Top Tips for Safe and Successful Cosmetic Surgery this Summer

Expert advice from one of the largest specialist cosmetic and reconstructive hospitals in the UK

  “The McIndoe Surgical Centre has an international reputation for surgical excellence in the fields of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.  We perform over 3,000 procedures a year and pride ourselves on our high standard of patient care, a fact supported by our recent patient survey which revealed that over 98% of our patients would recommend McIndoe.” commented David Irvine, Executive Director of McIndoe.

McIndoe has put together the following guide for people who are considering having a cosmetic surgery procedure:

1) Do Your Research

• Research the procedure you are planning to have.  This will make sure you are well-prepared, know all the pros and cons and can asses whether it is right for you.
• Choose a hospital or clinic that is fully licensed and registered with the healthcare commission or equivalent.
• Find out about the hospital or clinic.  Your GP may be able to make recommendations but all clinics are now required to provide a patient’s guide detailing the services they offer, the cost as well as information on making comments, complaints or suggestions.  Ask the hospital or clinic for a copy of their patient’s guide.

 2) Have a Consultation

•  Choose the right consultant.  If possible, get a referral from your GP as, with your permission, he or she can provide any relevant patient history that may assist your surgeon.
• Make sure your consultation is with the consultant who will perform your procedure.  A sales rep is not qualified to assess your surgical needs and reputable practices do not use sales teams to asses patients.

 3) Ask Questions

• What standard of care can you expect from support staff?  Ask about the training of nurses and if possible ask to see the room and other hospital facilities that you will be using before and after surgery.
• Ask the consultant to talk you through all aspects of the procedure including aftercare and make sure any queries you have are answered before you proceed.
• Ask your surgeon about his or her experience in performing the specific procedure you are planning to have.  It is important, particularly if you are having an unusual or complicated procedure that you are confident about the skills of your surgeon.
• Will the hospital or clinic charge you if you have to cancel your procedure?  Reputable hospitals and clinics will not charge a cancellation fee.
• Know what to do if something goes wrong.  Ask the hospital or clinic at the outset what their procedure is in correcting any problems or offering further treatment if you are unhappy with the result.  Cosmetic surgery hospitals and clinics are required to have a written policy and procedures for handling complaints and they should be happy to explain these to you.   

 Benefits of McIndoe Surgical Centre

The McIndoe Surgical Centre is part of the BMI family – the largest private healthcare group in the UK.  McIndoe’s strong heritage and international reputation is based on the work of Sir Archibald McIndoe, a pioneer in plastic surgery and the treatment of burns.  It also shares its site with the Queen Victoria Hospital which is world renowned for plastic surgery and burns treatments.

McIndoe have 19 regular cosmetic and plastic surgeons, all of whom hold or have held NHS consultant posts and are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council.  As a specialist centre the surgeons provide cover and support for each other, alongside support staff with dedicated skills in nursing and theatre.

To ensure their high standards of patient care are maintained, McIndoe do not use sales teams to sell their cosmetic procedures and all patients will see their consultant two to three times prior to surgery.  McIndoe also have a policy not to charge a cancellation fee if a patient decides not to proceed with their surgery, to ensure that all patients are completely confident prior to their surgery.

McIndoe Surgical Centre is recognised by the Royal College of Plastic Surgeons as a training centre for cosmetic procedures and have their own nursing course that all of their nursing staff complete.

For further information call 0800 917 4922 or visit www.mcindoe-surgical.co.uk

Are you a McIndoe past patient, why not share your thoughts with others on the treatment you received?  Leave us a comment.