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Find the cosmetic surgeon or practitioner who's good for you

At The Good Surgeon Guide you can easily find a good surgeon or specialist. That means the right cosmetic surgeon for you and your procedure; someone experienced, accredited and fully qualified.

The Good Surgeon Guide is the only website you can check a UK surgeon's qualifications and find out what their patients have to say about them. Now that's clever.

Prepare to meet your good surgeon for the first time. Have a browse around or do a search by area or specialty. Remember:

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that uses a number of surgical and nonsurgical techniques to change the appearance and function of a person’s body. Plastic surgery procedures include both cosmetic enhancements as well as functionally reconstructive operations. In the former case, where aesthetics are considered more important than functionality, plastic surgery is sometimes referred to as cosmetic surgery. Most procedures involve both aesthetic and functional elements.The word “plastic” derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape; its use here is not connected with the synthetic, plastic surgery, polymer material known as plastic.

Plastic surgeons typically mold and reshape the following tissues of the body: bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and skin.Plastic surgery includes both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.Reconstructive plastic surgery is used to correct abnormal structures of the body. These abnormalities are usually caused developmentally, or through tumors or diseases. Reconstructive plastic surgery is typically performed to improve functions, however it is sometimes performed where a normal appearance is desired.

On the contrary, cosmetic surgery is performed to improve your appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery involves reshaping parts of the body that are otherwise functioning properly. Before you decide to have any cosmetic procedure, ask yourself: is it worth the risk? Do I really need it and am I ready to face the consequences? While generally safe at the hands of a skilled doctor, cosmetic surgery can hurt both you and your wallet. That’s why a lot of people are turning to non-invasive and natural ways to stay beautiful.

Only choose a surgeon certified to perform plastic surgery and listed on the UK General Medical Council Register of Plastic Surgeons. Check here www.gmc-uk.org/register or call 020 7915 3630. If the cosmetic surgeon is not on the register it may simply be that they set up practice before April 2002; they are still required to keep their practise up-to-date.

The British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS) or British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) are both renowned and prestigious professional organisations. Plastic surgeons can only gain membership to these bodies through experience, dedication and good history. In addition, all members are eligible to take up Consultant Appointments in Plastic Surgery in the NHS.

Visit www.rcseng.ac.uk - The Royal College of Surgeons of England website which has great information including a leaflet detailing questions you might want to ask before have you surgery. Alternatively call 020 7405 3474.

BAAPS Members are fully trained plastic surgeons who have undergone 6 years of rigorous, specialist cosmetic surgery training involving lectures, tutorials, courses and demonstration. They attend regular ongoing training.

If you're considering having cosmetic surgery performed on your ear, nose or neck, the British Association of Otolaryngologists - Head & Neck Surgeons can give you information on ear, nose and throat surgeons who are able to perform plastic surgery in those areas. Visit www.entuck.org or call 020 7404 8373.

Visit the Independent Healthcare Forum at www.ihf.org.uk or call 020 7379 8598 for a copy of its guide to the standards plastic surgeons should meet.

What about the clinic?

Ideally, talk to your GP about local hospitals and clinics. Alternatively, visit them yourself and see what they are like.

It's reassuring that every clinic offering cosmetic surgery in the UK is required to offer a Patient's Guide - so ask for a copy.

In England you can check the Care Quality Commission's register (previously known as Heathcare Commission) of private clinics and hospitals to make sure the ones you're considering are registered to provider cosmetic surgery. You can even request the latest inspection report from a particular clinic or hospital. In Scotland standards for specialist clinics have been produced by the Scottish Executive.

What you can do

Choose three or four surgeons or treatments providers who offer what you're looking for and call their clinics.

Ask them to send you information about treatments (ask for a brochure).

Find out what level of experience the surgeon has and where the surgery or treatment is performed.

Also ask for an indication of cost, waiting list and whether or not there is a consultation fee.

Even while you may not see the surgeon on your first clinic visit (you might see another member of clinic staff instead) it is vitally important you are given opportunity to meet them before your surgery.

When you see your surgeon, take along a list of medicines you're taking if any.

Take along photos, drawings or pictures of the look you want to achieve. This will help your surgeon understand what you want you'll be able to discuss your expectations.

Ask to see before and after photos of similar surgeries your surgeon has performed (most surgeon do this as a matter of course).

For more questions to ask feel free to email us

Don't forget to talk to your GP about your desire for cosmetic surgery. They can then support you and perhaps offer additional knowledge of local surgeons that may help you.

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