indicate that a surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and have completed six years of specialist training, which enables them to use the honorific. Also look out for membership of BAAPS and BAPRAs.

Pitfalls to look out for
Be careful about what you to pay. Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. If you?re offered a discount that appears too good to be true, it probably is. And if you?re interested in non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers and microdermabrasion, do be aware that there is a lack of regulation in this area. For your own safety it?s essential to ensure that you see a qualified specialist.

Attend free information events
Many providers hold regular free information events, these events offer you the opportunity to ask lots of questions and find out all you need to know in an informal way. Spire Cosmetic Surgery, one of the UK?s leading providers, run frequent free cosmetic information events at venues throughout the UK.

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