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Plastic Surgery: Secrets you should know

Leading plastic surgeon addresses common myths

Norman Waterhouse, a leading London-based consultant plastic surgeon and former President of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), today addressed some of the most popular plastic surgery misconceptions.

According to Norman Waterhouse: “With the growing popularity of cosmetic treatments, people sometimes forget that plastic surgery is actually ‘surgery’ – and unfortunately there are certain risks and truths that some practitioners won’t tell you. The following addresses some of the more common issues I encounter daily in my practice.”

• Scarless surgery does not exist. Modern plastic surgery means that we are able to place scars in very discrete skin folds and minimise them following the use of endoscopic techniques. However all surgery involves scars and the scars themselves are permanent.
• Liposuction cannot get rid of cellulite. Indeed it is possible that although making you slimmer, pre-existing cellulite may look worse after liposuction. For the right person, liposuction can give sensational results in terms of improving body contour and removing areas of problem fat. However excessive liposuction or ‘liposculpture’ to inappropriate areas may often produce lumpy, uneven results.
• Surgery always involves down-time. Many patients think they can have a face-lift and go out to dinner the next day. All procedures require some recovery time, some just a few days off work, others, such as breast augmentation, require 1-2 weeks. There is a lot of marketing for ‘minimal’ or ‘lunch-time’ surgery – but very often the effects are gone by tea-time! The more minimal the procedure, the more minimal the results, so factor in your recuperation time.
•  You get what you pay for. There’s no such thing as a ‘cheap deal’, when it comes to plastic surgery. Practitioners who charge a lot less for the same procedure are usually less qualified or experienced than one who will charge more. Beware of financial inducements, such as loans or two-for-one offers. Frequently cheap deals will involve surgery in an inappropriate or poorly equipped hospital and the savings may reflect poor aftercare.
•  Beware of docs who advertise. Generally, good plastic surgeons don’t need to advertise. Beware the glossy advertorials in magazines or national newspapers – and be especially wary of the overseas practitioner offering to come and distribute their expertise throughout the UK. One has to wonder why such a successful high profile doctor is not busy enough in their own country? It is always worth researching these individuals to establish their background experience and qualifications.