Frequently Asked Questions.

Below are some common questions many prospective patients have asked - we also have a page for specific weight-loss surgery questions and answers.

What is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic Surgery, or aesthetic plastic surgery, is a surgical specialty designed to improve an individual's appearance by reshaping or removing undesirable facial or bodily features.

Characteristics such as protruding ears, prominent nose, baggy eyelids or wrinkled skin as well as breasts which may be considered too big or too small and can be modified to help each patient look and feel better.

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic surgery is not an exact science. It is intricate surgery that should be performed by a highly skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon and only after careful analysis of the patient's physical needs and psychological profile.

Is cosmetic surgery for me?

Before you decide to proceed with cosmetic surgery, a consultation with your surgeon will help to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate. This decision is based on several factors: age, general state of health, skin texture, bone structure and healing ability, as well as the nature of your specific problem.

Another important question is how realistic you are about what cosmetic surgery can do for you. The aim of cosmetic surgery is improvement not perfection. The results are often subtle and are designed to achieve better harmony of facial or bodily features and a more natural appearance. Patients who look forward to a miraculous transformation are inevitably disappointed.

Cosmetic surgery cannot change your life. By improving your appearance and your self-confidence, it may help change your attitude to life.

What about anaesthesia?

Much plastic surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs affected and surrounding areas. Sometimes general anaesthesia is used; in which case you will be completely asleep under the watchful eye of a qualified consultant anaesthetist. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss with you which type of anaesthesia is best suited to your needs.

Are there risks involved in plastic surgery?

A certain degree of risk is inherent in any surgical procedure and although complications seldom occur, this should be considered in your decision to undergo surgery. All operations, except for laser skin treatment, require incisions, which heal by forming a scar. In cosmetic surgery, we try to make these scars as inconspicuous as possible. How well your scars heal depends on surgical technique, patient's age, hereditary factors and characteristics of each individual's skin. Scars are an essential part of healing and it is impossible to make them disappear completely.

Infections are rare in cosmetic surgery, but they can occur. If they do, treatment with antibiotics and additional surgery may be required.

Bleeding can also occur as a side effect of cosmetic surgery. Presence of blood in the tissue can cause scarring and shrinking, or irregularity of tissues. This may be difficult to correct.

Temporary black and blue discolouration following surgery is common, and usually disappears completely with time.

It is important that any problem you may have with your general health or any allergies that you are aware of are mentioned to your surgeon.

Following your initial operation, secondary surgery may be necessary to make minor revisions, or in rare cases, to relieve complications that arise. The operating cosmetic surgeon must make any final decision regarding the need for secondary surgery.

Cosmetic surgery costs and insurance

Cosmetic surgery and related costs (hospital and anaesthetic fees) are paid in advance. This type of surgery is not an emergency and you will have ample time to arrange your finances. Cosmetic surgery is never covered by medical insurance unless it is also performed to improve or restore function. In this case your insurance company may cover part or all of the costs. This is a matter, which you must take up with them.