BAAPS Consumer Safety Guidelines

With the popularity of aesthetic surgery increasing in the UK, and a rise in the number of commercial clinics offering procedures, it is more important than ever for patients to be given access to all the necessary facts about what surgery entails, and advice on how to choose a reputable and properly qualified surgeon like a BAAPS surgeon.

1. Make your own decisions: It’s vital to remember that the only person who can really decide whether you want to go ahead with aesthetic surgery is YOU. However, you do need to get input from a specialist to understand what is possible and suitable for your body, and what the associated risks and benefits might be to make an informed decision.
    

2. Do your research: Anyone considering an aesthetic procedure should ensure they are informed enough to understand the limitations and risks of any procedure. Remember, no procedure is 100% risk free and no surgeon can give a 100% guarantee of the results. Before any consultation do your research and take questions with you to get the most from your appointment. Detailed guides to many of the common aesthetic surgery operations can be found in our Procedures section.
    

3. Ask the right questions: Make sure you know what will happen at every stage of your surgery, including pre-operative assessments, the day of surgery, level of aftercare included and details of your total recovery time and any follow up consultations that may be needed.

   It’s important to understand how long your results may last and whether there is any chance of further procedures being needed in the future.

   As it is very important to understand as much as you can about the procedure, your consultant and the risks associated. Write down your wishes and concerns, along with any questions that you want to ask your surgeon so you don't forget them. The list could include the following questions:

   • What care can I can expect post operation?
   • Who will look after me?
   • How long will I need to be home/off from work for recovery?
   • What happens if something goes wrong?
   • What if I'm not pleased with the result?
   • How much will it cost, including my aftercare?
   • Will it cost extra to have further treatment if something goes wrong?
     
     See a checklist from the Royal College of Surgeons here. 
      
4. Know your surgeon: Check that your consultation is with the actual surgeon who will carry out your operation, clinic managers and nurses should not be your only point of contact before your surgery. Meeting your surgeon face-to-face gives you the opportunity to ask them personally about their qualifications and experience of carrying out your specific procedure. Also, don’t be afraid of asking to speak to former patients as this is an ideal way to get honest feedback on a procedure and the surgeon. The BAAPS can help you find a reputable surgeon in your area – click here to visit our ‘Find a Surgeon’ section.
    
5. Check surgical credentials: Many practitioners can claim to be experts, displaying impressive sounding qualifications in upmarket clinic offices, but it’s worth checking their credentials closely. A specialist Plastic Surgeon should have the FCRS (Plast) qualification and should be listed on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons with the General Medical Council. Click here to search the GMC register online.
    

6. Beware of pressurising selling and marketing techniques. Any marketing or selling technique which financially or temporally traps the patient into proceeding with surgery should be avoided, these include booking fees and non-refundable advance payments made prior to careful consideration and time for reflection. A patient’s decision to proceed with surgery should be free of incentive. If the consultation is free, ensure it is not twinned with pressure to book or pressure to pay a deposit. Read fully and consider carefully fee payments terms and conditions in advance of committing to treatment including refund and cancellation policies. You should expect a 2 week cooling off period following your consultation to consider your options.
    

7. Make it positive: The psychological benefits of aesthetic surgery should not be underestimated.  Opting for aesthetic surgery is often about making the patient feel better about themselves, or giving them more confidence, and in the hands of a good surgeon this should be safe, stress free and positive experience. The BAAPS is all about empowering patients by providing the right knowledge to help them make good choices, whilst also ensuring Members are adhering to high standards of practice and continuously improving their skills through ongoing training in the latest innovations in aesthetic surgery.
    
8. Be comfortable: Make sure you feel comfortable with the organisation, surgeon and clinic you have chosen and get a second opinion if necessary. If you feel pressured to book a procedure, or are not satisfied with the information being provided to you, then it is advisable to walk away. A reputable surgeon will never apply a time limit to booking a procedure, withhold key information or try to upsell you into additional surgery.
    

9. Get the timing right: Unless the circumstances are exceptional, it is advisable to avoid surgery if you have recently experienced major life events such as moving house, changing job, losing a loved one, the break-up of a relationship or the arrival of children. Undergoing aesthetic surgery results in emotional changes as well as physical ones, so it’s wise to choose a time when there aren’t other stressful events going on in your life.
    

10. Think about location: Give careful consideration to travelling long distances or overseas for any surgery. You need to be 100% comfortable with the arrangements for travel, aftercare, and the management of any problems or complications which might arise. Often travel insurance will not cover you for treatment or extra nights in hospital arising from an elective aesthetic procedure so it can easily become much more costly than expected.
     

11. Talk to your GP: Your GP can offer you unbiased advice on aesthetic surgery as they have no vested interest in your decision, and are only focused on your welfare. Many doctors are happy to advise patients and not be judgemental, so provide the ideal sounding board for a subject that many people can feel sensitive and vulnerable about. Your GP may also be able to discuss the functional, psychological and social benefits to the procedure you are seeking.
     

12. You can always change your mind: Hopefully everything will go smoothly in the run-up to your operation, but remember you have the option to cancel right up until the time you go to sleep for surgery. The fundamental reason for the surgery is to make you feel better about yourself, and if this is compromised, surgery should not proceed. Patients will be informed of any cancellation charges and non-refundable deposits when finalising your pre-treatment consent process. 
     

13. Use your common sense: Don’t be tempted by special offers or rushed into making your decision for a quick surgery slot. As a rule, anything that seems too good to be true probably is! There is no ‘one size fits all’ with aesthetic surgery, each case should always be evaluated individually, considering the medical history and current health of the patient alongside other factors such as age and emotional state.
    It is essential to have friend and family emotional support throughout your journey and not do this alone.  
     

14. Take Your Time: Remember that undergoing surgery is a serious commitment. It is perfectly acceptable to take as much time as you need after an initial consultation to make a final decision.

    A surgeon might recommend two consultations before booking a procedure, allowing you enough time to think it through, discuss it with your family and friends, and to ask any new questions that may crop up after your first meeting.
    
    Read the following document from the Royal College of Surgeons if you are thinking about having Plastic Surgery.