Gp referral to plastic surgeon!

[gpreferral]

Hi. I went to the gp today regarding my c section scar and an old scar slightly above. They are causing me discomfort so wanted to get them checked. I mentioned to the gp that I’m not happy with the way the scars look and how it affects my self esteem but I manage to find ways to hide my “pouch” with certain clothing. Anyway after a few more questions about the discomfort and how it’s affecting me she made the decision to refer me to the plastic surgeons regarding a tummy tuck?! I had absolutely no idea this was a procedure they offered on the nhs?

Has anyone else had this at all or had a cosmetic procedure done on the NHS? I’m not sure how I feel about it or if I will even go through with it but was just wondering if it’s an actual thing that’s offered now?

Kindly OP, I really can’t understand why you’re so shocked about the referral? Surely this is what you went to the GP for?

Gosh! I didn’t know that either! Lucky you, you can decide if you want it or not, but wow - a GP that takes you seriously and prioritises you over budget cuts is certainly a dying species.. I thought they were extinct!

no absolutely not. Hadn’t even crossed my mind. As I said in the op I went as have discomfort in my c section scar. And like I also said I don’t think I will go ahead so why would I of gone to the gp for that reason if I don’t even want it?

My thoughts exactly. I didn’t feel like a burden like most gps make you feel. She was really lovely

If you're experiencing pain and surgery is curative then it's an appropriate referral. It doesn't matter what the name/job title of the surgeon is. The referral isnt for cosmetic reasons

Aw so nice to hear! It used to be reassuring to go to the GP! I’m glad it was! Try to keep her as your GP!

If you have discomfort in your scar then of course it’s an appropriate (and not uncommon) referral. If you don’t want treatment then what’s the point in going to the GP?

@Cappuccino5 and that is all I was asking is whether it was common or not. So thank you.

As PP said, "plastic surgery" does not necessarily mean cosmetic. Plastic surgeons work on burn victims, for instance.

Plastic surgeons do alot more then just cosmetic only procedures... Also just because a referral has been completed doesn't mean 100@% it's happening, it just means you will be assessed by the appropriate team to see what action is appropriate

Wow I might try this 😆

Revision of scar tissue is not ‘cosmetic surgery’ and Plastic surgeons do all sorts of (often quite amazing) work on people with scars, burns, trauma and congenital problems.
If you want to try a non-surgical approach to softening and improving a surgical scar, have you tried a silicone skin tape, for example Kelinul? These are inexpensive and can be very effective, though it will take several months use to get optimal results. I used this tape on a very visible 6inch scar and it’s now almost invisible and considerably more comfortable.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/silicone-scar-sheets/s?k=silicone+scar+sheets

They created the scar, OP! If something is causing you discomfort then absolutely they should be dealing with that in whatever way is best. But also 'plastic surgeon' doesn't always mean what you might imagine. They deal with all sorts.

Thank you for the replies. I’m only mentioning the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) as that’s what she said so i just assumed was cosmetic. I guess the surgeons will decide on the best procedure.