Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon Abroad:3 Factors to Keep in Mind

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a big decision that affects both your appearance and your health. Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and aftercare team hold not just your results, but your life, in their hands. Choosing the right plastic surgeon backed by certifications, experience, and evidence-based practices can drastically reduce complications. Let’s have a closer look at the top 3 factors to guide your search.

Why is important to find a good surgeon?

Before choosing a plastic surgeon, take your time to consider different options, remember that your appearance and your life are in hands of your surgeon and their team. 

During or after surgery unexpected things may happen, for that reason, the skills, speciality and experience of a surgeon are so important to minimise risks. 

There are some tips that can help you before choosing the best plastic surgeon according to your needs:

1. Prioritise Certification, skills and experience 

• Look for a board certified plastic surgeon. Certified surgeons should be registered in the GMC (General Medical Council) in the UK
• Verify the surgeon´s specialty: well-trained surgeons should be part of the BAAPS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) or similar surgical associations in the chosen country.
• Study what is the surgeon’s style and approach. You can check their gallery of patients; look for before and after procedure photos and read patient’s remarks, all this information will give you a better idea about their work.
• Read about their achievements. Try to find as much information as you can about their work, for example: degrees, prizes, distinctions, publications, awards; in other words, all you need to verify that this professional is a renowned surgeon.
• Choose a surgeon who performs more than six of these procedures per week.
• Check if the surgeon has criminal records.
• Visit the place where the surgery is going to be performed and verify if it is a legal, authorise and safe place for these procedures.
• Find a surgeon you can trust, be sure you feel really comfortable with the team.
• Ask your surgeon all you need to know about the procedure, for example: how is the surgery like (you can ask for videos or photos about how the surgery is done); how many people are involved in the procedure; what are the risks of it; what will be the recovery time; what treatments you can use after surgery for better and faster recovery; (for example lymphatic drainage as it helps to speed up recovery); when are you going to see the outcomes.

2. Selecting a Surgeon Abroad: Weigh Risks Carefully

• Medical tourism for plastic surgery can save costs, but it amplifies complications if follow-up falters.
• When you choose a surgeon abroad, be sure that she/he and the staff (at least the people who are going to assist you) speak English fluently, that is crucial for a efficient communication.
• Investigate all you can about the surgeon, their staff and the place where the surgery is going to be performed. Try to visit the facilities before the surgery. 
• Ask the surgeon what to expect during the recovery time and who is going to assist you during this period. Take into account that you have to come back home, and you will need medical examinations after the surgery and someone to assist you if you have any complication or doubt.
• Choose your surgeon because is the best not because is cheapiest. Remember you get what you pay for! you should ask why this procedure is so cheap in that country. Is it cheap because of the currency exchange? Are they using poor quality products? Is it a fraud? Take your time to investigate. 
• Choose your surgeon because of his/her skills but also because is a good person; the type of person you feel comfortable with.

3. Pre-Surgery Prep: Tests, Habits, and Informed Consent

Final checks ensure you’re ready for surgery, slashing complication risks.

• Review consent forms: Read every detail; consult a lawyer if needed.
• Complete required tests: Expect CBC, blood chemistry, liver panels, coagulation studies, arterial blood gas, and pregnancy tests, etc.
• Get a full health exam: Confirms you’re fit
• Meet your anesthesiologist to discuss concerns before surgery.
• Quit smoking early: stop smoking at least 2 months before surgery. Nicotine impairs wound healing and raises infection odds by 50-100%.

Partner with a clinic offering comprehensive aftercare, like revenue recovery for health services, to support seamless recovery. Choosing the best plastic surgeon empowers safer, superior results. Take your time—your health demands it.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us now. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!