Visit clinics, meet surgeons and learn about what is available

Many private hospitals and clinics often hold free ‘open days’ or ‘open evenings’ where people can come along and ask questions and see the facilities that the hospital has to offer. Sometimes called things like ‘Cosmetic Surgery Information Event’ or ‘Plastic Surgery Seminar’, each cosmetic surgery open day session will usually focus on a particular subject and include relevant speakers. For example, the cosmetic surgery open day may focus on breast procedures and involve a cosmetic surgeon speaking about why you should choose that hospital for cosmetic breast surgery. There would be a presentation on all aspects of the subject, including breast enlargement, breast uplift and breast reduction, and there may be an opportunity to talk to the consultant after the presentation and discuss any questions you may have. Some events even include contributions from people not directly involved with the hospital, presenters of beauty and well-being TV shows, for example. The cosmetic surgery open event typically takes place in a private and welcoming environment and includes some light refreshments.

What you can learn from an open day

If you have been thinking about cosmetic surgery, gathering information and selecting a reputable and experienced surgeon and hospital is essential. A cosmetic surgery open day provides an ideal opportunity to do this. The aim of the event is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what cosmetic surgery involves. As well as the cosmetic surgeon, you may be able to meet the team of nurses who would be involved in your care, tour the hospital and see demonstrations of the latest treatments. Discussion is not limited to the actual operation, it will cover other essential areas such as how much it might cost and what you should consider before committing to a cosmetic surgery procedure.

As one woman said after attending an event, “I went there with a list of questions and I received answers to all of them. What was really useful, however, was gaining an insight into a number of options and alternatives that I previously didn’t know even existed.”

Of course, as well as what the hospital has prepared for you during the open day, there is also a lot to be gained from meeting and chatting to the other people attending the event. It is an ideal chance to pool information with people in a similar situation to yourself.

What to look out for

Whilst providing an invaluable opportunity for the prospective patient, it should be remembered why the private hospitals make such an effort to put on these events in the first place. Private healthcare is a business and they need to attract customers. This doesn’t mean to say they are trying to trick you in some way, just that they are keen to make their services known to as many people as possible. Although there may be some discounts offered to those attending the open day, there should be no hard sell or pressure exerted. Should there be an opportunity to sign up on the day for a procedure, you should decline and make the decision after some considered reflection in your own time.

As with all businesses, some cosmetic clinics are more persuasive than others. As one woman who attended an open day commented, “It was extremely useful, but I had to resist the temptation of ‘sign up now for 10% discount’ special offers. I just wanted information, and I intend to attend open days at other clinics before making up my mind.”

Finding an open day to attend

As well as cosmetic surgery open days held at the actual place where the procedure will take place, you can attend events at other sites, often more conveniently located. Some are general cosmetic surgery ‘question & answer’ sessions, others go into specific detail about a particular procedure, from initial consultation right through to after care and beyond.

Take a look at our events calendar for an open-day near you.

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