Plastic Surgery guide
Considering surgery to change or restore an aspect of your appearance is a significant decision. This guide explains what plastic surgery involves, who it may benefit, the most common procedures, how to assess risks and recovery, realistic UK cost insights, and how to choose a qualified surgeon for safe, well-informed care.
Undergoing an operation to alter or reconstruct part of the body is both personal and medical. In the UK, plastic surgery spans reconstructive procedures (for function and form after injury, illness, or congenital differences) and cosmetic procedures (primarily to change appearance). Understanding goals, safety, and evidence-based expectations will help you make informed choices. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
What is plastic surgery and who is it for?
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty focused on restoring or enhancing form and function. Reconstructive surgery addresses issues such as post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palate, skin cancer excisions, burns, and trauma. Cosmetic surgery aims to reshape features like the nose, breasts, abdomen, or eyelids. People consider surgery for many reasons: to improve comfort (for example, reducing back or shoulder symptoms from very large breasts), to restore symmetry after injury, or to refine a feature that affects confidence. In the UK, some reconstructive procedures may be available via the NHS; cosmetic procedures are typically self-funded in private hospitals or clinics.
Common types of plastic surgery procedures
Frequently requested cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation or reduction, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, otoplasty (ear pinning), and facelift surgery. Reconstructive options include scar revision, skin grafts and flaps, post-weight-loss body contouring, and breast reconstruction using implants or autologous tissue. Techniques vary: for example, liposuction may be traditional suction-assisted or use power-assisted devices, while eyelid surgery can be upper, lower, or combined, sometimes paired with non-surgical treatments. Anaesthesia, incision placement, and whether a day case or overnight stay is required depend on the procedure and your health profile.
What to expect before and after plastic surgery
Before surgery, you should have a thorough consultation, medical history, and physical examination. Ethical clinics offer a cooling-off period, encourage you to bring questions, and provide written information on risks, alternatives, and likely outcomes. Pre-operative steps may include blood tests, stopping nicotine, adjusting medications, and arranging time off work and support at home. After surgery, you can expect swelling and bruising for days to weeks, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to remove sutures, change dressings, and assess healing. Scars typically mature over 6–12 months, evolving from red and raised to flatter and paler. Full results, particularly for rhinoplasty and facelifts, can take months as tissues settle. Contact your clinical team promptly if you experience increasing pain, redness, fever, or leg swelling.
How to choose a qualified plastic surgeon
In the UK, ensure your surgeon is on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register for plastic surgery and operates in a regulated hospital or clinic. Membership or fellowship of professional bodies such as BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) indicates commitment to standards and ongoing education. Look for transparent, procedure-specific consent forms, discussion of realistic outcomes, and clear revision and complication policies. Review before-and-after images of similar cases, ask who will provide your anaesthesia and aftercare, and confirm 24/7 post-operative support. Be wary of time-limited offers, pressure tactics, or unclear pricing.
Costs, risks, and recovery time explained
Prices vary by procedure complexity, surgeon seniority, facility fees, anaesthesia, and aftercare. In broad terms, UK self-pay cosmetic procedures often cost several thousand pounds. Typical recovery ranges: desk-based work may resume in 1–2 weeks after breast augmentation or eyelid surgery, 2–3 weeks after rhinoplasty or liposuction, and 3–4 weeks after abdominoplasty, with strenuous activity delayed for 6–8 weeks. Risks include anaesthesia complications, bleeding or haematoma, infection, delayed healing, noticeable scarring or keloid, asymmetry, nerve changes, deep vein thrombosis, and procedure-specific issues (for example, capsular contracture with implants). Discuss your personal risk factors, especially smoking, BMI, and medical conditions.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Breast augmentation | Nuffield Health | £6,000–£8,000 |
| Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) | Cadogan Clinic | £6,500–£9,000 |
| Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) | Spire Healthcare | £6,500–£10,000 |
| Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) | The Private Clinic | £2,500–£5,500 |
| Liposuction (one area) | Circle Health Group | £3,000–£5,500 |
| Facelift | The Harley Medical Group | £7,000–£12,000 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Beyond headline prices, check what is included: surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital charges, garments, medication, and follow-up. Ask whether revisions, treatment for complications, or overnight stays are covered. Many providers offer finance options; consider interest, repayment terms, and total cost of credit carefully. Some reconstructive procedures may be funded by the NHS when clinically indicated; purely cosmetic operations are usually self-pay. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic surgery unless part of reconstructive care after illness or injury.
Practical recovery snapshots
- Breast augmentation: supportive bra, limited upper-body activity for several weeks; most bruising settles within 2–3 weeks, with softening over months.
- Rhinoplasty: splints for about a week, bruising 10–14 days; tip refinement continues for 6–12 months.
- Abdominoplasty: abdominal binder, drain use varies; 2–4 weeks off work, avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks.
- Eyelid surgery: cold compresses and lubricating drops; return to reading and screens in a few days, bruising 1–2 weeks.
- Liposuction: compression garments for weeks; swelling may fluctuate for months.
Minimising risk
Choose regulated facilities, follow pre- and post-operative instructions, and attend all reviews. Stop nicotine in advance, maintain stable weight, optimise nutrition, and manage long-term conditions in coordination with your GP. If your goals can be met non-surgically or with a staged plan, your surgeon should explain these alternatives and the trade-offs.
In summary, high-quality care combines appropriate patient selection, transparent consent, sound surgical technique, and attentive aftercare. By understanding procedure options, likely costs, potential risks, and realistic recovery timelines, you can evaluate whether surgery aligns with your goals and circumstances in your area.
