Minimising Risk in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Plastic and cosmetic surgery is becoming an increasingly popular option. As an elective procedure, it is often a decision made by those wanting to improve physical appearance, boost confidence or enhance self-esteem. The rise in aesthetic surgery is seen by many as a negative result of society in which we live, where both advertising and the media promote a culture of celebrities, physical perfection, and self-obsession.
Whatever the reason for someone choosing to undergo plastic or cosmetic surgery, it must be remembered that it is still a surgical procedure with potential risks and complications. While completely risk-free surgery can never be wholly achieved, there are four factors to take into consideration which can reduce possible problems and increase patient satisfaction.
1. The Patient
If you are considering plastic or cosmetic surgery, it is essential that you truthfully disclose your medical history to the surgeon. This includes allergies, medication, previous operations and social habits – such as smoking, steroids, and poor nutrition. This will help the surgeon to assess the risk posed to each patient, and whether or not it is safe to perform surgery.
Undergoing surgery without disclosing all the necessary information leaves the patient at a much greater risk of complication, including delays to wound healing, infection, tissue loss, bleeding, and increased anaesthesia risks. Nevertheless, there have been reports of patients hiding information in fear of being denied access to cosmetic surgery, while some opt to 'shop around' until they are accepted for surgery by a doctor who does not impose restrictions, regardless of the dangers involved.
2. The Procedure
Although seemingly straightforward and short procedures have resulted in death, it is recognised that the longer, more complex procedures increase patient risk. In particular, it is the combination procedures, such as a breast augmentation and a facelift, that carry the most complications. While some patients will request combination surgery to save on time and money, it is important that safety comes first. As a result, some states in the USA have put a time limit on cosmetic surgical procedures.
3. The Surgeon
Before undertaking any plastic or cosmetic surgery, it is important to learn as much as possible about the risks involved. This information should be provided by the plastic surgeon, whose duty and moral obligation it is to arrange at least one – if not two – full consultations. In these consultations the surgeon should gain a clear understanding of the patient's goals, and explain what will happen during the procedure, potential complications and possible risks and consequences. Consultations should take place prior to the day of the intended procedure, allowing the patient enough time to make an informed decision before consenting to surgery.
However, choosing a surgeon that is right for you can be difficult, as plastic and cosmetic surgery is left largely unregulated. You can check is to see if a surgeon has registered as a cosmetic surgery specialist with the General Medical Council (GMC). However, this is only a legal requirement for those starting from 2002, meaning any physician with a medical degree and a licence to practice medicine acquired before 2002 can legally operate as a cosmetic surgeon, even if they have not had surgical training. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has a limited amount of control, and can only appeal for high ethical standards and offer a commitment to admitting into membership only those who are duly qualified.
4. The Facility
Cosmetic procedures must be performed in a safe and sterile environment. However, it has been commonly reported that cosmetic surgery has been performed in the 'back room' of a surgeon's office, allowing the facility to avoid inspection and certification. If you are arranging surgery privately instead of being referred by your GP, you can go some way to ensuring the standards of a clinic being checking if it is registered with the Healthcare Commission, which conducts regular inspections.
Conclusion
If all these factors are taken into consideration and attention is paid to the patient, the procedure, the surgeon and the facility, then risk should be minimised and the outcome should be favourable. However, if you feel you have suffered as a result of plastic or cosmetic surgery as a result of medical negligence then we are happy to speak to you early after the event to explore the details surrounding the plastic surgery and to advise you of your options. We act for clients throughout England and Wales, and if we cannot help you we will make no charge for our time.
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