5 minute read
COSMETIC SURGERY
Cosmetic Surgery: Why stay in the UK
St Joseph’s Hospital, renowned for its leading cosmetic surgery in Wales, are on a mission to educate and inform prospective cosmetic surgery clients on the importance of choosing the right and best solutions for them.
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We spoke to Mr Ahmed Emam, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at St Joseph’s Hospital, about the well documented rise in the number of patients travelling abroad to have cosmetic surgery.
Mr Emam states, “there are a number of factors that should be considered before a patient decides to have cosmetic surgery in the UK or going aboard.” The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (BAPRAS) advise there are 5 C’s that should be considered:
Mr Emam believes the 5 C’s are an important part of cosmetic procedures to ensure that patients safety is maintained and that high quality care and clinical excellence is provided.
1. Think about the CHANGE you want to see. Do your research. Find out all you can about the treatment you want. Be precise as to the change you hope to see and the reasons why. 2. CHECK OUT potential surgeons. Make sure that you find a surgeon that has the right qualifications and is on the appropriate specialist register with the GMC. Find out about their experience of the procedure you are considering and make sure you meet them before you commit to having something done. 3.Have a thorough CONSULTATION. Your surgeon will discuss and clarify the treatment options with you and then plan your treatment. Make sure you know the risks involved and feel comfortable with the surgeon who will be carrying out your surgery. 4.COOL off before you commit. You need to be confident about your decision to have cosmetic surgery. After your initial consultation, give yourself some time to decide that you want the surgery and to make sure you feel at ease with the surgeon who will be treating you. Don’t commit to surgery if you have any doubts that either the procedure, or the surgeon is the right one for you. Often your surgeon will advise a second consultation before the final decisions are made.
5.CARE about your aftercare. Aftercare can be just as important as the surgery itself, so make sure you know who to contact and how you will be looked after, especially if there are any complications or problems following your surgery or treatment.
“When having surgery of any kind, the recovery is always a key part to the long-term quality of treatment. Having cosmetic surgery aboard can mean that you are unable to recover fully before having to travel back to your hotel or flying home.”. In the UK, you are surrounded by friends, family and nursing teams who are on hand to care for you and ensure you remain comfortable. Mr Emam comments, “Undergoing surgery in the UK can provide you with a more relaxed and comfortable experience.”
Cosmetic surgery, like that of all procedures, has its level of risks that may occur, however these are somewhat heightened when travelling aboard for treatment. There is an increased risk after surgery of Venous and Pulmonary Thrombosis (blood clots in the leg veins and lungs) which can be fatal. Travelling aboard can mean that your risk is increased due to flying.
If complications were to occur, you will need to have knowledge of what your consultants’ insurance covers and have access to them for any further treatment, if required. Should there be any clinical issues that require further treatment in the UK following a procedure aboard, this can be very hard for another surgeon to treat due to the unknown techniques that were performed.
Mr Emam explained that the tempting cost of cosmetic procedures aboard can be inviting, however there are risks that should be considered at every stage. He commented “there are many skilled and qualified surgeons all over the world, however it is difficult for certified bodies in the UK to assess the credentials of a surgeon working outside of the UK. This puts the patient at risk of having surgery with an unqualified surgeon, unknowingly.”
Another concern that Mr Emam highlighted is that occasionally there can be mislabelling of cosmetic surgery as a “holiday package”. Mr Emam commented, “Cosmetic surgery is a serious procedure and should not be considered as a ‘holiday’. Also, planning a holiday immediately after your surgery is not recommended as you will not be able to carry on your normal activities. Patients should rest and be considerate to themselves, to allow for the healing process to begin and reduce the risk of complications.”
Mr Emam comments, “there are many considerations that should be had when planning cosmetic surgery and talking to a qualified professional is essential”.
Mr Emam is based at St Joseph’s Hospital, Newport. To book a consultation please call 01633 836660 or email hello@stjosephshospital.co.uk. (Ref: www.bapras.org.uk)
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