All cosmetic procedures carry a degree of risk. Your plastic surgeon will make all the difference before and after the procedure. If you’ve decided on a cosmetic procedure, the first thing you want to know is how to find a good plastic surgeon.
Do they have the right qualifications? How many similar procedures have they done before? Will they be there even during your recovery? All these questions are important before settling on a plastic surgeon.
Of course, your decision most of the time depends on things like the type of procedure and expertise. In the UK, there is a level of training and qualification that plastic surgeons need to meet to practice.
How to Find a Good Plastic Surgeon
Researching Your Plastic Surgeon And Their Credentials
So how do you find a good plastic surgeon in the UK?
Before you go in for a cosmetic procedure (non-surgical treatments included), make sure you do thorough research. Dr Riaz Agha, an award-winning Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, explains the kind of credentials your plastic surgeon should have in this video.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when looking at what credentials your plastic surgeon should have:
- Every plastic surgeon should have gone to medical school and trained in plastic surgery.
- Certificate of completion of training from the General Medical Council (GMC).
- Should be listed on the GMC’s specialist register of practising plastic surgeons.
- Extra certifications in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Besides these credentials, make sure your surgeon has experience performing the kind of procedure you want. The best way to tell if you are in good hands is to look at before and after pictures of their past patients.
What Do Your Plastic Surgeon’s Credentials Mean?
Whether you are going in for a minor or major procedure, you deserve to be in good hands. Go ahead and do your research before making a decision. Most qualified plastic surgeons will have several credentials after their name. But what do these credentials mean?
GMC Registered and GMC Specialist Register
The General Medical Council (GMC) register allows doctors to practice in the UK. GMC works to protect, promote as well as maintain the health and safety of the community. This is by ensuring proper standards are followed by those who practice medicine. All doctors have to apply for the specialist register entry. Cosmetic surgeons need to be on the plastic surgery specialist register.
FRCS
The Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS) is another professional qualification. It’s required for doctors who want to practice medicine in the UK or Ireland. When you see the letter FRCS, it means that the surgeon’s education and qualifications pass a stringent evaluation.
Cosmetic Surgery Certification
You can have a qualification, specifically in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, that demonstrates expertise within cosmetic surgery. The Cosmetic Surgery Certification Scheme is supported by all 4 surgical Royal Colleges in the UK. You should be able to see any qualifications, such as The Cosmetic Surgery Certification, on the about section on your plastic surgeon’s website.
Researching your plastic surgeon ensures you end up with a qualified plastic surgeon. The qualifications and experience of your plastic surgeon have a direct impact on the outcome of the procedure and the results.
To break down the process of how to find a good plastic surgeon, here are 3 key steps:
- Go to your surgeon’s website and look at their credentials, background, and experience.
- Evaluate the before after photos. You can read some tips on what to look for in breast augmentation before and after photos here to get you started.
- Read patient reviews. Platforms like Trustpilot, RealSelf, and doctify give you access to plenty of patient reviews to help guide your decision.
When you add these 3 steps together and you like what you see, the next stage is to book a consult. Personality and patient care is important in your choice too. When you research how to find a good plastic surgeon, qualifications are crucial. But, don’t forget about the other essential qualities. Although you can’t see these qualities on paper, a conversation with your plastic surgeon will help you determine if they are the right fit. Honest, open, and caring are all qualities of a great plastic surgeon. If you feel confident and comfortable after the consultation, that’s a positive sign that you have made the right decision.
Book a consultation today to start your cosmetic surgery journey at The Harley Clinic on Harley Street.
