Cosmetic Surgery – How You Can Stay Safe

In early February 2011 the BBC reported on the safety issues of cosmetic surgery after 20 year old Briton Claudia Adusei tragically died after a buttock enhancement operation went wrong. Liquid silicone, which is an unapproved substance, was injected into Claudia’s buttocks and she later died after suffering chest pains and breathing difficulties.

This tragic story has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of cosmetic surgery. Below are some tips for ensuring you stay safe if you are considering having a cosmetic procedure

Know Your Cosmetic Surgeon

Any operation can have life threatening complications so it’s vital that your surgeon is fully qualified and experienced in your particular procedure. For example, if you’re having breast surgery then try to choose a consultant who is an expert in this field so you have the confidence that your breast enlargement will be as safe as possible.

Don’t make cost your deciding factor

Cosmetic surgery is not cheap and operations can be around £4000 – £5000 for breast surgery, a face lift or a tummy tuck for example. These prices can make surgery unattainable for many people so you could decide to go for the often cheaper option of visiting a clinic abroad or not going to a clinic at all. Claudia Aduesei had her procedure completed in a hotel with tragic results. If you are determined to have surgery and want to remain safe then speak to clinics which have payment plans so you can make the procedure more affordable. The NHS does allow some breast surgery and other procedures if a patient’s mental health is severely affected by their condition.

Check your surgeon’s credentials

Since October 2010, independent clinics and hospitals providing cosmetic surgery have had to be licensed with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Check that your potential clinic is fully regulated and chat with the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Cosmetic surgery, particularly breast surgery, is a very intimate process so you need to feel completely comfortable with your surgeon.

No matter how much you want to have cosmetic surgery you should never sacrifice your own safety to get the look you want.