Plastic Surgery Abroad

If you are interested in having cosmetic surgery abroad you need to gather as much information as you can about the country, the company, the hospital, clinic and doctor. A website is usually available which will give you as much information as is possible so that you have an idea of what to expect. Once you have done some homework contact the company or hospital and make an enquiry about a surgeon that you require to carry out your surgery type e.g. liposuction, breast lift, porcelain teeth veneers etc.

Depending on the doctor or the company they may provide you with some information, including brochures, costs and details of the cosmetic surgeon’s professional background. The surgery you choose, whether it is a face lift or blepharoplasty, will also play a role.

Enquire if initial consultations and follow up can be done in the UK. This is possible as some cosmetic surgeons come to the UK to visit old and new patients. This can be very important for your peace of mind. Check if the consultation in the UK is with the doctor or with a nurse or advisor. This initial consultation is very important as going for surgery only having seen pictures or having had email consultation is not a good idea and can be dangerous. Ask everything you consider important and even the things you don’t. Make sure you are completely happy with the doctor’s answers and have no worries. If he has been reasonable and honest this will make it easier for you to make your decision.

Find out what this cosmetic procedure will cost you. Don’t forget to include all costs, such as travel. Find out what the cost of your surgery includes and whether you will be kept in the hospital after the surgery or discharged to a hotel. Be sure you have all the bases covered. And remember that you can pull out at any time, even minutes before the operation. Hopefully if you have done all your homework you will be sure of whether or not you want to go ahead more than just a few minutes in advance.

If you are concerned about the reputability of the surgeon remember you are allowed to ask if the surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. In the Euro zone this is well regulated and training is similar across Europe. Many South African surgeons have had training in the UK. It is difficult for an overseas plastic surgeon to belong to the British Association of Plastic Surgeons or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, but in all countries there is a similar Association that will regulate qualifications for plastic surgeons. Some doctors practicing overseas may have a UK registration. You can ask if the doctor is on the Register of the General Medical Council in the UK, and if the doctor is included on the Specialist Register of the GMC for plastic surgery in the UK. Ask also for the name of the clinic or hospital where the procedure will be carried out and try find as much information on the Internet as possible. Here again language may be a barrier, make sure this will not be an issue!

Ask if the operation is in a private hospital or in the doctor’s clinic. Ask as many questions as you can think of and do as much research as you possibly can. This will all be so that you can make a well-informed decision and have peace of mind!