By: James Murphy
Created on 16th February 2010
Mr James Murphy, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and full member of both BAAPS and BAPRAS, explains the importance of researching your surgeon thoroughly before embarking on a potentially lifechanging course of action
The popularity of cosmetic surgery has grown rapidly in recent years and it is no longer the preserve of the wealthy. With alluring articles and programmes featuring regularly in the press and on TV, you could also be forgiven for thinking that it is as straightforward as arranging a day at a health farm.
Of course, if you're unhappy about an aspect of your appearance, cosmetic
surgery can often bring a real improvement and boost your self-confidence.
However, it won't give you a new personality or instant happiness. So before
you proceed, take some time to think through what you want to achieve from the treatment.
I am constantly seeing the appalling results and complications from patients going to under-qualified surgeons, or travelling overseas.
Cosmetic surgery is very challenging work and getting a good result requires a good personal relationship with your surgeon to make the right decisions before your operation, as well as close monitoring and care afterwards.
My advice to anyone considering cosmetic surgery would be to make sure your surgeon is fully qualified; check the BAAPS (www.baaps.co.uk) or BAPRAS (www.bapras.co.uk) websites as well as the GMC to see if they are on the Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery.
Look at the set up of the practice and ask specific questions about the surgeon's experience in the field. It is important to know how you will be looked after during your recovery and meet your surgeon at least twice, for at least an hour, before undergoing any procedure. There are a lot of unscrupulous companies in the cosmetic surgery market, so don't be influenced by the hard sell.
Above all, make sure you like your surgeon - good people make good surgeons! Your nstincts are the best weapon you have.
Mr Murphy runs a comprehensive, discrete practice based at the Spire Hospital in Manchester. His Consulting Rooms at the hospital offer relaxed stateof the-art facilities for patient consultations, sophisticated medical photography, dressing changes and suture removal.
His Practice Manager, Sue Hinchcliffe, can be contacted on 0161 232 2670 or by email at sue@jamesvmurphy.com.
Alternatively you canvisit www.spirehealthcare.com/manchester to find out
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