04
Mar
2015
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Let’s be honest, how many stories have you seen in the paper and on TV about botched up plastic surgery?
Whether you’ve flicked through the channels on the TV, or picked up a newspaper recently, you’re likely to have seen at least a few headlines “My Botched Boob Job” or “My plastic surgery hell”, and if you’ve watched a programme called “Botched up bodies” currently screening on Channel 5, then you’ll be forgiven for thinking cosmetic surgery is an extremely high-risk activity.
However, as is often the case with the latest media sensations and hot topic buzz words, which are designed for viewer impact and attention, this concept is not factual.
Sadly the minority group of rogue operators; the ones who are performing botched cosmetic surgery and often subscribing to dangerous practices are tarnishing the integrity and expertise of the real professionals. The media is painting the entire cosmetic surgery industry with the same brush.
Despite the scrutiny of the industry as a whole since the PIP breast implants scandal, and the recent media headline, call-to-clean up bid from the Royal College of Surgeons suggesting mandatory surgical specialization regulations, there do exist de facto; expert cosmetic surgeons and clinics that are regulated who are performing by most professional of standards.
However, the problem remains that patients are not reviewing their options carefully enough and many opt for cheaper practices, which can end in disappointing and sometimes dangerous results.
It’s true that patients should not be taken in by the glitz and glossiness of the clinic’s presentation! It’s no secret that the most effective form of cosmetic clinic marketing features super beautiful looking, often digitally enhanced people, which offer false hope and unrealistic expectations.
What’s more is the rogue operator is unlikely to give the patient an accurate and truthful diagnostic, rather than turn away unfavourable candidates for surgery they will push for the sale.
What you need to look for is substance and a proven track record, a clinic with surgeons who are regulated, accredited and safe.
Patients must be educated on how to find the best cosmetic surgeon to carry out their procedure, thankfully the problem of rogue operators can be easily avoided by arming yourself with a few simple, yet important questions, so that whether or not legislation is put forward for specialist surgeons qualifications, the power is put back in the hands of the patient.
Is your surgeon qualified and experienced enough?
Far from referring to these “plastic surgery abroad” cases, these problems lie close to home at the time, and according to reports, some GP’s with just 4 years experience are turning to set up their own clinics, offering treatments such as liposuction without the knowledge or training in this very specialized of fields.
Similarly, there are also instances where non-surgical dentists have administered neurotoxin during treatments when they don’t have the specialised training required and therefore lack the skills and experience required to cope on the occasion a routine procedure goes wrong.
The call from the Royal College of Surgeons for a specialist register category for cosmetic or aesthetic surgeons is one that myself and my colleagues at our clinic, Cosmetic Surgery Partners feel needs support, as we work to ensure every patient has the best cosmetic surgery available to them, with the best chance of getting the results they want and furthermore all of our surgeons are UK trained, qualified and regulated with a proven longstanding track record in a number of specialist cosmetic surgery procedures.
How to choose your cosmetic surgeon and avoid the risks of inexperience
Naturally, patients may assume that behind the marketing material, before and after pictures and video testimonials, there must lie a skilled and experienced specialist surgeon, this is sometimes not the case which is why regulations must be put in place to rid the industry of those untrained in these specialties, and give the public what they require.
Skilled specialist cosmetic surgeons who are trained and experienced in providing the services required with a proven track record.
For the most part, the only way a patient can tell whether their surgeon is the right one for their given procedure is to see beyond the marketing material and ask the questions that really count.
Is my surgeon registered with the GMC?
The GMC (General Medical Council) is a body that regulates the medical industry in the UK, and works to protect the public and maintain the health and safety of those taking medical treatment or advice.
They operate a well-maintained register that every qualified doctor must register with, and they have a number of standards by which those registered must comply. The register is split into specialties, and you should check whether your surgeon is registered for the plastic and reconstructive surgery specialism, and also that they have undertaken a cosmetic surgery fellowship, as these are not part of standard NHS training.
It should go without saying that an Oncologist, for example, is far from the best choice for performing a decent breast augmentation.
Is my surgeon registered and accredited by UK professional bodies?
Although optional, professional bodies such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetics Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the UK Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (UKAAPS) can be joined by surgeons specializing in the field of Cosmetic Surgery.
Professional and experienced surgeons generally belong to one or all of the above, and this gives some clue as to how qualified and experienced they are. It is worth noting that as with the GMC specialist register the membership application process for these organisations is stringent and belonging is in itself a seal of approval & testament to quality.
It is also worth noting that we can only promote and suggest UK qualified surgeons. The qualifications of cosmetic surgeons in other countries may not be as thorough or difficult to obtain as their UK counterparts.
Is the cosmetic surgeon experienced in MY surgery procedure?
Knowing how many operations your surgeon has successfully completed is one thing, but finding out how many successfully completed operations similar to yours is the key to getting an idea of how well your surgeon will perform.
Remember that often when clinics advertise they will show fantastic results, those results may not be in the hands of the surgeon who you have come to consult with at the clinic!
A summary of questions to ask your surgeon
Your surgeon should never rush or force you into surgery and should be able to fully explain any aftercare or possible risks associated with the surgery as well as the benefits, the surgeon should also be honest enough to explain limitations.
It is a fact that we turn down patients who have unrealistic expectations from the results of their surgery.
Knowing what to ask and how to find the right surgeon for your procedure is not easy, but having cosmetic surgery should never be a quick decision, and if more patients start to ask questions of their prospective surgeons, and the Royal College of Surgeons calls are answered, we could see “botched up bodies” finally, become a thing of the past.
If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some cosmetic surgery treatments FAQs just for you.
If you have more questions, you can use the cosmetic surgery treatment questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.
If you're keen to get started with cosmetic surgery treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited cosmetic surgery clinics in your area.
Thanks to the author of this blog Miles Berry who is a leading consultant Plastic Surgeon for Cosmetic Surgery Partnersm a Clinic based in London.
A favourite with national newspapers and television alike, Miles has given expert opinions to the Daily Mail, The Telegraph, Marie Claire and BBC Radio Four.
He was seen on television as the surgeon to TOWIE’s Chloe Sims (breast augmentation) and MTV’s Lateysha Grace of The Valleys (breast augmentation).
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