Cosmetic surgery: Expert advice on what to do before you go under the knife

MORE OF us than ever are looking into having a wee nip and tuck.

Whether it’s an augmentation, lift, botox jab or hair transplant, cosmetic surgery has never been more mainstream or more popular.

One Scottish clinic saw a 475 per cent rise in hair transplant business between 2013 and last year, a procedure which is attracting more and more men including stars such as James Nesbitt and Wayne Rooney.

In a bid to ensure patients are making the right choice, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons have launched a new awareness campaign, Think Over Before You Make Over.

Cosmetic expert Dr Dennis Wolf is based at the Private Clinic in Glasgow and believes it’s vital that potential patients consider the pros and cons very carefully.

Here are his top 10 tips for people considering a procedure.

1. Research thoroughly

Watch videos of procedures, read stories of people who have gone through it and engage in
conversation on reputable forums. But while there is a wealth of details online, there may be conflicting information so it’s important to verify it all with your potential practitioner.

2. Get to know your doctor or surgeon

Choose a qualified, reputable practitioner for your procedure. Research them thoroughly and find out how long they have been practising, what qualifications they have and which areas they specialise in.

3. Meet your practitioner face to face

It is imperative that you meet the doctor or surgeon who will carry out your procedure before you go ahead with treatment. If you are advised that it is not possible to meet in person with the doctor before your treatment, you should not progress any further. Any
reputable practitioner will demand to meet the patient beforehand. It is also important that you feel comfortable with your practitioner and that you trust them, so meeting them in person is a vital step in this process.

4. Ask to see examples of their work

Seeing photo or video evidence of the results that can be achieved will help you to establish realistic expectations and give you an idea of the capabilities of the doctor. But make sure it is the work of the practitioner and not generic pictures.

5. Assess the risks involved

There are risks associated with every cosmetic procedure, however non-invasive it is. During the consultation process your practitioner should be open with you about potential risks. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, particularly if there is something concerning you or that you do not understand. Any practitioner who claims there are no risks is not to be trusted.

6. Understand the recovery process

Being fully informed about recovery will help you to prepare. Patients often neglect to think about important post-op factors. Is it a walk-in, walk-out procedure? Will you need
assistance leaving the clinic? How should you travel home? What does the post-op care entail? When are the post-op follow-up visits? Your practitioner should discuss these with you in advance.

7. Consult a loved one

Confide in someone close to you. They may raise questions you had not considered. If you want to have a procedure without consulting those around you, that is your choice. But it is a big decision which might be easier with advice and support from a friend or family.

8. Have a cooling-off period

After you have met the practitioner for a consultation, they should advise you to go away and think carefully. Use this cooling-off period to think through your options, do more research and talk to people close to you. If you need more information, ask for a second consultation with the practitioner or consult a second and third practitioner. This will give you other opinions and will help you make a considered, sensible decision.

9. Don’t be swayed by price or advertising

A cosmetic procedure is not something which should be offered at cut price. Cheaper does not necessarily mean better. Focus on the reputability of the practitioner and quality of the treatment. Never let clever marketing or a financial offer encourage you to have a procedure or to pick a certain provider.

10. Don’t try to look like a celebrity

Make sure you are considering a cosmetic procedure for the right reasons. It should not be taken lightly. It is also unrealistic to try and emulate someone else’s results. Everyone is different and cosmetic treatments should take into account and be sympathetic towards the individual’s existing body shape. If someone comes to see me clutching an image of a celebrity, alarm bells ring. Often they will have unrealistic expectations and if that is the case, I will most likely advise they don’t go ahead with treatment.