Cosmetic surgery – all the rage but what are the risks?

Posted: 10/02/2014

This weekend’s newspapers were littered with articles relating to cosmetic surgery following the release of the UK Cosmetic Surgery Statistics for 2013 last week. As these revealed a rise in these procedures, cosmetic surgery is currently one of the most talked about topics but is it for the right reasons and are the newspapers promoting the pitfalls as well as the glamour?

The Guardian questioned whether cosmetic surgery is now a normal part of modern life and whether it is time to accept liposuction and Botox as normal. USA Today provided Botox tips and reported that “looking more youthful may help you land that big client”. The Mirror reported on government plans to clamp down on rogue cosmetic surgery firms. Is it any wonder that people are left confused about the rights and wrongs of cosmetic surgery?

Elise Bevan from the clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches LLP, who specialises in negligence claims arising out of cosmetic surgery, says: “Cosmetic surgery is not necessarily a bad thing yet, with the media sending out confusing messages and there being no clear regulation and guidance, it is easy to see why cosmetic surgery is starting to get a bad reputation. The key advice when deciding whether to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure is to obtain all of the facts to ensure you make an informed decision as to whether or not the procedure is the right choice for you. This includes knowing who will perform the procedure, what their experience is and how their practice is regulated – as well as the risks of the procedure itself.

"There is nothing wrong with undergoing a procedure to improve one’s appearance but you do need to be fully aware of the risks and benefits. Too often we are approached by people claiming that they were reassured that there was “nothing to worry about” or that they felt “pressurised into making a decision”. It is, therefore, important that you find a surgeon who is willing to spend time answering your questions and dealing with your concerns. Cosmetic surgery should never be undertaken lightly but, providing you are armed with all of the facts and you are comfortable with the work to be done, there is no reason why you should not undergo a procedure.”

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