Thinking about having Cosmetic Surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery is a big decision
If you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, there are some important questions that you should ask yourself to help you make the decision that is right for you. Download the questions here or read them below:
What do I want to change and why do I want to have surgery?
What specifically do you want to change and why? For example, if you want to have nose surgery, what exactly do you want to change about your nose? Why is it causing you an issue? Is it something that you have thought about for a long time, or has a specific event triggered you to want to have surgery?
Have I considered all the options?
Research the procedure you are considering on our About your Procedure pages. There may be options that do not involve surgery that can give you the results you want.
Can surgery give me the results I want?
Be clear with yourself about what would make the procedure a success for you. This is important because if you decide to go ahead, your surgeon can tell you if your expectations are realistic. Would you be content with a reasonable improvement, rather than perfection?
Am I expecting the surgery to change my life as well as my appearance?
Think about your quality of life and whether you think it will be improved as a result of surgery. If you're feeling anxious about your relationships, social situations or work, changing your appearance might not be the answer.
Is now the right time?
Cosmetic surgery is a big commitment. Is now the best time for you to have surgery? Are there things happening in your life that would negatively affect your recovery?
Have I had enough time to think through my decision?
It is a big decision. Take plenty of time to make the choice that is right for you and don’t rush into it. We strongly advise you take at least two weeks between the consultation with the surgeon performing the procedure and the surgery.
How will I deal with any complications?
Any surgical procedure can have complications. Consider how you would react if something did not go according to plan. Could you cope if there were complications or if you needed further surgery to change the initial result? Read our After surgery page for more on this.
Can I afford the long-term costs of surgery? What if the surgery needs to be repeated or corrected?
The procedure you are interested in may need to be repeated to maintain the results. You may need regular scans afterwards to check everything is OK. If something does not go to plan you may need further surgery. Think of the overall cost of having surgery, including planned and possible costs, not just the initial procedure.
Take time to think things through
Having surgery is a big decision, and you should never feel rushed or pressured into giving your consent to have surgery by special offers that are for a limited time only or any discounts in price such as two-for-one deals. Cosmetic surgery should not be offered as a prize. Marketing must be factual, clear and not misleading. Remember, if you feel any pressure at all from staff or the surgeon, go somewhere else. Take at least 2 weeks after your consultation to think things through before surgery.
If you have any concerns and want to check whether the advertising or marketing used by a surgeon or hospital is acceptable, you can find out about this on the Committee of Advertising Practice website.
If you’ve decided to have cosmetic surgery, research the procedure and choose a surgeon with the appropriate skills and experience to operate on you. Meet with the surgeon who will be performing the procedure before you give your consent to have surgery. Only that surgeon should advise you about the procedure.
Read more about procedures, choosing a surgeon or hospital and your consultation with the surgeon.
Further information or questions...
We want to hear from you. Please complete this short questionnaire to tell us what you think about the cosmetic surgery information for patients. We will regularly review and update the web pages and take account of your feedback in these changes.
If you have any questions or need further information please call 020 7869 6120 or email cosmeticsurgerystandards@rcseng.ac.uk
For press and media enquiries please contact The Royal College of Surgeons' press office at pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk or call 020 7869 6047
We will reply to you as soon as possible.