The Risks That Involved In Cosmetic Surgery

It is all too easy to get carried away by excitement of the prospect of getting a brand new look. However, don't lose sight of the realities of going through a surgical procedure on your face or body. Just because it is called cosmetic doesn't mean that it isn't surgery with all of the risks attached. Remember that any time a surgeon picks up a scalpel, it is real surgery and all surgery includes an element of uncertainty and should be taken seriously. You should be aware of any consequences should it not go as planned.

With any medical procedure there is always a possibility of unexpected – or unwanted – events. No surgeon in the world can give absolute guarantees as to the final results. The ultimate decision to proceed rests with you, the patient. You make an informed choice after the doctor has made a conscientious effort to explain every aspect for the procedure.

Remember that your surgeon has no ethical responsibility to explain all potential complications in detail. So it really is up to you to ask about anything that you don't feel sure about regarding the cosmetic surgery procedure. When you come up with some questions it is important to factor in the variables of your individual health status, age, skin quality, gender and your medical history. This will help your surgeon to be able to give realistic and honest answers to your questions.

The most common reactions to cosmetic procedures are swelling and bruising. These are inevitable after having cosmetic surgery and sometimes even with non-surgical procedures too. Nausea and vomiting are relatively common reactions to anaesthesia. It is usual to be prescribed an antibiotic before and /or after surgery to guard against any infection.

After the procedure, you will be instructed to be on the lookout for signs of infection near the incisions. These might include increased swelling, redness, high fever, warmth, bleeding or other discharge. If you experience unusual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, throbbing, sudden pain followed by significant swelling, report them immediately. You will also be asked to check that your bowels are functioning normally, since constipation is common after an anaesthetic.

Here are some of the risks of reactions to cosmetic Surgery : Swelling (common), Bruising (common), Nausea and vomiting (reaction to anaesthetics and medications), Allergic reaction to anaesthesia, Bleeding, Infection, Haematoma (blood clot), Seroma (collection of fluid), Skin sloughing (skin loss), Nerve damage (temporary injury to nerve), Delayed healing, Poor scarring (raised or thickened scars), Prolonged numbness.

Here Are Some More Serious Complications of Surgery : Pulmonary embolus (blood clot), Fat embolus (fat clot), Permanent nerve damage, Malignant hypothermia (dangerous rise in body temperature), Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat), Sepsis (blood poisoning).

Don't worry unduly. It is highly unlikely that you will develop anything more severe than bruising, swelling or constipation but I hope that I have helped you to see that you must take cosmetic surgery very seriously and know about all of the risks before you go ahead.

Breast Implants ABC

According to the various bodies of plastic surgeons around the world, breast augmentation, or enhancements is consistently the number one cosmetic procedure (followed closely by eyelid surgery). The breast enhancement procedure is performed to increase the breast size and fullness of women with small breasts or whose breasts may have decreased in size after giving birth.

When people think of breast enhancements, they tend to think of Pamela Anderson sized breasts. In reality the average woman usually wants to increase one or two cup sizes. A breast implant is basically a soft, silicone envelope with various fillers. It is surgically implanted under the tissues of your chest to simulate natural breast tissue. The sac may then be filled with a silicone gel-like substance or saline (salt water).

The implants themselves may be round or teardrop shaped with a textured or smooth coating. The newest breast implants on the market are made of a cohesive silicone gel, which is thicker and firmer than previous versions. They offer a much better shape and projection. They are safer too, as they virtually eliminate the risks of rupture and last much longer.

There are a wide variety of implant designs, shapes, sizes and textures. You should discuss with your surgeon the advantages and disadvantages of each of these choices. He will be more than happy to discuss all of your options for breast implants so that you can make a more informed decision about which option is best for you. When you see your surgeon, detailed measurements will be taken to determine the precise design and dimensions of implants to help you to achieve the look you want and suit your body better.

What is involved When you have breast implants?

A breast enhancement procedure is performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision, lifting the breast tissue, creating a pocket in the chest/breast area. He will then place an envelope containing a soft, implant material underneath. The incision is usually made in the crease below the breast or around the areola, sometimes under the armpit or through the belly button.

The implants can be placed either under the chest muscle or directly under the breast tissue. This all depends on your breast anatomy, breast-feeding tissues, lifestyle or indeed your personal preference. You will already have discussed this with your surgeon. One of the key determining factors is whether or not you want to keep your implants a secret as a visible scar on the breast is a certain giveaway that your breast have been enlarged.

Risks And Recovery Times Of Having A Nose Job

As common as nose jobs are, like all operations, there is still an element of risk involved. This article will help you to be able to make an informed decision about whether to decide to go ahead with having your nose reshaped or not.

The Risks
Nosebleeds are very common after Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping procedure). Although unlikely, it is possible to get an infection but a good surgeon and hospital will help to prevent this from happening. Every nose is different and there is no such thing as an absolutely perfect nose. You should expect some irregularities with the cartilage and bone. They are quite normal and are present in all noses.

Don’t be surprised if you have to have a second operation. Corrective surgery might be needed if the nose settles into its new shape incorrectly. If this is the case you will need to wait at least six or twelve months as the tissues will need time to heal properly and for the swelling to have completely disappeared.

The surgeon might also recommend Dermal fillers to be used after the surgery to fill out any subtle defects in the nose.

Recovery Time After The Operation
The surgeon will usually apply a splint to the nose for up to a week after the operation while the bones are setting. The nose may be packed very lightly with medicated gauze but this will removed by the second day.

You may experience nosebleeds and the surgeon will show you how to change the gauze bandages as they get soiled by the blood. It is important to keep the splints and dressings completely dry.

Your internal stitches will slowly dissolve themselves, so you don’t have to be concerned with getting them removed. If you have stitches on the external part of your nose, these will be removed by the end of your first week, most likely at the same time that your splint is removed.

It is very likely that you will experience some swelling, pressure and stuffiness for several weeks after the operation but in most cases you will be able to resume normal activities after only a few days.

You will be advised to keep your head elevated above the level of your heart for the first few days. This is important, as it will reduce the swelling.

If your nasal bones have been fractured, you may bruising around the eyelid area and have bloodshot eyes. Apart from looking as if you have just done 12 rounds with Mike Tyson, this is nothing to worry about. The bruising will usually peak after 72 hours and then will subside within 2 weeks.

You must avoid any contact sports or activity that may cause injury for four to six weeks. During this time the nose will be very tender and it will take at least three weeks before the nose is healed enough to allow full physical activity.

Even simple things like blowing your nose will be affected so try not to blow your nose too forcefully to avoid excessive bleeding. If you wear glasses, these may be taped to your forehead, as the bridge on your nose will not be properly set yet.

Overall, your nose will remain tender for up to twelve months, sometimes longer. It all depends on the thickness of your skin. The thicker your skin, the longer it will be before you eventually see the final shape.

Should You Get A Nose Job?

It is impossible to open up a celebrity magazine these days without seeing somebody who has recently had their nose reshaped to improve their looks. In fact some people change their noses as often as they change their hairstyle. But what are the real facts about nose jobs and if you are considering getting one yourself what should you consider before going ahead?

What Exactly Is A Nose Job?
Nose reshaping, or to give it’s proper title, Rhinoplasty, is a procedure that is used for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Doctors may advise having your nose reshaped if you have difficulty breathing through your nose because of an obstruction or if you have had an accident that affects the nose. However, most people choose to have a nose job because they dislike the shape of their nose.

Here is a list of the most common complaints people have about their noses and why they want to reshape it:
• Their nose might appear too wide when viewed face on
• They feel that their nose is too large for their face
• They feel that their profile is out of proportion because of a long nose
• Some people have a distinct bump on the nasal bridge
• They have a crooked nose and want it straightened
• They feel self-conscious because their nostrils are excessively flared
• The tip of their nose droops downwards or is too thick

Age also can affect the shape of the nose. As you get older the nasal support structures of the nose can relax and cause the shape and position of the nose to change its shape. For example it might appear more bulbous and longer with the tip of the nose eventually drooping.

As the procedures become more common and advanced, it allows the cosmetic surgeon a whole range of options to reshape nose rather than being restricted to simply just reducing the size or shortening the tip.

For example, some noses need to lengthened, augmented or narrowed to achieve the best aesthetic results. Nowadays it is possible to have a much more natural look then 10 or 20 years ago when it was really obvious that a person had had their nose reshaped.

What happens if you decide to have your nose reshaped?
Rhinoplasty is normally performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision inside the rim of the nostrils, and in some cases, on the rim of the nose, to reduce the width of the nostrils.

If you are having an open Rhinoplasty procedure, an incision is made at the base of the nose and the soft tissues are separated from the underlying structures. This is so that the cartilage and bone can be reshaped. If you are having your nose reduced in size, the surgeon may fracture the nasal bones and reset into a narrower position to give the appearance of a smaller nose.

On the other hand, if you are having your nose enlarged or built up in certain areas, grafts of cartilage from the nose, ear, rib and in some cases from your hip will be used. Your surgeon will explain what is involved in situations like this. The skin and soft tissues will then re-drape themselves over the reshaped nasal bones.

If you are experienced breathing problems prior to the operation, these will be corrected by reducing the obstructions and removing the airway. Depending on the technique used by the surgeon, a splint may be placed on the bridge of your nose to hold the tissue in place and to protect your nose.

Risks And Recovery Time For Eyelid Lift Surgery

Eyelid surgery is relatively simple but as with all operations it is not 100% risk-free. Here are few things that you need to consider before opting for eyelid surgery and if you have any concerns about them then your surgeon will be more than happy to discuss the procedures with you:

Potential Risks With Eyelid Surgery
Initially you may experience some minor complications such as temporary double or blurred vision. Some patients complain of a stinging, gritty sensation in the eye as well as excessive watering and even a slight asymmetry in the size and shape.

These are usually temporary and nothing to worry about but more serious, but again normally temporary, some complications can include very dry eyes, problems with closing eyes completely, prominent scars or the drooping of the lower lid.

In nearly all cases these problems rectify themselves after a few days but if the problems persist it may be necessary to have further surgery to correct the problem.

A more severe, but thankfully rare condition is bleeding behind the eye. This is quite serious as it temporarily increases the pressure around the eye and may need a procedure to release the pressure.

There are some medical conditions that can cause complications after eyelid surgery and you will need to discuss them with your surgeon before agreeing to the surgery. The conditions include, dry eyes or lack of sufficient tears, thyroid problems, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. If you suffer from any of these problems, please tell you surgeon about them as they can increase the risk of the problems mentioned earlier.

After The Operation And Recovery Time
How can you expect to feel after the operation? Well, as the anaesthetic begins to wear off your eyelids will feel tight and sore with a possible burning sensation. You will have some swelling for several weeks after the procedure and bruising for at least 10 days.

To speed up the recovery process keep your head elevated with extra pillows above the level of your heart when you are laying down. You might find that using cold compresses and ice packs during the first 48 hours will also reduce the swelling. Your surgeon will also advise your to avoid alcohol. This is good advice as alcohol dries out your eyes, causes fluid retention and significantly extends the time you need to recover.

The fine stitches used for closing up the incision will be removed three to five days after the procedure. You will need to clean the eye area for a week to ten days after the stitches have been removed, as the eyes will become sticky and itchy. In some cases your surgeon might recommend that you use eye drops or an eye lubricant, especially for use at night.

Do not try to wear contact lenses for one to two weeks after the operation. You might feel more comfortable to wear large sunglasses to cover the bruising and as protection against the light and dust because the eye area will be very sensitive to the sun, wind and other irritants for several weeks after the operation.

Your surgeon will explain all of these points to you before you decide to have the operation and will help to allay any fears or concerns that you might have.

Should You Have An Eyelid Lift?

One of the first signs of getting older is droopy or hooded eyelids. In cases like this many people decide to have eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

An eyelid lift can restore the contour to the lids and help get rid of the bags under the eyes. However, it won’t get rid of your wrinkles or crows feet. You will need to have Botox treatment for that.

Generally, droopy upper eyelids and/or puffy lower ones are often genetic and run in families and it affects men as well as women. What happens is that the eyelid skin begins to thin and stretch as we get older and then becomes loose. The muscles around the eyes weaken and the fat pads that cushion the eyeball move forward resulting in saggy eyelids.

Puffiness of the eyes can occur when a fat pad starts to pull away from the bone of the lower eye and begins to sag. Droopy upper eyelids can result in hooding over the eyes as the lids get fuller and heavier.

So if that is happening to you and you are considering having an eyelid lift what can you expect and what is involved?

The procedure itself if relatively simple. It may be performed under a general anaesthetic or ‘twilight’ anaesthesia, which is also known as conscious sedation. This is where you are asleep but not unconscious. This is not as scary as it may sound. In fact, if you are only having eyelid surgery it is likely that you will be admitted as a day patient, using the twilight method, which means that you won’t have to spend a night in hospital.

Lower Eyelid
There are a number of was that the surgeon will perform the operation but the most common method of performing lower eyelid surgery is to make an incision along and under the lower lashes. The surgeon then lifts the skin and muscle to remove a small amount of fat. Excess skin and muscle are then trimmed from the lower lid.

If it is just your lower eyelids that are affected by fatty deposits the fat can just be removed from the inside of the eye without leaving a visible scar.

Upper eyelid
Surgery on the upper eyelid involves making a curved incision across the eyelid crease in the natural skin fold. This follows the shape of your eyelids. The surgeon will draw a line to identify the lower edge of the skin and will then trim it away. Next, the excess skin of the upper eyelid is marked out and this is removed along with any fatty tissue and a thin strip of muscles to give the eyelid crease more definition. The incision is then closed and the scar will be hidden by the natural fold in the upper eyelid.

Operating time will generally be about 1 to 3 hours and as I mentioned earlier you will be released from hospital shortly after it, probably the same day.

All About Breast Lifts And Reductions

A lot of women are unhappy with their breasts and are confused about the kind of operations available. In this article I am going to explain what a breast lift and reduction is, what is involved in the procedure and what the potential risks are.

Breast Lift
A breast lift (or mastopexy) is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape breasts that have sagged as a result of pregnancy, breast-feeding or are just the result of a lack of gravity caused by old age. It can also reduce the size of the areola, which is the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

When it comes to shape and balance, there is no typical type of breast as depends on the woman. As a result some breast lifts may be combined with a breast implant where the size needs to be enhanced or reduced. Your surgeon will discuss this with you when you go for your consultation.

Breast Reduction
If you are having a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), the surgeon will lift the breast tissue and the nipple into a higher more youthful-looking position. He will then remove any excess skin and tissue to reduce the overall size of the breast. The more tissue that is removed, the easier it will be for the surgeon to improve the shape of the breast.

What Is Involved?
Both the breast lift and the breast reduction procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. There are a number of different techniques that can be used depending on the degree of sagging.

The techniques might include:

• Removing excess skin from around the areola as well as from the bottom of the breast

• Tightening of the skin around the breast

• Reshaping the skin to lift the position of the nipple so that the shape of the breast looks more youthful

• Increasing the size of the breast using breast implants for perkier, projected breasts

A good surgeon will reduce the appearance of scars by performing traditional and modified incision techniques. The most common of these is the ‘anchor’ incision. This involves making cuts around the nipple areola, vertically down the breast and horizontally all the way underneath the breast.

The ‘vertical mastopexy’ is often used for many types of breasts and this involves an incision around the nipple with a vertical line down the centre of the breast.

The ‘doughnut’ mastopexy where the surgeon just cuts around the areola is usually just used for women with small breasts that are only mildly droopy. This is so that only a little bit of the skin actually needs to be removed.

What Are The Risks?
Probably the most common risks are the quality of the healing process and your own acceptance of the scars. This could be a problem if you are prone to scarring problems such as keloids, which could result in the scars being lumpy and red for many months.

It is quite rare for bleeding and infection after a breast lift but if in the unlikely event it does happen then you need to seek medical advise immediately as it can cause the scars to widen.

Another possible risk is unevenly positioned nipples and the breast symmetry being out of sync. Some women also complain about the lack of sensation in their nipples after the operation.

If you plan on having babies in the near future and want to breast-feed, then you need to make sure that you mention this to your surgeon before deciding to go ahead with the operation as there is a strong possibility that you may not be able to breastfeed after excisional breast surgery. This is a real concern for any woman and you need to bear this in mind before making your decision.

Implants The Risks You Must Know

What Are The Risks, Effects And Recovery Times Of Breast Enlargements

As the popularity of breast implants grows (no pun intended), it is becoming safer than ever to have a breast enlargement operation. However, no operation is ever without it's risks and you need to be aware of any potential problems. The risks are slim but here is a list of the more common ones:

• Rippling or indentations of the skin
• Implant rupture or leakage and subsequent deflation of the breast implant
• Implant shifting
• Painful hardening and/or distortion of the breast due to scar tissue (capsular contraction)
• Temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipple or breast tissue
• Formation of calcium deposits in surrounding tissue.

Screening Risks

Another thing to consider is that there is some concern over the issue of mammograms, as they have a hard time 'seeing past' cosmetic breast implants. This means that the results may be less reliable. However, these reports have not been confirmed yet and the research is still ongoing but it is another thing that you must discuss with your surgeon prior to going ahead with the surgery.

If you are concerned about this and you have a family history that increases the risks, you may be advised to have a baseline mammogram before surgery. However, this will all depend on your age at the time of surgery and as I mentioned earlier, your family history. Unless, told otherwise, you will continue with your screenings as normal after the surgery.

How Long Will Your Implants Last
It's impossible to predict just how long your implants will last as it could be anything from 6 months to 20 years. However, reports from recent research seem to suggest an average of 16 years.

Implant Removals
Depending on your age when you have your implants placed, you will probably have your implants removed at least once during your life. The reason might be to reduce the size again or to have more implants put in. However, if you are not happy with your implants, it is possible to have them removed at any time you want.

If you have had your implants in place for a number of years, removing them might result in a droopier breast shape but this depends on the size of the implant and the quality of the breast tissue. If they sag too much then it is possible to reshape the breast with a breast lift. The surgeon might recommend some removal of the saggy skin.

Post operation effects and recovery time
You will need somebody to escort you home from the hospital and to provide some general help over the following few days.

Your breasts will be wrapped with a gauze bandage and a surgical bra or elastic band. It is important to keep the dressings dry at all times. You might also have some drainage tubes placed in the incision for a few days to eliminate excess fluid.

After five to seven days, the gauze dressing will be removed and then you may need to wear a non-under-wire support or sports bra. You will need to wear this continually for several weeks. Your breasts will be taped in place. At first they will look firm and swollen, however as the swelling goes down, they will drop into a much more comfortable position and shape.

To speed up the healing process try to avoid stretching and lifting. Minimize your arm movements and raise your elbows no higher than your armpits. Avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and your surgeon may even advise you not to have any kind of sexual activity for a week or longer.

The stitches will finally come out within a week to ten days and then the swelling and bruising will subside over several weeks.

Don't worry about the scars. They will remain pink for several months but the won't be too obvious after that period.

How To Prepare Yourself For Cosmetic Surgery

I know a lot of people who have spent many years planning and saving up for cosmetic surgery. They have been unhappy with a particular part of their body or face for such a long time and suddenly, just before the operation they have dreamt about is about to happen, they start to feel anxious. They are not having second thoughts, they just feel anxious about the procedure ahead of them.

This really is normal. In fact it is to be expected because nobody faces cosmetic surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, without some level of fear and anxiety. Here are some of my suggestions to help alleviate some of the anxiety before your surgery:

Preparation
Preparation, both mentally and physically, in advance of the surgery is very important and will definitely ease some of your anxiety and make the procedure go a lot smoother. If you don’t take the time to prepare then your anxiety levels will be significantly increased.

How Can You Prepare Yourself Before The Cosmetic Surgery?
Be sure to read all of the information brochures given to you by your surgeon. Reading information like this report shows that you are doing your homework and researching on the procedure and what you can expect and will be a great help to you.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or surgeon questions about the procedure and what you should expect. They really won’t mind answering your questions for you. In fact they would be more surprised and concerned if you didn’t have any questions. Write down the questions that they give so that you can digest the information properly in the comfort of your own home where you can feel relaxed enough to consider and take in what they have told you.

Preparation For After The Surgery

I recommend arranging in well in advance a close friend or relative to pick you up after the surgery and be on hand for the next day or so. This may or may not be your partner but whoever it is, make sure that they are calm, capable and won’t stress your out after the surgery. Only you know who this person will be
A month or so in advance start stocking up on health and low-salt food, healthy snacks, ice packs, extra pillows, glossy magazines and entertaining DVD’s. You will be thankful for these after the surgery.

The Night Before
The night before the surgery is the most stressful. You might get a headache because of the stress, or be irritable. You might not get much sleep that night or in some case have high blood pressure because of pre-op nerves.

To try and combat this, start practising some deep breathing techniques, watch a funny movie or just try to relax by pampering yourself with a long, relaxing soak or massage.

Immediately After the Cosmetic Surgery
It is possible that after all of the excitement and anxiety before the operation, you may feel tired and slightly depressed for a few days or weeks after the operation. This won’t be helped by the fact that every time you look in the mirror you might look like you have done a few rounds in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Try to remember that this is just temporary.

The worst period for feeling like this are three days after the operation, especially if you have had general anaesthetic.

However, once the swelling has gone down and you start to see the final results, the euphoria will soon kick in and you will be delighted with the new you.

All of your anxiety will be gone and all of the years you planned and saved for the procedure will be worth it. Your confidence will be rebuilt and you can start living life to the full again.

Cosmetic Surgery Just For You

How To Choose The Right Cosmetic Surgery Treatment

With so many choices around, doing your research is essential when opting for cosmetic surgery. So be honest with both yourself and your doctor to get what’s best for you.

As well as considering factors such as cost and recovery time, for a lot of people, choosing the right treatment or procedure has a lot to do with the inevitable fear factor.

When you do your research you may feel that some procedures are a lot scarier than others. However, that might be a misconception. For example, I know of many people who believe that liposuction is brutal and invasive, while in fact it’s a fairly gentle procedure that leaves tiny scars. A tummy tuck on the other hand, which perhaps sounds a minor procedure, is a much more invasive and risky operation. So try and find our exactly what each treatment entails before making your decision.

Be Sure Of What You Want
It is common practise in cosmetic surgery for the doctor to hand you a mirror at the start of the consultation and ask you to specifically point out what is bothering you. It is your responsibility to communicate your goals at this point. You should be able to explain specifically exactly what it is that you do not like about your face or body. Explain to the doctor what doesn’t look good as it once did and what you want to change or improve and the appearance you hope for at the end of the operation.

To help you, prepare a list of questions, so you don’t forget anything important. It is also a good idea to take notes during the consultation, as they will come in handy later.

Make sure that you ask about the basics of procedures and how they apply to you as an individual.

Another very important point to consider is this: understanding the limitations of procedures is vital to avoid being disappointed. It is no good pointing to a picture of Angelina Jolie and saying that you want to look like that.

The quality of the result is going to depend on many different factors including your skin type, skin elasticity, bone structure, general health, previous surgery to the area and your own healing pattern. Remember, too, that the procedure that’s done wonders for your best friend or work colleague may not be the best for you. If you are realistic from the start then you will avoid bitter disappointment and you will be happier with the results.

Another tip is to bring a list of practical questions, including fees, payment methods and scheduling appointments. A lot of these questions can asked when you speak to the doctor’s secretary or nurse/manager.

Another common mistake from a lot of people considering cosmetic surgery is to zero in on one specific concern, while ignoring something else that really needs attention to achieve a degree of change that is aesthetically pleasing overall. What do I mean? Well for instance, you might be fixating on your eyelids when really your brows need lifting too, or having your neck lifted but missing the little lines ageing your mouth. Your doctor may mention these to you but as I said earlier, it is really up to you to get these points across so that the doctor can give you the best possible results and the cosmetic surgery will live up to your expectations.

Remember that enhancing one feature can cause other features to stand out unflatteringly in comparison, a bit like painting only one wall of a room.

Do your research, prepare well and be realistic. If you keep these points in mind then you will be able to choose the right cosmetic surgery treatment that suits you.

The Right Cosmetic Surgeon , How?

How To Choose The Right Cosmetic Surgeon And What Questions Should You Ask Him?

Somewhere out there, an excellent, reliable doctor or surgeon is waiting to transform you. The trick is finding them. To do that, you need to ask the right questions, in the right places, and then you can go ahead with much more confidence.

There is never just one specialist doctor for any procedure in the world of cosmetic surgery and treatments. There are almost certainly several, sometimes many, practitioners and surgeons who can give you an equally good result.

The best way to find a great cosmetic surgeon is to ask around. Get references and talk to patients who are happy (or unhappy) with their results. Talk to your own doctor or gynaecologist and, if you have access to other doctors, anaesthetists and theatre nurse, ask them too. They are great sources of information because they work within the profession and see the results almost on a daily basis.

Ask beauty gurus and journalists, and collect information from magazines, newspapers and the Internet.

Before scheduling an initial appointment, request brochures, which describe their practise, experience and special interests. Also check their web sites. Most surgeons will charge a fee for the first visit, so ask in advance or look out for things like this in your research. Try to get a short list of two, or preferably three or more surgeons.

Never go with the first or only cosmetic surgeon you see (at least, when it comes to having an operation. A non-invasive procedure doesn’t carry the same risks). Even if you are excited about the first one you meet, and feel very comfortable and confident with him/her, please go to see the others for information and comparison, even if only to confirm your initial impression. Only then are you qualified to choose wisely.

Remember that you should always feel comfortable with the doctor and with their recommendations for your treatment. They should also counsel you to make sure that you are ready to undergo this treatment and understand all the implications and risks. If you don’t like the person, continue with the interview but wait and have another think: certainly don’t commit unless you are sure. Once you decide, get all the fees and hospital costs in writing.

To help you, here are a list of questions that you should ask every surgeon you have a consultation with:

• Have you had any legal action taken against you as the result of surgery you’ve performed, or is there any case outstanding? (You can check this with the General Medical Council).

• What are your qualifications and training?

• How long have you been practising and where?

• What professional bodies do you belong to?

• How many of these procedures have you performed during the last year?

• Can I see pre and post operative photographs of other patients that you have operated on?

• Exactly what do you recommend for me, and why?

• Where will it be performed?

• What kinds of anaesthesia will I have and who will be administering it? (The qualifications and experience of the anaesthetist are as important as those of the surgeon)

• How long will the procedure take?

• Will I need to stay in hospital overnight and where will that be?

• How many incisions will there be and where exactly will they be placed?

• What is the estimated length of time for recovery? Absence from work and overall healing?

• How long do you expect the results to last?

• What results can I reasonably expect?

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Any good cosmetic surgeon will be more than happy to answer them and to put your mind at rest.

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