Cosmetic Surgery Checklist For Men

The five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures for men in the UK during 2006 were rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, liposuction, ear correction or otoplasty and face / neck lift

Are you considering having cosmetic surgery?

Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) says, "Patients can be lured in by inexpensive prices and unrealistic claims, thinking that they are getting a bargain, but actually putting their health at risk." In response BAAPS offer a simple four point checklist based around the SURE acronym:

S: Check your surgeon's credentials and qualifications: your cosmetic practitioner should be a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), and have furthered specialised studies in plastic surgery. Check that they are on the GMC specialist register, and are a member of BAAPS, or a suitable professional organisation.

U: Make sure you understand whats involved, and that you are informed about the potential risks of each procedure, be it surgical or non-surgical. You should be advised of where this will take place. It should be in a supervised medical facility, not someone's front room, hotel or at the hairdresser's.

R: You should be clear about the process of recovery, and what the long-term implications are of any cosmetic treatment. You need to understand the nature of the recovery time required and after-care options.

E: Most important of all, make sure you thoroughly review your expectations. It is essential that your hopes be compatible with what can actually be achieved. A patient who has a personal desire for, and is able to identify, specific, realistic goals for aesthetic enhancement is likely to be a suitable candidate - but someone who thinks the procedure will magically change their life may not be right for surgery.