This year has produced a wide range of surprising facts and data. One we probably wouldn’t have expected is the increased appetite for cosmetic treatments. For those thinking of undertaking a procedure, Dr Olivier Amar, one of the country’s leading cosmetic surgeons, has written a guide detailing the things you need to consider.
As Britain emerges from lockdown, surgeons and clinics across the country have reported an unprecedented increase in demand for various kinds of cosmetic surgery.
This has led many surgeons to develop concerns that more patients may suffer from psychological distress or physical implications as a result of rushed or even botched surgeries, as people look for the first available treatments and consider cheap options ahead of the procedure that’s right for them.
‘Think Over Before You Make Over‘ is a campaign led by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). It was created to help people who may be considering plastic surgery to avoid unnecessary psychological or even physical damage by carrying out research and asking the right questions about their surgeons and treatment.
A member of BAPRAS, Dr Olivier Amar is one of the UK and France’s top cosmetic surgeons and is responsible for pioneering 100% natural cosmetic procedures in the UK with his first-of-a-kind treatment Uvence. Now, Dr Amar discusses the steps you should take before undergoing a procedure:
Reflect and research
Many people dive into plastic surgery without truly taking the time to reflect upon the change they want to see in their bodies, and why they are so invested in seeing such a change. Before even starting the process of choosing the right procedure and finding a good surgeon, I strongly encourage anyone considering surgery to spend a considerable amount of time reflecting upon their motivations behind altering their appearance.
If you’ve reflected and you’re committed, then do your research. Find out all you can about the treatment you want, what it entails in terms of financial and physical cost, and what the after-effects may be. Be open to all your wishes, perhaps not being achievable.
Look around
Finding a surgeon who has the right qualifications to carry out your procedure. Hearing the stories of botched surgeries or even simple filler procedures in lockdown is frightening, and the risk of physical or psychological damage from poor quality surgery is high.
Fully qualified Plastic Surgeons will be on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery. Try to find a few different surgeons who offer the treatment, and speak with every single one of them about the procedure, their approach, and what to expect from the treatment.
Ask the right questions
Before choosing a surgeon and signing up for a procedure, it is essential that you find out as much as possible about the surgeon, his/her experience, and the procedure itself. Do not be shy – when consulting a surgeon, be sure to ask as many questions as you can about the procedure, its physical and psychological effects, costs, the surgeon’s experience, and any preparative measures you can take. This will help you be as involved as possible in your treatment and feel comfortable with your surgeon.
Take a break before committing
If you’ve taken all of the steps outlined above and everything checks out, it’s time to sleep on it. When you’re wrapped up in your procedure and feeling the excitement or nervousness about what’s in store, it is best to press the pause button before the final step to ensure that you want the surgery and to make sure you feel at ease with the surgeon who will be treating you.
Beware of pressure from free consultations, time-sensitive discounts and other offers influencing your choices and decisions – for your own safety; you should disengage and take a little time to yourself before making your decision final.
Be aware of aftercare
The final thing to consider before going into the operating room is the process of aftercare. Many patients sign up for surgery, only to discover later that the recovery time can be quite extensive, and the results may not turn out exactly how they imagined it. Before undergoing your procedure, ensure you are fully informed on the aftercare and recovery process – and don’t forget that your imagination may not perfectly resemble the reality of your treatment.
About Dr Olivier Amar
Dr Olivier Amar is one of Europe’s leading aesthetic consultants, with over 15 years of experience in cosmetic and plastic surgery. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was one of the leading surgeons responsible for bringing liposuction to France some years ago, Olivier has become the pioneering surgeon in fat-transfer in the UK and has been instrumental in the development of the revolutionary Uvence treatment.