By: Stuart and Lindsey McKirdy
Created on 07th June 2010
Planning to have cosmetic surgery can be daunting, especially if you don't know what to expect. Here, husband and wife team Stuart and Lindsey McKirdy talk you through the process, from initial consultation through to aftercare
The most important part of your whole cosmetic surgery process is the initial consultation, which should always be with a surgeon, not a salesperson. In our practice, we always ensure that Lindsey or another nurse is present during consultation, as this can help to make you more at ease.
This is an opportunity to get to know your surgeon, and - crucially - for the surgeon to get to know you and find out what you are hoping to gain from the procedure. It might be that your expectations are unrealistic, in which case the surgeon should explain what is and is not achievable and you can then decide whether surgery is indeed for you.
A good surgeon will not operate if he feels the surgery will not be of benefit to you, either physically or psychologically.
It is sometimes useful to bring a friend or relative with you for this initial meeting, as you will be offered a lot of information and it can be difficult to take everything in. It is also reassuring to have thoughts and opinions from someone you know and trust, but always remember that the operation is for you and not for anybody else.
You should expect to be asked questions about your medical history, allergies, smoking and alcohol consumption as well as any medication you are currently taking, as these can all have an impact on the surgery.
After the consultation, there should be no pressure to book the surgery date straightaway, or indeed at all. You should be given time to go away and think about it, consult with friends and family, and do your own research.
In our practice Lindsey is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have, right up until the time of the operation, or until you decide that surgery is not right for you.
Remember, this is your operation and you should be in control, not the hospital or surgeon. If you change your mind do not feel pressurised into having something done that does not feel right.
By the time you come to set a date for the operation, you should be fully aware of everything involved in the surgery, and anything you need to do at home in preparation - for example, if you smoke, you need to stop for at least two weeks before and after the operation.
Aftercare is a crucial part of the recovery process. All surgery carries an element of risk - as your surgeon should have made clear to you at the consultation - and so it is important to ensure that you are able to return to the clinic or hospital easily in the unlikely event that there are any complications after you have been discharged.
You should be allowed to remain in hospital until you feel safe and comfortable to return home, and your surgeon or one of his team should check up on you regularly to make sure there are no complications.
We make sure that all systems are in place to ensure a comfortable recovery after surgery and Stuart will continue to see you as many times as necessary after the operation, at no extra cost to yourself.
After breast augmentation surgery, we offer free annual breast examination for life. The most important thing with any surgical operation is that you have confidence in your surgeon and that you have been fully appraised of all the risks, benefits and downtime associated with the operation.
When performed correctly, any cosmetic surgery can and should
be a life-enhancing experience.
For more information on Stuart and Lindsey McKirdy and a full list of all procedures offered, call 0800 533 5440, email lindsey@stuartmckirdy.com or visit www.stuartmckirdy.com.
