How to select the right cosmetic surgeon for the job

Before you select a cosmetic surgeon or agree to undergo an operation, it is important that you are fully informed about the clinic and the surgeon, as well as the procedure. As one prospective cosmetic surgery patient put it, “If I was buying a new car I’d shop around and do my research, so why not do the same for my new boobs!”

Choosing a cosmetic clinic

The first step on the path to finding a suitable surgeon could start with finding a suitable clinic. You can either select your clinic or hospital via your GP, or make appointments and shop around yourself. Choose a clinic that is registered with, and regularly inspected by, the Healthcare Commission and ask to see their HCC Registration Certificate. The surgeons may also be members of accredited organisations: BAAPS (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons).

The Healthcare Commission Private and Voluntary Healthcare Directorate holds the register of all private clinics and hospitals that are registered to provide cosmetic surgery in England. It carries out inspections each year to make sure they comply with national minimum standards, including on the quality of the services that they provide. The latest inspection report can be requested from the hospital or clinic. The Scottish Executive has produced Standards for Specialist Clinics in Scotland, including those offering cosmetic surgery.

All cosmetic surgery clinics and hospitals are required to provide a Patient's Guide, this details the services they offer, the cost, as well as information on making comments, complaints or suggestions. You should, therefore, request a copy of the Patient’s Guide from the clinic or hospital that you are dealing with.

When you book a consultation with your chosen clinic, make sure you are going to see the actual cosmetic surgeon who will be carrying out the operation. Some clinics will try to arrange a meeting with a sales person, others may suggest that you meet one of their 'counsellors'. Also, make sure that you are satisfied with the answers the surgeon has given to your questions. If you are offered an exact price for the procedure before a full consultation, be suspicious. Your surgeon will need to have an in-depth consultation with you before being able to provide you with a precise cost for the procedure. And finally, when you are sat in the waiting room, look out for the clinic’s complaints policy. This should be on public display in the waiting room. If it isn’t, ask to see it.

Ask questions

As well as using your initial consultation to find out more about your procedure, it is your surgeon’s responsibility to provide you with any information you require – so don’t be shy about asking questions. For example, clarify their basic qualifications for carrying out the procedure:

• Do you have any additional certification/qualifications that make you more skilled in performing this operation than a ‘general’ plastic surgeon, such as the Specialist Register?
• Are you a member of any professional bodies, such as BAAPS (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons)?

It is essential to check the surgical experience of the surgeon you are considering.  Do they specialise in the procedure in which you are interested in?

• What kind of operations do you normally carry out?
• What experience do you have of performing this type of cosmetic surgery?
• How many of these operations do you carry out each year? 
• What are your success rates for this operation?
• What proportion of complications do you experience with this kind of operation?

Testimonials can give you some insight into the surgeon's ability. ‘Before and after’ images are useful, though you must remember that they are not a guarantee of the result you will achieve – every patient and every procedure is unique.

• Can I view some ‘before and after’ images?
• Can I speak to any previous patients that have undergone this procedure?

As well as the procedure itself, check that the clinic offers suitable aftercare once the procedure has been completed, especially if there are complications.

• Will you provide me with a 24-hour number for assistance after surgery?
• What is the clinic's re-do policy should it be necessary for the operation to be done again?

Take a look at our guide "Your First Consultation" for examples of other questions you can ask.

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