How to find the best plastic surgeon in three easy steps.
Step one - check qualifications and experience
Searching for a plastic surgeon can be stressful, especially when you are looking online. Numerous plastic surgery websites, allow self-verification and paid advertising and most people take it for granted that the plastic surgeons listed, have the appropriate qualifications and experience. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case, any surgeon can promote themselves as a cosmetic or aesthetic surgeon without having received any specialist training. This is why it is essential to check the plastic surgeon you have chosen is registered with the appropriate governing bodies.
Checklist for UK plastic surgeons
Qualifications and experience All consultants should be registered with the GMC which will also record any fitness to practice restrictions. Plastic surgeons should also be on the specialist register which is indicated by the letters FRCS(Plast) which means they have completed a further 6 years of specialty training, exclusively in Plastic Surgery. https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/the-medical-register#searchTheRegister
Memberships to professional bodies
BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) http://www.bapras.org.uk/home/find-a-member Full Members must
• Have their name on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgery of the General Medical Council as a plastic surgeon and hold a Certificate of Completion of Training or CESR in Plastic Surgery in the United Kingdom;or • Hold any registration or certificate equivalent to the above in the Republic of Ireland • These requirements may be waived by Council in exceptional circumstances BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) https://baaps.org.uk/patients/surgeons/default.aspx Full Members must • Have their name on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgery of the General Medical Council as a plastic surgeon and hold a Certificate of Completion of Training or CESR in Plastic Surgery in the United Kingdom;or • Hold any registration or certificate equivalent to the above in the Republic of Ireland • Hold or have held a substantive post within the NHS or have been a BAAPS Provisional Member for a minimum of two years • Be nominated by a proposer and seconder, who are both full members of BAAPS working in different units.
IAPS (Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons) https://www.plasticsurgery.ie/find-a-surgeon/ Full Members must • Have their name on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgery of the General Medical Council as a plastic surgeon and hold a Certificate of Completion of Training or CESR in Plastic Surgery in the United Kingdom;or • Hold any registration or certificate equivalent to the above in the Republic of Ireland
IPRAS (International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) https://www.isaps.org/member-directory/ Full Members must • Maintain active membership in the national society of plastic surgery in the country where they practice • Must be sponsored by two active or life ISAPS members and must adhere to a rigorous review process, which includes a seven-year practice history beyond graduation from medical school
Step two - Check the clinic or hospital
You can check the clinic or hospital with the QCC (quality care commission) https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/services-we-regulate/find-hospital https://www.cqc.org.uk/what-we-do/services-we-regulate/find-healthcare-clinic
The four ratings that the QCC give:
- Outstanding - the service is performing exceptionally well
- Good - the service is performing well and meeting our expectations
- Requires improvement - the service is not performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve
- Inadequate - the service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it
Step three - Ask your plastic surgeon the right 20 questions
Once you have established your plastic surgeon has the appropriate experience and qualifications, you need to be sure they are the best plastic surgeon for the procedure(s) you are considering. Below are the 20 questions you should ask during your consultation.
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When did you start performing this procedure?
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How will you perform the procedure, do you use any specific surgical techniques or methods?
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How many procedures have you performed in the last 12 months?
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What percentage of your patients needed a second procedure?
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What are the risks and complications?
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What charges will I incur if I am not satisfied and want a secondary procedure?
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Over the past 12 months how many patients have needed a second procedure?
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Can I speak with you again before the procedure if I have any queries or concerns?
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Do you work with the same anesthetist for all procedures and what qualifications do they have?
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Will I need a local or general anesthetic?
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Where will the procedure be performed?
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What happens if I need to go to/stay in the hospital longer than normal?
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What happens if I need intensive care?
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How many of your patients over the past 5 years have needed intensive care after a surgical procedure and which procedure was it?
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Has anyone you have performed surgery on died and if so what was the cause of death?
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Are there any additional charges I need to be aware of?
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If I become ill when I am at home can I call a private ambulance to take me to the hospital?
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Will there be any charges if I am readmitted to hospital?
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How long is aftercare available after my procedure?
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How can I access aftercare or revision surgery if you retire or are no longer able to perform surgery?
You should never feel pressured to book a procedure at a consultation, an ethical plastic surgeon will always give you time to think about all the information. Prior to making your final decision, it is advisable to take a few days to read all the information, consider the risk and ensure you are confident you know everything about the procedure before you book your surgery