In recent years, cosmetic surgery has become an attractive option for people seeking to enhance their physical appearance as they grow older. However, whether you’re planning a tummy tuck or a breast enlargement, the decision to have any type of surgery is a major one that should not be taken lightly. Firstly, any invasive cosmetic procedure brings the added risk of scarring and infection. Dr Hilary advises anyone considering going under the knife to discuss it with their GP before going ahead with any kind of procedure. Furthermore, cosmetic surgery is rarely available on the NHS, which means that many prospective patients will need to opt for private treatment.
If you do go ahead with your decision to have surgery, ensure the doctor or surgeon you choose is qualified in the appropriate field and that they are registered with the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council. It is also important to check that the hospital or clinic where you are having your surgery is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England or the Health Inspectorate (HIW) in Wales.
According the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 2013 recorded a significant growth in the number of people opting to go under the knife, the likes of which hadn’t been seen since before the recession of 2008/9. However, the latest figures show that Britons have settled into more cautious attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. The new trends have been attributed to a well-educated public that understands that cosmetic surgery is not always the quick fix solution it is sometimes marketed as.
Here is what you need to know about the five most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK.
1. BREAST AUGMENTATION
This procedure is used to increase the size of the breasts with implants. The surgeon makes an incision near the breast in order to fit the implant, before sealing the incisions with stitches. The operation usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, and sometimes requires an overnight stay in hospital.
Be aware: Visible creases in the skin may develop around the implants and there is a risk that the implants may lose their shape, or even leak/ rupture.
2. BLEPHAROPLASTY
More commonly known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is used to remove skin form the upper and lower eyelids. The surgeon begins by making an incision along the eyelid crease and any unwanted skin, fat and muscle is removed before the surgeon re-seals the incision.
Be aware: Risks include temporarily blurred vision following surgery and a temporary sagging of the lower eyelid, resulting in difficulty closing one eye.
3. FACE/ NECK LIFT
Also known as rhytidectomy, this procedure is used to reduce sagging skin around the face and neck. There are many different types of facelift, however, the surgeon usually begins by making an incision above the hairline at the temples that extends under and behind the ear and back into the hairline. Skin is then pulled backwards and upwards before being stitched into place.
Be aware: Following surgery, your face may feel swollen and stiff, and your eyes and facial features may not appear completely asymmetrical. Long-term risks include a small but permanent decrease in hair production around the temples.
4. BREAST REDUCTION
Female breast reduction reduces the weight and volume of the breast. During the procedure, fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed from the breasts, which are then reshaped and the nipples repositioned. If you are suffering from backache, neck pain or poor posture as a result of large breasts, you may be able to get a breast reduction on the NHS.
Be aware: Potential complications include scarring, unevenly shaped breasts/ nipples, loss of nipple sensation and being permanently unable to breastfeed.
5. LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction eliminates unwanted fat from the body when lifestyle changes including diet and exercise may have been unsuccessful. The surgeon injects a liquid solution into the area being treated, which helps reduce the risk of problems like bruising and bleeding. A small incision is made in the skin, and a special vacuum machine is used to suck out the unwanted fat. An elasticated bandage is worn following surgery to reduce swelling and bruising.
Be aware: After surgery, the surface texture of the area where the fat was removed from may seem uneven. Numbness in the area may also occur, and some liposuction techniques can even burn the skin or cause discolouration.
REMEMBER…
Like any kind of surgery, invasive cosmetic procedures are accompanied by the risk of complications. General complications include bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion. Pain and discomfort also mean that you may need to take painkillers for a few days following the operation.
IN FIGURES
9 – The percentage that the number of cosmetic procedures dropped by from 2013-14.
45,506 – The total number of surgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2014.
1 – In the BAAPS’s rankings of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures, breast augmentation is at the top.
15 – The percentage that the number of male surgeries fell by from 2013-14.
10 – The percentage increase in the number of women undergoing surgical liposuction from 2013-14.
*Source: British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Figures apply to the UK only.
