You Ask — We Answer
COMMON QUESTIONS
WILL I BE MEETING THE SURGEON WHO WILL BE TREATING ME AT THE CONSULTATION?
Yes. Only Mr Khan who is treating you can give a full and proper opinion about the suitability of an operation.
Counselllors and advisors can only give information given them by the commercial clinics who employ them and which is designed to promote the selling of their operations.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE ANY PROBLEMS?
Cosmetic Surgery can sometimes go wrong, and the results may not be what you expected.
You should contact the clinic where the operation was carried out as soon as possible if you have severe pain or any unexpected symptoms. Mr Khan is best placed to deal with any complications.
If you've had Cosmetic Surgery and you're not happy with the results or think the procedure wasn't carried out properly, you should take up the matter with Mr Khan through the hospital or clinic where you were treated.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY?
Cosmetic Surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic Surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive Surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, Reconstructive Surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be completed to approximate a normal appearance.
Reconstructive Surgery is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A SURGEON IS NOT A MEMBER OF BAAPS IS FULLY TRAINED?
All 173+ members of BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) are also members of BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstrucitve and Aesthetic Surgeons ). There are some members of BAPRAS who are not members of BAAPS who are nevertheless fully trained in Cosmetic Surgery, but either choose not to perform Cosmetic Surgery or simply do not wish to be a member of BAAPS.
BAAPS members cover the whole range of Cosmetic Surgery and are on the General Medical Council Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery. There will be specific areas within our field which are also covered by other specialists. Thus some Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeons on the Specialist Register of ENT Surgery will be trained to carry out cosmetic operations on the nose. It is unlikely that physicians and surgeons in other fields would be trained in plastic surgery even though they were on the Specialist Register in their own field.
DO SURGEONS SPECIALISE IN PARTICULAR TREATMENTS?
You will find all BAPRAS members are regularly treating patients for the usual procedures of the face, eyelids, nose, breasts, abdomen and liposuction. There are a very few specialised procedures which not everybody does and our members will be happy to refer you on to the appropriate surgeon.
Some surgeons have expressed a particular field of interest . As an Association however we cannot say that surgeons that have a particular interest are necessarily better than any other member surgeon who carries out the same procedure.
HOW MUCH DO CONSULTATIONS COST?
BAPRAS Surgeons will charge a normal consultation fee just like any other specialist. You will be asking him for his professional opinion about your problem and after consideration he will discuss the range of options available to you. One option may well be that surgery is inappropriate. You will find that some of the advertising clinics do not charge as they are using the consultation to promote their treatments.
We feel strongly that cosmetic surgery is not like the cosmetics industry where products are actively promoted and sold without regard as to their true worth. A cosmetic surgery problem remains a medical problem for which you need an independent professional opinion from a properly trained specialist.
DO I NEED TO BE REFERRED BY MY GENERAL PRACTITIONER?
We strongly support the view of the General Medical Council that all patients should be referred by their GP or another consultant. You should therefore approach your GP for referral letter. This to protect the interests of the patient.
Your GP will know the specialists in their areas and will be in the best position to choose the one most appropriate to your problem. In addition, you will be able to tell the surgeon of relevant medical treatment and past medical histories so that these can be taken into account. Sometimes patients do not realise that a particular medical problem which they might have suffered fro in the past, could increase the risks involved in an operation.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM SURGERY LIKE?
Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Mr Khan will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an Abdominoplasty or Breast Augmentation can cause discomfort equal to a C-section.
HOW LONG WILL THE BENEFITS LAST?
The results of your Plastic Surgery depend on the procedure you have. In general, results from most Plastic Surgery procedures are long lasting if a healthy weight and overall healthy lifestyle is maintained.
HOW MANY PEOPLE UNDERGO COSMETIC SURGERY EACH YEAR?
Over 51,000 cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United Kingdom in 2015, according to the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Overall, there was a 12.6% rise in invasive cosmetic procedures (with increased demand for ALL procedures) – a far cry from the 9% dip observed in 2014.
HOW MANY MEN HAVE COSMETIC SURGERY?
The number of Men opting for Cosmetic Surgery has almost doubled in the past decade – having gone from 2,440 treatments in 2005, to 4,614 in 2015. Notably, Male Breast Reductions rose by 13%, whereas male facial procedures were up by an average of 14-15.5%
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR PROCEDURES FOR MEN?
The top surgical procedures for men in 2015 (4,614 total. A rise of 13.5% from 2014)
Men had 9% of all Cosmetic procedures in 2015.
In order of popularity:
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): 976 – up 15%
Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): 812 – up 14%
Breast Reduction: 796 – up 13%
Liposuction: 586 – up 20%
Otoplasty (Ear Correction): 521 – up 13%
Face/Neck Lift: 372 – up 14%
Fat Transfer: 260 – up 8%
Brow lifts: 164 – up 15.5%
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): 117 – up 11%
Breast Augmentation: 10 – Static
HOW IS A PATIENT'S PHYSICAL CONDITION EVALUATED PRIOR PLASTIC SURGERY?
A complete pretesting series of appointments is done prior to any surgery.
IS THERE ANYTHING TO DO TO MINIMIZE SWELLING OR BRUISING?
Yes. Depending upon what the procedure, it might make sense to sleep in a reclining (not horizontal) position for one week following surgery to minimize the collection of fluids in the face and eyelids.
Follow the instructions you will be given about making and administering your cold and warm compresses. These will not only reduce bruising and swelling, but they will also maximize and promote healing.
THERE ARE A LOT OF CLAIMS THAT COPPER IS A GOOD ANTI - AGING TREATMENT FOR THE SKIN. WHAT DOES COPPER DO TO THE SKIN? IS THERE ANYCONCERN ABOUT TOXICITY?
Copper restores the skin's ability to repair itself. It promotes collagen and elastin by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. It may also improve blotchiness. Copper is important in the production of glycosaminoglycans (moisture) and works as an antioxidant to defend the skin against free radicals. There have not been any documented cases of toxicity. Copper is the third most abundant mineral in the human body, followed by zinc and iron, and is utilized by essentially every cell and organ.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT A SURGEON IS FULLY TRAINED IN COSMETIC SURGERY?
The admission to membership of the BAPRAS is based on peer review of experience in cosmetic surgery.
Each new member has to be recommended by two current members that are fully aware of his/her ability and knowledge in the field of Cosmetic Surgery. The association maintains a high standard of Cosmetic Surgery training among its members, by means of courses, bi-annual association's meetings and international participation of its members.
IF A PATIENT HAS A HEART CONDITION, IS PLASTIC SURGERY WITH GENERAL ANESTHESIA SAFE?
It depends upon the patient's disease and current medications. Talk to Mr Khan about your specific situation.
IS SURGERY PERFORMED UNDER GENERAL OR LOCAL ANESTHESIA?
Depending upon what is most appropriate for your particular situation, Mr Khan will decide what type of anesthesia to use. He will answer any questions you have.
ARE THERE RISKS TO COSMETIC SURGERY
All surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, carry risk. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes or obesity have a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, stroke, heart attack or blood clots in the legs or lungs. Smoking also increases risks and interferes with healing.
A meeting with Mr Khan will include a discussion of these risks and others related to the patient's health history.
Possible complications for any surgical procedure include:
-
Complications related to anesthesia, including pneumonia, blood clots and, rarely, death.
-
Infection at the incision site, which may worsen scarring and require additional surgery.
-
Fluid build up under the skin.
-
Mild bleeding, which may require another surgical procedure, or bleeding significant enough to require a transfusion.
-
Obvious scarring or skin breakdown, which occurs when healing skin separates from healthy skin and must be removed surgically.
-
Numbness and tingling from nerve damage, which may be permanent.