Find Plastic / Cosmetic Surgeons in the United Kingdom
List Your Clinic Today
Most Popular Cities
How to Find a Cosmetic Surgeon in the United Kingdom: A Complete Guide
Opting for reconstructive or cosmetic surgery is a major decision. After all, this decision is life-changing because it can correct a flaw or defect and improve the way you look. In fact, it also changes the way you feel about yourself. Therefore, choosing a cosmetic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make. There are a number of cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom, but it is important to remember that all of them are good ones. No two cosmetic surgeons are the same and you have to do your due diligence in order to make the right choice.
This is due to the fact that cosmetic surgery can have an impact on your appearance and it is not something that can be changed easily over and over again. How do you find a cosmetic surgeon that’s right for you? Here are some of the things you can do to simplify the process:
Get referrals
The first thing you should do is visit your primary care doctor and ask them to give you a referral list for the best cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom. You can also get recommendations from friends, family, and other healthcare providers. Once you have gotten the list, it is necessary that you take the time to research the doctors’ experience and qualifications. This has become easy to do, thanks to the convenience of the internet. When you are narrowing down your list, you should call each cosmetic surgeon’s office to ask if they are taking on any new patients. If they are, you can set up a consult appointment to have a face-to-face interview with the cosmetic surgeon.
Research their credentials
One of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing a cosmetic surgeon is board certification. This certification tells you that the doctor has the necessary skills, training, and experience for performing cosmetic surgery. It is also vital to ensure that the cosmetic surgeon doesn’t have a history of disciplinary actions and malpractice claims. You can do an online search for the cosmetic surgeon’s medical school, certifications, training hospital, and disciplinary and malpractice history.
Consider the surgeon’s experience
When you are considering cosmetic surgery, the experience can make a world of difference. It is a fact that cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom who have more experience in a certain procedure are more likely to provide you better and expected results. This experience allows the cosmetic surgeon to prevent any surgical complications and recognize them promptly, should they occur.
When you speak to the cosmetic surgeon, you should ask them about the number of patients they have treated with their specific condition or have performed the specific procedure you want. Ask how many times the doctor has performed the procedure and the complication rates i.e. the complications encountered by the doctor. Also, question them about the risk of complications in your case.
Don’t forget gender
You need to ensure that you are comfortable with the cosmetic surgeon’s gender because you will have to discuss personal information openly. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, your own gender can also be an important consideration. Traditionally, cosmetic surgery was focused more on female patients, but men have also begun seeking its benefits, but their needs tend to be different. You should talk to the cosmetic surgeon about their recent experience and training specifically related to your gender and condition.
Check the hospital quality
The doctor’s hospital is your hospital. Thus, you need to consider the quality of care that’s provided at the hospital where the cosmetic surgeon treats their patients. Hospital quality is important because the best cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom will be found at the top-rated hospitals and their patients tend to have better survival rates and fewer complications. Furthermore, the location of the hospital can also be important. You want the location to be convenient in case you need to go to the hospital for treatments and tests.
Evaluate the surgeon’s communication style
There are numerous cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom, but your priority should be finding one with whom you can talk comfortably and who can provide you with proper information. When you first meet the cosmetic surgeon, ask them a question, and see how they respond. Do they welcome your questions and answer them to your satisfaction? Do they give you options according to your personalized needs and preferences? Are they willing to show you the before and after pictures of their work? Look for a cosmetic surgeon who is interested in getting to know you, who will take your treatment preferences into account and will respect and understand your decision-making process.
Go over patient reviews
You want to be fully confident in your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. Reading what other people have to say about a cosmetic surgeon can give insight into how they practice, the kind of services they render and if they are as good as they claim to be. Not all cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom will have positive reviews. Patient reviews are a reflection of a patient’s experience with waiting times, scheduling appointments, office staff friendliness, and the general office environment. They can tell you how much patients trust the doctor, how much time the doctor gives to their patients, and how well they answer questions.
Understand your insurance coverage
One practical matter that requires your attention is insurance coverage. To avail the most insurance benefits and to pay as little out of your pocket as possible, you may have to opt for a cosmetic surgeon that falls in your plan. If your insurance doesn’t cover your procedure, you should talk to the cosmetic surgeon about costs. It is best to be upfront about the expenses involved so you can avoid any surprises later on.
No matter how you pay for your surgery, you should still consider outcomes, experience, credentials, and hospital quality when considering cosmetic surgeons in the United Kingdom.
