In recent years, cosmetic surgery has become a popular option for many people seeking to enhance their appearance as they grow older. According to the NHS, over 120,000 surgical procedures were conducted in the UK in 2011. Interestingly, the NHS also notes that approximately nine out of 10 cosmetic surgery procedures are performed on women.
Any invasive cosmetic procedure involves going under the knife, and whether you opt to undergo a breast augmentation (enlargement) or blepharoplasty (eye lift), the decision to have surgery is a major one. Invasive surgery involves more risks than non-surgical procedures like chemical peels and dermal fillers, and an open wound brings with it the risk of scarring and infection.
Before going under the knife, it is wise to discuss any surgery you are considering with your GP. Due to the limited availability of cosmetic surgery on the NHS, many people choose to go private for their treatment. However, if you do go ahead with your decision to have surgery, ensure the doctor or surgeon you choose is qualified in the right field and that they are registered with the General Medical Council or the 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.
Here is our guide to several of the most popular, cosmetic surgical procedures in the UK:
Breast Augmentation
If you are undergoing this procedure, you should be aware that visible creases in the skin may develop around the implants. There is also a risk that the implants may lose their shape, or possibly even leak or rupture.
Facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is used to reduce sagging skin around the face and neck. There are many different kinds of facelift. Generally, the surgeon 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 pulled backwards and upwards before being stitched into place.
Risks of rhytidectomy include a small but permanent decrease in hair production around your temples. Your face may feel swollen and stiff after surgery and your eyes and facial features may not appear completely symmetrical.
Eyelid Surgery
Also known as blepharoplasty, this type of surgery is used to remove excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. If you are having this procedure performed on your upper eyelids, the surgeon begins by making an incision along the eyelid crease. Unwanted skin, fat and muscle is then removed before the surgeon re-closes the incision. During surgery on the lower eyelids, fat is removed through an incision just below the lower lashes or on the inside of the eyelid.
Patients that undergo blepharoplasty face the risk of temporary blurred vision following surgery. For the first few days after surgery, there is also a chance that the lower eyelid may sag, resulting in difficulty in closing the eye.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure used to eliminate unwanted body fat when lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercise may have been unsuccessful. To begin, the surgeon injects a liquid solution into the area being treated which helps to reduce the risk of problems like bruising and bleeding. A small cut is then made in the skin, and a specialist vacuum machine is used to suck out the unwanted fat. An elasticated corset or bandages are worn after the surgery to help reduce any swelling or bruising.
Following surgery, the area where the fat was removed may seem uneven in surface texture. A numb sensation may also occur in the area, and some techniques can burn the skin or cause discolouration.
Know the risks
Like any kind of surgery, cosmetic surgery involves significant risks and the chance of complications. General risks include bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion. Pain and discomfort as a result of surgery may also mean that you may need to take painkillers for a few days following the operation. Infection is another possible risk of any surgical procedure, and you will have permanent scars where incisions were made.
SEE MORE: ‘Plastic Fantastic’ – Is plastic surgery an option?
