From breast enlargements and facelifts to fillers and body sculpting, plastic surgery has become commonplace across the UK, with 45,000 of us going under the knife last year alone. However, leading Bristol cosmetic surgeon, Anthony Macquillan, is warning prospective patients to carefully consider their options before taking the leap.

He said "Cosmetic surgery is no longer a taboo subject and thousands of people every year are making the decision to tweak or transform their appearance with the help of a surgeon. I see first-hand the hugely positive impact that surgery can have on people's lives, but I also think it's important to remember that cosmetic surgery is often a life-changing decision and patients should be advised and offered support as they consider whether it's right for them."

If you're considering a nip and tuck, here are the top ten questions Anthony says you should ask yourself before you go ahead.

10 questions to ask yourself before having cosmetic surgery

10 questions to ask yourself before having cosmetic surgery

  1. Is your surgeon qualified and registered? It goes almost without saying that it's vital the surgeon you choose is fully qualified and registered with the relevant industry bodies, such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. You can check your surgeon is registered on their website.
  2. Does your surgeon have lots of experience? Experience is key to a surgeon's success rates, so don't be afraid to ask yours about his background and his skills. If you're considering a particularly unusual procedure, look for a specialist in that area.
  3. Do you feel you're in safe hands? I make it a priority to establish a trust-based relationship with my patients from the very start. It's vital you feel confident and comfortable with your surgeon - trust your instinct and don't be afraid to walk away if you don't feel 100% happy.
  4. Are you being honest about the limitations of surgery? Plastic surgery can drastically improve the way you look and feel, but it can't halt the ageing process altogether. A good surgeon will provide honest advice about the realistic expectations you should have before you go ahead.
  5. Do you feel fully informed about the process? Going under the knife can be extremely nerve-wracking, particularly if it's something you've been thinking about for many years. Your surgeon should talk you through the procedure in plenty of detail so you know what to expect, and this may help you feel more confident and calm.
  6. Are you prepared for the recovery process? With any kind of surgery, there is a period needed for recovering and healing. Your recovery time will depend on the procedure you're having - it could be anything from a few days to a few months. It's worth preparing in advance for this time when your activity will be limited.
  7. Are you hoping surgery will be a magic fix? If you're suffering with depression or low self-esteem, it might be easy to imagine that surgery will solve all your problems - but this isn't the case. It's important that you make the decision to go ahead with surgery for the right reasons, and while you're in the right frame of mind.
  8. Do you have friends and family on hand to support you? Some patients are shocked by how they feel both right before and after surgery. I go the extra mile to offer complete support to my patients, but I also advise them that it is essential to have a friend or family member on hand for moral support and to assist you over your recovery period (surgery is uncomfortable and can be painful).
  9. Can you afford it? These days, surgery is more affordable than ever but it can still be a considerable expense. Think carefully before you get into debt to fund a procedure. But at the same time, beware of supposedly cheap offers. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, you get what you pay for.
  10. Are you sure about what you want? You might have seen the kind of breasts or nose that you'd like to have while flicking through magazines, but it's vital that the changes you go ahead with are right for you. Your surgeon should be able to provide honest advice about your best option based on your body.



    For more information visit www.anthonymacquillan.com 

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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