Thinking about plastic surgery in London? Here are a few helpful questions that could be of assistance when speaking with a plastic surgeon.
Should you be looking for advice about a cosmetic, reconstructive or non-surgical procedure, it’s sensible to find a plastic surgeon with recognised training and qualifications within the related speciality and ask how often the operation in question is performed.
A surgeon who performs a broad range of procedures will have different experience than a surgeon who only performs eyelid surgery, for instance. So it may be important to find out how often a tummy tuck after significant weight loss is undertaken by a surgeon if that’s the procedure you are after.
- Ask for reassurance about qualifications and training in relation to the procedure you are wanting.
- How often the procedure is carried out.
- What types of patients are not suited to the procedure?
- Where the procedure will take place.
- Who will see you post-operatively?
Don’t be put off asking questions – a professional practitioner will welcome a comprehensive discussion. Simple, straightforward answers are often more impressive than glossy brochures or over-embellished promises!
Consultation Expectations
The first consultation with your plastic surgeon should be an opportunity for a thorough discussion. It should never feel like a sales pitch or that you are being pressured into having a procedure. If a plastic surgeon offers a discount for agreeing on the day or pushes to secure a deposit, then perhaps this person is not for you.
- Discuss previous operations, medications you take, allergies, nicotine use (click to know more), your healing ability or even your mental health if you wish. These are all factors that can affect safety, anaesthetic planning and healing, so your plastic surgeon should raise them too.
- Find out who will carry out the operation and where it will take place.
- What is included in the fee quoted?
- Will you need to pay for future follow-up appointments?
- Will you need to pay if further operations are required?
Be clear with the surgeon about your wishes, and remember that it may be possible to enhance your features and improve balance and proportion, but it is unlikely to fix all your self-conscious concerns or make you look like someone else!
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Reviewing Procedure Photos
Seeing before and after photographs can be helpful in understanding the skill, experience and style of a particular plastic surgeon in London. It is worth bearing in mind, though, that results can look different taken on different days, at different times of the healing process, posed or positioned differently, or even photographed in flattering light. These are unlikely to show the worst days of healing, difficulties, complications and how these were managed.
Photos are an opportunity to ask questions, though. Try and find images of people with a similar anatomy to you, find out how long after their operation the pictures were taken and whether there could be significant swelling present, and ask about the range of results and possible complications. If the procedure you’re having is non-invasive with minimal commitment (think good skin care!), this level of scrutiny may not be necessary. However, if you are considering an operation that involves time off, significant lifestyle change, sedation or that will change your appearance significantly or even permanently, then do your best to examine results thoroughly.
Surgical Recovery
Everyone heals at a different rate, but healing time after surgery more healing tips at often includes some discomfort, bruising, swelling, restricted mobility, lifestyle restrictions, scarring, time off work, help at home and is never completely linear. Some areas can look amazing and then worse again as swelling in other areas goes down. Final shape and results can take months, so try not to become discouraged. It’s helpful to plan ahead before an operation for lifts to and fro, healthy meals, help with little ones, wound care, supportive garments and even have a backup plan if a friend or family member falls ill and can’t help you.
Potential Risks
This will very much depend on the operation you are considering, and your plastic surgeon will go through this with you. They may include scarring, numbness, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, poor healing, anaesthetic-related risks, and the need for further operations.
If you have concerns about something that happens after surgery, you may also want to ask what would happen if it occurs after normal clinic hours. You want to know who to contact, how the urgency of these situations would be evaluated, and whether your surgeon has an arrangement to see you promptly if something unexpected arises.
Also Read: How Eye Patches Can Give Your Under-Eye Area a Quick Refresh
Appointment Preparation
Before visiting a plastic surgeon for the first time, try and write down:
- your goals
- your medical questions
- your procedure-specific queries
- any healing or result-related concerns.
It may feel like an overwhelming amount of questions, but rest assured that a good plastic surgeon will expect these and welcome the questions. It’s a big decision to undergo any operation, and you should leave feeling reassured about your surgeon’s answers.
