Last Word

By: Douglas McGeorge
Created on 05th October 2010

Leading plastic surgeon and former president of BAAPS, Mr Douglas McGeorge offers some food for thought

Cosmetic treatments, carried out well, can add enormously to the quality of life; not only adding to the physical well being but improving the psyche and adding to personal confidence. Carried out badly they can prove disastrous.

The impact of programmes, such as The Ugly Face of Beauty, have served to further emphasise the importance of seeking cosmetic treatments in good reputable centres, from experienced, well qualified clinicians.

The phrase caveat emptor (let the buyer beware), is one that should never be associated with professional care, but in a world where marketing dominates, patients, more than ever, need to be fully informed.

These are procedures of choice, carried out to change or improve appearance. With treatments of choice it is even more important that patients fully understand the limitations of what can be achieved. We are bombarded with glossy images promoting improvements, to sell surgical services, but they may not always be in your interest.

Failings in care fall into three areas; failings in the consultation process, failings in the surgery and, just as important, failings in the follow-up process.

Proper consultation, with examination, is vital to achieve good results and happy outcomes. It should always be carried out by the surgeon and not by a third party. You must understand what bothers you so that treatments are based on your needs, making sure that your aspirations can be matched by surgical interventions.

The surgeon must discuss the limitations and possible complications of treatments. Never be rushed into decisions, do not be seduced into special offers and do not proceed with treatment if at all uneasy with the clinician or treatment facility.

It should go without saying that your doctor is properly trained and experienced in the surgery you are undergoing. It is easy when you choose to consult a specific surgeon, based on their experience or reputation, but often approaches are made through hospitals or clinics.

Do not assume all surgeons are equal or that having experience in one field makes them experienced in all. Do not feel embarrassed about asking important questions.

If seen away from the treatment centre, do ask about the facilities where treatment will take place. No one goes on holiday without knowing about the hotel. It should be no different with surgery.

Remember, the training and experience of your surgeon will make the difference between a beautiful and a mediocre result. Proper follow-up after surgery is as important as the surgery itself. Whilst good surgeons have few problems, all surgery carries the risk of complications and these must be managed.

Many of the causes of patient unhappiness stem from poor follow-up. Complications poorly managed can turn a hiccup into a disaster. Make sure you know where to go if you have concerns. Your treatment facility should have 24-hour cover.

If you travel abroad for surgery, the provision of proper aftercare is even more important. Do not assume the NHS will pick up the pieces from surgery gone wrong. What seems like a bargain can turn into a financial nightmare.

With proper counselling and careful treatment, cosmetic surgery can have a powerful, positive impact on your life. It is important to find a properly trained clinician, practicing in the right environment.

Procedures should be for your benefit, to improve the quality of your life. They can be life changing and must be properly considered.