Cosmetic Surgery Checklist
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, published a concise checklist for those considering aesthetic plastic surgery, entitled 'S.U.R.E'.
An innovative way of addressing safety concerns, the acronym was developed by the BAAPS to promote a sensible approach to what can be a life-altering decision. People may be still unaware of the risks associated with procedures performed by unqualified practitioners, and a reasonably basic check of the aspects involved should en'sure' a positive outcome.
According to Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and President of BAAPS;
We need to promote public education with regards to safety. Patients can still be lured in by inexpensive prices and unrealistic claims, thinking that they are getting a bargain, but actually putting their health at risk. It can take just minutes to scroll through this checklist, to prevent a lifetime of regret.
The SURE acronym on cosmetic surgery stands for:
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. The Department of Health website provides guidance about the 'letters' following surgeons' names.
U: Make sure you Understand what's 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 'downtime' 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.