Undergoing cosmetic surgery can be an exciting and life-changing experience. In many cases, it is a much-needed confidence and self-esteem boost.

It is therefore understandable that you will want to enjoy the results of your cosmetic procedure for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are steps you can follow to ensure your results last.

So how can you maintain your cosmetic surgery results?

Exercising

This is particularly important if you have had a body contouring procedure including liposuction. Unfortunately, having a body contouring surgical procedure doesn’t mean you can stop looking after your body.

If you avoid exercising after having liposuction, you may find you will gain weight again. While you will not gain weight in the areas which you had treated by liposuction, the areas that were not treated are still susceptible to weight gain.

Directly after the procedure, you will need to take it easy with exercise and make sure you get plenty of rest. However, once you have fully recovered, you should aim to incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day into your routine.

Healthy diet

As well as exercise, you need to make sure you stick to a healthy diet in order to avoid post-op weight gain. We recommend avoiding foods that are high in sugar and processed fat. Instead, make sure to include fruit, vegetables, grains and lean protein into your diet.

If you’re not sure exactly what you need to eat, your surgeon may be able to help you figure out what to eat to speed up your recovery and maintain your results.

Skin care

This is something you should follow regardless of whether you had surgery. However, this is particularly important if you had laser treatments or facial rejuvenation.

Taking care of your skin will even help to minimise the appearance of scars if you had an incision. Make sure you keep your skin moisturised and cleansed. This will help to ensure not only will you continue to enjoy the results of your procedure, but you will continue to look youthful and rejuvenated.

Sun protection

After you’ve had a surgical or laser procedure, you will be advised to avoid excess sun and heat exposure. Getting sunburnt can damage and age your skin. It can cause problems with scars such as pigmentation.

When you are going out in the sun, make sure to apply a high SPF sunscreen to help protect your skin. Consider wearing longer clothing or wearing a hat to help prevent as much sun exposure to the face.

There are numerous benefits to applying sunscreen before going outside. Sunscreen helps to block against the suns radiation and can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines in the skin, as well as blotchy skin. Applying sunscreen will also help to protect the collagen, keratin and elastin in the skin.

Follow the surgeon’s instructions

During your consultation and after your procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions which you need to follow to have the best post-op recovery period possible. Depending on what surgery you had, you may need to wear compression garments, avoid bathing or avoid exercising and heavy lifting. There may even be medications which you need to take (such as antibiotics) or medications you will need to avoid.

Not following these instructions can cause complications to occur. Make sure to always follow the instructions the surgeon and the medical team give you. If you have any problems, you will be encouraged to contact the surgeon for clarification or return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment.

During adolescence, it is normal to experience insecurities. During this period the body is changing and growing and many concerns and dislikes can arise. When you’re still in school, it is very easy to compare yourself to others and dislike something about your own appearance or consider that something is wrong with how you look. This is in addition to images which are consumed through social media, television and advertisements.

While some teenagers will come to accept their bodies, others will start to consider undergoing plastic surgery. This can often be shocking and concerning for parents who hear their teenager wishes to have plastic surgery.

So what should you do when your teenager wants plastic surgery?

Don’t be dismissive

It’s very easy to listen to a child and simply say “no” to their requests. However, this won’t make the problem go away and can even cause the child to want plastic surgery even more. Instead, it is better to have an open dialogue with your daughter or son. This way you can discover the actual cause of why they want to undergo plastic surgery and whether or not this is something you will be supportive of them pursuing.

Some teenagers may have conditions such as Poland’s Syndrome, which will not change without surgical intervention. Others may have experienced an injury which has altered their appearance. However, others may wish to undergo surgery without realising that part of their body looks completely normal the way it is.

Find out why they want surgery

During a consultation, a surgeon will ask adults why they want plastic surgery. This is a question you should ask your teenager too. Your teenager may be feeling insecure and dislike their looks. Others may be experiencing bullying about a certain body feature. Some may be experiencing pressure from a partner; others may be wishing to copy a social media influencer or a celebrity. Have a conversation with your teenager to find out the exact cause of why they want surgery.

Surgery will not solve everything

It is important that your teenager understands that surgery may not be the magical cure to their problems. For some people, plastic surgery is a much-needed confidence boost and allows them to be much happier with their lives. However, if there are other underlying reasons for wanting the surgery, they might not go away after the procedure. If your child is being bullied, this may not stop once the surgery has been completed. It may be worth discussing this and ensuring your child fully comprehends this before they decide they actually want to go ahead with cosmetic surgery.

Gynaecological procedures

Demand for procedures such as labiaplasty or vaginoplasty is reportedly on the rise amongst teenagers. These procedures are generally popular with women who have undergone pregnancy and childbirth.

During puberty, the body will be growing, and the labia and vagina are no exception to this. The external genitalia has many different sizes and shapes, and in most cases, this is no cause for concern. Many women will not actually reach maturity until they are in their 20s. As a result of this, plastic surgeons will rarely agree to perform gynaecological procedures on someone who is under 18. Operating on someone who is under 18 years old can cause negative consequences in the future, including painful intercourse, scarring, loss of sensation and unhappiness with the appearance of the genitalia.

If your daughter is below 18 years old and is particularly concerned you may wish to take her to a gynaecologist or a GP before booking an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon.

Wait until they are 18

Is your child is still sure they want to go ahead with a cosmetic surgery procedure? Most surgeons within the United Kingdom will not offer surgery to anyone under 18. When your teenager turns 18, you may wish to book consultations and attend with them. The surgeon will be able to assess your teenager and decide whether or not they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. The surgeon will consider whether your child has body dysmorphic disorder or has any mental health problems. Attending a consultation will give you the opportunity to ask any questions and may help you to be supportive if your child is suitable for surgery.

Centre for Surgery only offers procedures to patients who are over 18 years old. Those who are interested in finance options will need to be at least 21 years old.

Prior to undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, your surgeon will advise you to stop consuming any alcoholic beverages. Most procedures will require you to stop drinking at least 48 hours prior to surgery and to avoid drinking alcohol during your recovery period.

But why exactly shouldn’t you drink alcohol before and after surgery?

Alcohol consumption prior to and after surgery can cause numerous complications. This includes:

1. Complications with the anaesthetic

If you are having an invasive procedure, you will be given a general anaesthetic. At Centre for Surgery, this is known as ClearSleep™. Prior to surgery, the anaesthetist will need to estimate the correct dosage to give you. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of the anaesthetic; if you have been drinking, the anaesthetist may not have given you enough sedatives.

If you have been drinking, the anaesthetist and the surgeon have the right to cancel your surgery, as they may consider it to be too unsafe to proceed.

2. Blood-thinning

If you are undergoing an invasive procedure, chances are there will be some blood loss. To avoid excessive blood loss, it’s particularly important that your blood clots as it normally does. However, alcohol acts as a blood thinner and will impact how effectively your blood can clot. This can cause serious problems, particularly if something does go wrong during your procedure.

This can also cause problems after your procedure. Invasive procedures will involve an incision which will take time to heal after surgery. Having alcohol in your system can result in the wound not healing properly, which can lead to further complications, such as scarring or wound infection.

3. Drying your skin

Many people choose to undergo facial and skin procedures to help turn back the clock and rejuvenate their face. It’s important to keep in mind that all your hard work to look younger can be undone by alcohol. Alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, can cause your skin to dehydrate and dry out. If your skin is too dry, cracks may even appear. This not only makes you look older than you are but can also cause complications for the surgeon during your procedure. To achieve the best results, it’s best to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and avoid any alcohol before and after your surgery.

4. Increases swelling

After surgery, it is understandable that you want to see the results of your procedure as soon as possible. Unfortunately, most invasive cosmetic procedures will result in swelling, and you will have to wait for that to subside before you are able to see the final results. If you have been drinking prior to your surgery, or you decide to drink during your recovery period, you may notice that you will have increased swelling. This means that your recovery period will be longer, and in some cases, increased swelling can cause physical pain.

5. Alcohol doesn’t mix with medication

Following your procedure, you may be given pain medication or even antibiotics. Alcohol can not only reduce the effectiveness of these medications but can also result in dangerous side effects, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, fainting, loss of coordination, breathing difficulty or even heart problems. Make sure you are finished taking any medication before you decide to start consuming alcohol again.

6. The recovery will be longer

Most people will want to have the shortest recovery period possible. During the recovery period, you may have to take time off work, avoid exercise and may have side effects such as swelling, bruising or redness, to name a few. To have the quickest recovery you will want to make sure your autoimmune system is not compromised. Unfortunately, alcohol can have a negative impact on your autoimmune system. Alcohol thins the blood, which can result in complications related to wound healing.

To achieve the optimum results, it is best to follow the pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions your surgeon gives you. It is important to remember your surgeon may cancel your procedure if they think you have been drinking alcohol and it will be too dangerous to proceed with surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your surgeon or the team here at Centre for Surgery. 

Undergoing cosmetic surgery can be an exciting time in your life, particularly if it is a surgery you have been wanting for years. After spending a large amount of money on plastic surgery, it is understandable that you will want the results to last as long as possible. For some people, this will mean making some changes to your daily routine following your cosmetic surgery procedure.

So what lifestyles changes will you have to make after having cosmetic surgery?

1. Rest

You may want to get back to your normal routine as soon as you have surgery. However, if you had a particularly invasive procedure, it will be important to get sufficient rest during your recovery period. Exactly how long you will need to rest and alter your routine will vary from surgery to surgery. If you had a non-surgical procedure, you may be able to resume your usual routine straight away. However, procedures such as breast augmentation or abdominoplasty will require you to take some time off work and avoid strenuous physical exercise and heavy lifting. This will ensure you avoid any complications and do not damage the wound.

2. Follow a healthy diet

Unfortunately, having liposuction does not mean you will be able to eat whatever you want and not have to worry about gaining weight. After having any cosmetic surgery, you will have to make sure you follow a healthy diet. There are even certain foods you may wish to eat to help speed up your recovery.

After surgery, make sure you are eating a lot of fruits, vegetables and consume enough protein. You’ll want to avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fat, as well as surgery and processed food. This will help to ensure you stay in the best shape possible and are able to enjoy the results of your cosmetic procedure.

3. Get enough exercise

Following your cosmetic procedure, you will need to ensure you are getting enough physical exercise every day. During the recovery period, you will have to be careful with what exercises you undertake. Walking will be encouraged in order to avoid the legs becoming stiff and blood clots occurring. Once the recovery period is over, you will be able to undertake more vigorous physical exercises, including core exercises and heavy lifting.

You should be aiming to do at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

4. Stop smoking

If you are a smoker, prior to having cosmetic surgery you will be required to stop smoking. Smoking can have numerous negative effects on the body during and after plastic surgery, including complications with wound healing. If your surgeon knows you are still smoking, your procedure may be cancelled, as it may be deemed too risky to go ahead. You will also be required to stop smoking after surgery until the recovery period is completely over. This will allow you to have the quickest possible recovery.

5. Stay hydrated

It sounds simple, but it can be easy to forget to drink enough water every day. Being dehydrated can delay the recovery period. If you are experiencing a lot of headaches or have dry lips, it may be a sign that you are not drinking enough water.

6. Get enough sleep

Getting enough rest and enough sleep during the recovery period is crucial. This will allow your body to fully recover from surgery. Not getting enough sleep can have numerous negative effects on your day to day life. A lack of sleep can cause irritability, a lack of concentration, and can cause you to experience a low mood. Not getting enough sleep for a prolonged period of time can even lead to medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity or high blood pressure.

Most people will need to get eight hours of sleep to function properly the following day.

Undertaking these healthy lifestyle changes will ensure you will be able to be in the best shape possible and enjoy the results of your cosmetic surgery for as long as possible.

Are you thinking about having cosmetic surgery? Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a huge decision for most people. Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical, it is important to consider every detail to ensure you are happy with your decision and the end result.

So what exactly should you think about before having cosmetic surgery?

1. Why do I want to have surgery?

The most important thing to question is why do you actually want to undergo a cosmetic procedure? Before being considered as an appropriate candidate for any procedure, a surgeon will assess you and ensure you are undergoing surgery for the right reason. If you are undergoing surgery to make someone else happy, the surgeon may not wish to proceed with surgery. Make sure to think about what specifically you are wanting to change, and what the reasons are for changing it.

2. Are there other options?

For some procedures, you may be able to achieve the same look without having to undergo surgery. For example, you can undertake a non-surgical rhinoplasty, which can alter the appearance of your nose with the use of fillers. This also gives you the chance to reverse the procedure if you do not like your new look. If you do decide to undertake surgery, in this example, a rhinoplasty, it may be expensive to reverse or alter your appearance after the first procedure. Make sure you have explored all of your non-surgical options before deciding to undertake surgery.

3. Do you have realistic expectations?

Are you expecting the surgery to just change the appearance of one part of your body, or do you think the procedure will change other aspects of your life? Does what can be achieved surgically match up with what you are imagining the results to be? You may not be considered a suitable candidate if you are wanting the procedure to help change parts of your life such as a relationship, your social life or work.

4. How long have I thought about this procedure?

Has this been a procedure you have been wanting to have for years, or is this just a snap decision? What made you have this snap decision? If you have just decided to have this procedure, you may want to consider holding off going under the knife. If you’ve made a snap decision, you may be unhappy with your decision in a few years time. Centre for Surgery always advises that you take at least two weeks between your consultation and your surgical procedure.

5. Can I really afford this procedure?

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes be expensive. Fortunately, you do not always have to pay for your procedure all in one go. For those who can’t afford to pay for their procedure upfront, you can choose to undertake a loan, whether that is through your clinic or through your bank. Before doing this, it is important to consider whether or not you will get approved for this loan, and whether or not you will be able to afford the repayments. If the repayments are going to make it hard to pay your rent, mortgage, loans, or even buy food, you may want to reconsider taking out a loan and save up some money for a while longer.

6. What happens if something goes wrong?

Complications are rare, but sometimes they do happen. Have you thought about what you would do if your procedure does not go to plan? Will you be able to cope if the results look different to how you imagined? What will happen if you need to undergo a second surgical procedure? Will you be able to afford further surgeries and time off work? Make sure you are prepared for the rare case of something going wrong with your procedure and how you are going to cope with it.

7. Is now the right time to have a procedure?

Think about what else is happening in your life right now and what you have planned for the near future. Will anything be negatively affected by you undergoing the procedure? Is there anything in your life that will impact your recovery?

When considering having cosmetic surgery make sure you are never feeling rushed or pressured into undertaking a procedure. Make sure that no one – your family, friends, clinic staff or the surgeon – has put any unnecessary pressure on you. Do some research before having any procedure. Get a good understanding of not only the procedure you’re having and its recovery period, but research the clinic and the surgeon. Always make sure you are comfortable with the people you are dealing with and the decisions you are making. This will help you to be happy with the end result and will avoid any regrets.

The recovery period can often be one of the biggest parts of a cosmetic surgery. During this period you need to ensure you relax and avoid strenuous activities which could injure the incision site. This period may make you wish time would speed up so you can see the results and get back to your usual daily routine quicker. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to speed up the recovery period. These steps also involve eating the correct foods.

So what should you eat to speed up recovery after surgery?

1. Vegetables

Vegetables are packed full of vitamins and minerals which will help you to speed up your recovery. They’re also a great source of fibre and will help you fight off any fatigue.

It’s best to try and eat fresh and cooked vegetables, however, frozen and canned are also good if fresh is not an option. Try to avoid processed vegetables.

Vegetables which you should eat during your recovery include broccoli, sweet potato, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and leafy greens such as spinach and kale.

2. Fresh fruits

Much like vegetables, fresh fruits have all the vitamins and minerals you need to help feel better while you recover.

Berries not only contain vitamin C but are also high in antioxidants which will help rebuild collagen and will keep your immune system strong. Make sure to eat strawberries, blueberries, pomegranates and raspberries. To help reduce inflammation you can also eat pineapple and papaya.

3. Fibre

Along with plenty of water, high fibre foods will help to ensure you have regular bowel movements and avoid constipation.

Foods high in fibre include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, beans and legumes.

Make sure you avoid foods that can cause constipation, such as cheese, dairy, red meat, processed foods, dehydrated foods or sugary foods.

4. Whole grains

After surgery, you’ll feel tired and need to consume carbohydrates. This will not only help your muscles but help you get some extra energy.

Whole wheat and rye sour bread, whole grain cereal, brown rice or oats.

5. Protein

Protein is essential to consume during your recovery. However, you’ll want to be cautious about where you are sourcing your protein from. Try and avoid red meat. Instead, try chicken, pork or fish.

If you are vegetarian or vegan make sure to consume beans, tofu and lentils. You may also wish to have protein supplements to ensure you’re getting enough protein.

6. Healthy fats

Strengthen your immune system, fight off infections and keep your energy levels high with healthy fats.

Make sure to consume almonds, avocados, oily fish, olive oil and seeds.

7. Water

This technically isn’t food, but it’s an important one. You will need to remember to keep hydrated after your procedure. Many patients feel dehydrated following their surgical procedure.

Make sure that you’re drinking water – avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol or sugary drinks.

Are you interested in a cosmetic surgery procedure? Contact us today for more information or to book a consultation. 

We understand that deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a big decision. There are lots of decisions you have to make and lots of things before and after surgery which you have to prepare for.

So what exactly do you need to prepare for before having your cosmetic surgery to ensure you have a seamless experience?

Before your consultation

The first thing that will happen on your cosmetic surgery journey is your consultaiton. This will give you the opportunity to meet the surgeon and see if you feel comfortable proceeding with surgery.

Before you attend your consultaiton, make sure you do your research. Find out about both the clinic you are attending as well as the surgeon who will be performing your procedure. The surgeon may have their own personal website or may have their history detailed on websites such as LinkedIn. Are there lots of bad reviews about the clinic or surgeon? Can you find the surgeon’s education and employment history online? If you are having cosmetic surgery within the UK, you will be able to see if your surgeon is registered with the GMC.

Find out if you will need to pay for your consultation, and if so how much it will cost. This can vary greatly from clinic to clinic.

Make sure you research your surgery. Have an idea about what anaesthetic should be used, how long the procedure should take, and what the recovery period will be like.

During your consultation

Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions about their experience and about the clinic. Any credible surgeon will not hesitate to show where they trained and where they have previously worked. You may wish to ask for before and after photographs of your surgery to get a realistic idea of what the surgeon can achieve for you and know what you are going to look like afterwards.

You may feel the need to bring a list of questions with you about your surgery. This can help to put any nerves at ease. It will also help you to see if what the surgeon says aligns with what you have researched. If the surgeon downplays recovery time or denies any of the risks you have read about, you do not have to continue forward with them.

You may wish to attend several consultations with the same or different surgeons before deciding on one surgeon and clinic. If the surgeon makes you feel uncomfortable or they seem untrustworthy you do not have to book surgery.

Make sure that you know your medical history. Note down the full names of any medication you are currently taking. Remember to disclose any allergies, in case this will interfere with any anaesthetic or medication you will be given. Be prepared to talk about your consumption of alcohol, as well as whether you smoke or take illicit drugs.

If you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the clinic and are wishing to go ahead with the procedure, you may wish to ask about your finance options. Find out if you will be required to make an upfront payment. Some clinics may have their own repayment schemes or have a company which you can apply for a loan through. Others may require you to find your own loan, such as through your own bank.

Before your surgery

It is a good idea to make sure you have everything ready for your recovery period. Stock your kitchen full of the right foods to help speed up your recovery. You may need to buy certain products such as hibiscrub or purchase compression garments.

If required, make sure you stop taking any medication, including any herbal supplements and stop smoking.

If you are having a procedure under a general anaesthetic, you will need to have someone to drive you home. If you do not have a chaperone you may not be able to proceed with your surgery. Make sure you arrange for a family member or friend to be available to pick you up.

You may wish to buy clothes which will be comfortable to wear during your recovery period. Make sure the clothing is light and it is easy to take on and off. You may wish to bring dark clothing to wear after your procedure. If there is any bleeding or fluid leakage this will be less noticeable on dark clothing.

Ensure that you have booked enough time off work to fully recover. You don’t want to rush back to work and end up with an injury or a complication such as an infection.

After your surgery

Follow all of your surgeon’s instructions. They will be able to tell you how long you will need to wear dressings and compression garments. They may also schedule you for follow up appointments. Following these instructions will ensure you have the smoothest recovery period and achieve the best results.

Make sure you are eating the right foods and keeping hydrated. This will ensure you feel well throughout your recovery.

You will generally be encouraged to walk around and keep active, however, you will need to avoid strenuous physical activity. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can return to the gym or resume any sports activities. Taking time off from physical activities will ensure you give your body enough time to rest and recover and avoid any injury to the incision and operation area.

Are you interested in a cosmetic surgery procedure? Contact us today to find out more information or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.

When you think of cosmetic surgery, you often think about big hospitals, and how long you will have to spend in the hospital recovering from your surgery. Fortunately, cosmetic surgery doesn’t have to be quite so daunting. Some clinics, including Centre for Surgery, are outpatient surgeries.

What is an outpatient surgery?

An outpatient surgery means you will be able to return home the same day as your procedure. You will be able to return home as soon as the effects of the anaesthetic you were administered have worn off. You won’t have to worry about bringing an overnight bag with you, as you won’t have to stay in the hospital.

But are there actual benefits to outpatient cosmetic surgery?

Quicker recovery time

Rather than recovering in a hospital bed, you will be able to recover in a comfortable, familiar environment – your home. Many people are understandably nervous or uncomfortable in a hospital environment. Staying in a hospital bed can often be uncomfortable and be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Rest is an important part of your recovery period, so being able to get quality sleep will help to make your recovery time quicker.

Less risk of infection

Staying in a hospital overnight is often associated with the one thought – a higher risk of infection. Fortunately, attending an outpatient clinic means you can lower the risk of infection occurring. This increases as a result of the surgical techniques Centre for Surgery has developed.

At Centre for Surgery, you won’t be given a general anaesthetic that you would at other hospitals or clinics. Instead, you will be administered the exclusive ClearSleep™ anaesthetic. You will be asleep throughout the whole procedure and will be unable to hear, feel or see anything. This does not rely on the use of any breathing machines or tubes – eliminating the risk of damage to your throat and lungs. Muscle relaxants are not used, meaning there is no change of anaesthetic awareness occurring. You will wake up quicker after surgery and will experience a heightened sense of wellness.

Centre for Surgery also uses the ClearField™ technique in the breast augmentation and abdominoplasty procedures. This technique ensures the surgical area remains dry and blood-free. This not only helps to reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure, but it also ensures there is less pain for the patient, less risk of bleeding after the procedure and a lower risk of infection.

Lower cost

We all like to keep costs low, and an outpatient cosmetic surgery does just that. You don’t have to worry about paying for a hospital bed, where you could potentially need to stay for numerous nights. Instead of paying hospital fees, you can save your money and spend it elsewhere.

Individual, personalised service

When you stay overnight at a hospital, you will generally be seen by a range of nurses and doctors. However, in an outpatient surgery, you will know exactly who you are going to see. The surgeon who will be performing your operation will be the same person who you had an initial consultation with. You will also be able to see the same surgeon throughout your recovery period – you won’t just be forgotten as soon as your procedure is complete. Your procedure will include 12 months of aftercare where you will be able to book follow up appointments with your surgeon or nurse, who will be able to address any of your concerns and questions.

Are you interested in surgery at Centre for Surgery’s outpatient clinic? Contact us today to find out more about our range of surgeries, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.

It can often be tempting to book an all-inclusive holiday to a European or Asian country. You will get to go to a new foreign country, relax on holidays, and best of all receive the cosmetic surgery you’ve wanted, but at a much cheaper price. What is the downside?

No matter what country you have surgery, there will always be risks. However, certain countries will have more rules and regulations which surgeons and hospitals will need to follow in order to minimise the chances of risks occurring.

Unfortunately, some things are too good to be true, and this is the case for medical tourism.

So what are the risks of going abroad for cosmetic surgery, and why should you avoid those glamorous, all-inclusive medical tourism deals?

1. Consultations

When visiting a good clinic within the UK, you will be able to attend a consultation with the surgeon who will be performing your surgery. After the consultation, you will be given a two-week cooling-off period, which gives you the opportunity to change your mind about the procedure and re-schedule or cancel. Many people wish to undertake multiple consultations or will visit numerous clinics until they find a surgeon they are satisfied with.

Consultations abroad may be non-existent, may occur over the phone or if they are in person, may be held with a sales representative. This means you may miss important pre-operative information, such as knowing to stop smoking, drinking or taking certain medications. It is important to ensure you meet the surgeon who is going to do your surgery, not just meet with a sales representative.

2. The surgeon

Prior to having your surgery, you will need to do your research on the surgeon who is doing your procedure.

It is important to know if the surgeon is properly trained and qualified to perform your particular surgery. In the UK, those who perform cosmetic surgery will be on the register with the General Medical Council and may be members of the BAPRAS. However, other countries may not have such regulations.

Abroad, some surgeons may only be trained and experienced in certain procedures. Others may just have a medical degree without specific cosmetic surgery training. Do your research about the surgeon, and see if you can find their qualifications or past employment history. If you have any doubts, make sure to ask the surgeon for their qualifications and experience performing your surgery – no surgeon will hesitate to discuss this with you during your consultation.

3. The clinic

Make sure you know where exactly your surgery is being held. Is it in the same location as where you had your consultation? Within the UK there are regulations which clinics and hospitals must abide by in order to perform cosmetic surgery. While some clinics overseas will be clean and hygienic, others may not be. Prior to your surgery, if you do not feel comfortable with the hygiene standards, consider whether or not you would still like to go through with the procedure. Consider asking the hospital for their registration and hygiene record and inquire about their rate of infection.

4. Language

Often cheaper cosmetic procedures will be offered in countries which do not speak English. Some clinics will have staff and surgeons who will be multilingual and will be able to communicate in English with no problems. However, other clinics may have staff and surgeons who speak in their native language or will speak in broken English. This can create communication problems at every stage – during the consultaiton, the surgery and the recovery period. You will need to be left rest assured that the surgeon will be able to clearly understand all your questions and be able to answer any queries.

5. Aftercare

Before paying any money, it is important to know if aftercare is included in the initial cost, and if so what exactly does the aftercare include. Aftercare is an important part of your cosmetic procedure, as it allows the surgeon to see how you are progressing and gives you the opportunity to ask about any problems or concerns. If there are any complications, you will be able to return to the same surgeon to have the problem fixed.

Many clinics abroad will not include any aftercare. Patients have often reported that they have had trouble contacting the hospital once their procedure is finished or if they have encountered problems. Make sure you have the contact details of your surgeon so you are able to contact them once you have returned to the UK. It may be a good idea to make a plan with your surgeon in case something does go wrong and you need to return to the hospital for revision surgery.

6. Flying after surgery

To return home, many people will choose to fly or will be taking a long train, bus or car trip. However, this may pose additional health risks. Many surgeries will require you to sit or sleep in certain positions throughout the recovery period. A Brazilian Butt Lift, for example, requires that you do not sit or lie on your buttocks for the first few weeks.

Furthermore, flying after surgical procedures can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism, especially if you are on a long flight.

Before boarding a flight home, it is best to wait between five to 10 days in order to avoid any complications.

Before booking your cosmetic surgery overseas, remember to:

• Check what insurance the hospital has, and whether or not they will cover you if something goes wrong.
• Get travel insurance that covers medical costs. You will need to check if cosmetic procedures are covered, and whether the aftercare period is covered.
• Check how much it will cost to return to the country if you have a complication – will the cost of another trip and additional surgery make it more expensive than the cost of the procedure in the UK?
• Keep in mind that any complications will likely not be covered by the NHS. Private cosmetic surgery clinics will also be very unlikely to perform revision surgery on a patient who has undergone a procedure in another country.
• Always double check everything and read the fine print to make sure you are getting what you paid for, and you don’t end up out of pocket as a result of complications.

You’ve got past the most difficult part – you’ve decided which cosmetic surgery you’re having, and you’ve decided which clinic to go to. Your surgery is all booked and you’re ready to go. However, there are important things you should do and avoid doing before your big day in order to avoid any complications and have the smoothest procedure and recovery period possible.

Pre op do’s and don’ts

DO

Remember to arrange transportation

This is particularly important if you are having a procedure under a general anaesthetic, as you will not be able to drive yourself home, and getting public transport alone may not be suitable. If you are having a general anaesthetic and do not have someone to take you home on the day, your procedure may be cancelled. So it is important to ensure you have arranged for a family member or a friend to pick you up from the clinic on the day of your procedure. Make sure they know the time your procedure is scheduled to finish, and they have the contact details of the clinic.

Alternatively, Centre for Surgery offers a chauffeur service, where we are able to arrange for transportation for you so you are able to return home.

Depending on your procedure, you may also need a responsible adult to accompany you for the first 24 hours, as you may have difficulty moving around, handling children or getting dressed and undressed.

Make sure you have no unanswered questions

Understandably, you may be nervous before the day of your procedure. You would have attended a consultation with your surgeon, who would have been able to answer all your questions about your particular procedure. However, if you are still feeling nervous, make sure you call a patient consultant or the surgeon. If you are with a good clinic, the patient consultants will be more than glad to reassure you and answer your questions, or book another consultation with your surgeon if need be.

Know what to expect from the recovery period

Have you booked the right amount of time off work? There’s nothing worse than being unprepared for the recovery period and having to return back to work the following day. If you have had a procedure with a general anaesthetic, you will generally need some time off work, where you will need to rest and avoid any strenuous exercise. If you can’t lift heavy things and you have children, you will also need to consider whether or not you need childcare or another adult to look after the children.

Wear loose, comfortable, dark clothing

Following your procedure, you are going to want to be as comfortable as possible, and nothing is more uncomfortable than tight, restrictive clothing. This type of clothing may be difficult to get back on, especially if you cannot move your arms, legs or neck in certain positions. We suggest wearing loose, comfortable clothing to avoid any difficulties when getting dressed and experiencing any discomfort. It is also recommended that you wear dark clothing in case you have any drains still in place, so any marks or stains will not be noticeable on your light clothing.

Remember the information given in your pre-op assessment

Prior to having a surgery, you will undertake a pre-op assessment. This will cover your medical history and help to determine whether or not you are eligible for the procedure. If you do have any other medical problems, or are currently taking any medication, herbal supplements or vitamins, you will have to let the patient consultant or surgeon know, as this may have an impact on the surgery. In some cases, you will need to undertake a blood test or get a letter from your GP or specialist doctor saying you are ok to go ahead with the cosmetic procedure.

During the pre-op assessment, you will be given some important information. This will include whether or not you will have to stop any medications, how long you will have to fast prior to the surgery, and what you will need to bring to the clinic on the day of the surgery.

DON’T

Forget to cancel or reschedule

Have you changed your mind about the procedure, or can’t go ahead on that particular day and need to change the date? Don’t forget to give the clinic plenty of notice. Many clinics will have policies in place, which mean you may lose money if you forget to cancel or rearrange your surgery or consultation within a certain timeframe. This is in place because the clinic will have booked a surgeon and potentially an anaesthetist, whose time will be wasted if patients do not show up. If for any reason you need to cancel or alter your consultation or surgery, make sure to give the clinic plenty of notice.

Smoke

It may not seem like it, but smoking can have a big impact on both the procedure and the recovery period.

Smoking has various negative effects on the body. Smoking can narrow your blood vessels, making the passage of oxygen more difficult. It can cause the blood to thicken, meaning it will not flow as easily, and wounds may take longer to heal. Smoking can make it harder for the body to fight off infection and increases the risk of an infection occurring post-surgery.

Because of this, it is recommended that if you are a smoker that you stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your surgery. You will also need to stop smoking throughout the recovery period. Tests can be done to ensure patients are not smoking, and the procedure may be cancelled if the patient has not stopped smoking, and the surgeon may deem the procedure too risky.

Bring jewellery or valuables to the clinic

You will have to take off any jewellery and metal piercings prior to the procedure. It is recommended that you do not wear any jewellery on the day of your procedure. Any worn jewellery will need to be removed and stored in your bags, along with any other valuables. To avoid any valuables going missing, it is best to just leave them at home.

Wear makeup or nail polish

You don’t need to look fancy on the day of your procedure. Make sure you don’t wear any makeup, and if you have any nail polish or varnish on, make sure you remove this before your procedure.

Eat within six hours of your surgery

Prior to surgery, you will need to avoid food for a certain amount of time, which is generally six hours. If you do have food in your system, you may experience nausea or vomiting after the procedure. You will also have to avoid drinking water for two hours prior to surgery. If you are on any medications, your doctor will advise whether or not you will need to stop taking them. Some blood thinners or herbal medications will need to stop being taken.

If you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes, it is important to tell your surgeon, as fasting may cause problems.

Drink alcohol

During the fasting period, you will have to ensure you do not drink any alcohol. During the recovery period, you will be able to drink alcohol, however, you may want to go easy on the amount of alcohol, as it can dehydrate you, which may affect the healing process.