What do I need to check out when choosing a cosmetic surgeon?

[newfacesamelife]

I'm considering a face lift. Currently deciding between that and fillers to amend my sagging lower face. (I'm 50)

I was going to book an appt with a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation (his practice does both), when I realised I was choosing him solely because his receptionist was absolutely lovely. Not a good reason.

So what do I need to check out and how?

Any advice welcome!

Firstly, use a plastic surgeon, not a cosmetic surgeon. Go on RealSelf and research like mad. Instagram has some good posts about face lifts. Start with Dominic Brays account, although be warned, unless you have very deep pockets and the patience to wait a year for him, don't get too fixated on his results! Above all and for the love of God, do not let someone cut your face just because the receptionist is nice 😀

Thanks for that, I'll check out RealSelf.

www.iwantgreatcare.org/ I used this to research and definitely found the right surgeon for my procedure.

I was about to say you need a plastic surgeon, anyone can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon.

You also want one who is a member of the British association of aesthetic plastic surgeons.

baaps.org.uk/

Look their name and credentials up, where did they train, what qualifications they have, where do they work, their GMC number.

Many plastic surgeons call themselves cosmetic or aesthetic surgeons for their private practices, so don't dismiss someone that uses those names- but as a Sashh said, do make sure they're registered with BAAPS

Realself reviews can be useful too

Thanks everyone!

Look up their credentials, experience, their speciality on the NHS. Check out iwangreatcare and real self.

I’ve had 3 cosmetic surgeries now (2 different surgeons) and you just know when you meet the right surgeon. It’s like buying a house or choosing a school for your child.

I started looking at my local hospitals first to get a feel for what consultants were available. I wouldn’t travel more than an hour, my second surgery I had complications (nobody’s fault) and was back and forth a lot. The hospital was 50 minutes away, which was a pain. My other surgeries were at a hospital 10 minutes away, although that was smooth sailing!

All I can really see about him are reviews - he has his own clinic as well as working at Spire and an NHS hospital in a children's ward it looks like.

Reviews are positive, only one for a face lift though. I suppose I would really like to know how many facelifts he does.

Someone else comments on his lovely receptionist in the reviews

ok, so I don't know where I got children's hospital from, but NHS say he is a plastic surgeon and he definitely specialises in this. He's also volunteered with Medicin sans frontiers and done lots of reconstructive work for people who've been through trauma, so he sounds nice : )

Still bit concerned about how much facelift work he does. I guess I can quiz him about that if I go for a consultation.

Ideally you want to choose someone who does facelifts regularly, the all have their specialisms. My breasts were done by a breast specialist and tummy by the queen of tucks. Your face is extremely important.

Check he or she is on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery, and check them out on BAAPS. Also, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions about their training and areas of interest. If they’re on the level, they won’t be offended.