Safety, Risks and Preparation

The importance of research

While surgery and other cosmetic procedures – from Botox injections to teeth whitening - continue to grow in popularity, all come with a certain degree of risk. The best way to decrease that risk is through knowledge and preparation.

With a variety of cosmetic procedures now available from private hospital to the high street, it’s tempting to assume that all clinics meet the same high standards. They do not. The UK, in particular, is an unregulated industry where anyone can set up a specialist cosmetic clinic. This applies to cosmetic dentistry too. Therefore it’s important to research both a procedure and practitioner thoroughly before committing to go ahead.

Exclusive premises and hi-tech gadgetry are no indication of the quality of treatment you can expect from a clinic. Equally, it pays to beware of special offers and discounted deals. The results of cosmetic surgery are permanent and sometimes irreversible - seeking quality over cost-cutting is advisable.

Finding a surgeon

The first step is to ensure that both the clinic and its surgeons are members of accredited organisations. In the UK that is the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and each country has its equivalent.

Book a thorough consultation with your surgeon prior to the operation (even at the information-gathering stage it’s advisable to deal with people who are medically qualified to give advice - doctors or nurses). A consultation also allows would-be patients to understand what to expect from an operation - its length and recovery time, what anaesthesia will be used, whether a procedure will require an overnight stay, etc.

At your consultation ask your surgeon how many procedures he or she has carried out and their success (how many patients needed revision surgery, for instance?). Be clear about what you want the surgery to achieve and how realistic those expectations are. Lower eyelid surgery, for example, cannot remove dark circles caused by skin pigmentation. Ask to see a selection of before and after pictures of operations as well as testimonials from previous patients.

Use the consultation to address any particular concerns and ensure the surgeon is familiar with your medical history. Certain medical conditions, including pregnancy, rule out any non-essential operation, including cosmetic surgery.

Assessing the risks

It’s important to fully understand the risks involved. These include:

• Negative reactions to general anaesthetic
• Post-operative infection
• Bruising and scarring
• Blood clots

In addition, damage to the nerves around the operated area can lead to temporary - or even permanent - loss of sensation and muscle weakness. Other risks will be procedure specific. Breast augmentation, for example, can cause scar tissue to form around an implant. Known as capsular contracture, at its most extreme this can lead to breasts that are hard, painful and distorted in shape, and need further surgery to correct.

Non-invasive procedures

However, surgical procedures aren’t the only ones that carry risk. Beware of beauty therapists or similar using treatments such as laser surgery or Botox and dermal fillers (most manufacturers recommend that these should only be used by qualified medical practitioners) without the requisite qualifications. Botox, for example, is highly effective at smoothing out lines and wrinkles, but unless used carefully can result in drooping facial features and even disfigurement.

Even procedures that have become relatively commonplace, such as tooth whitening, should be carefully considered before choosing a practitioner. Cosmetic dentistry, like the rest of the cosmetic industry, has its share of unqualified practitioners. The same need for stringent research applies – even when carried out carefully by a qualified specialist, for example, tooth whitening frequently makes gums and teeth more sensitive.

How to complain

If something does go wrong, the first course of redress is to contact the clinic itself for a full assessment and to discuss the available options. In some cases revision surgery may be necessary. If you remain dissatisfied with the results or the way your case is being handled, take it up with the appropriate governing body - the Healthcare Commission (which is responsible for checking and regulating private surgeries carried out in England) or the General Medical Council if a complaint is about a particular doctor.