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Please find below frequently asked questions, if you cannot find the answer to you question please dont hesitate to contact us on 0800 652 9206.

Before Surgery

Preparation 

During Surgery

After Surgery

Before Surgery

What is cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery enhances natural beauty. Skin, fat, and muscle are surgically removed, repositioned, reshaped, and/or tightened to rejuvenate, enhance, improve appearance, and balance body proportions. People that are sensitive or concerned about some aspect of their physical appearance, turn to cosmetic surgery to give a more youthful, refreshed, and balanced appearance so that they will feel better about themselves.
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How much will cosmetic surgery cost?

It is impossible to quote for surgery without seeing an individual patient. Don’t let this put you off however. You should be cautious of advertising and quotes that are offered without individual assessment.
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What is the most popular cosmetic surgery?

The most popular cosmetic surgery done in the UK is breast augmentation. In facial rejuvenation surgery eyelid surgery is the most popular followed by the facelift. Liposuction has become extremely popular in recent years.
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Will I ever be exactly the same on both sides?

It is normal for your body to be different on each side. Surgery can reduce these differences but not eliminate them. It may be necessary for you to adjust to some asymmetry after your surgery.
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Will I look natural after cosmetic surgery?

Our goal for you is a completely natural look. When you look in the mirror after your surgery we want you to see a change with which you are comfortable. Your friends should notice a change in your appearance without noticing that you have had cosmetic surgery.
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Will my family and friends notice that I have had cosmetic surgery?

Maybe. Usually, family and friends notice a change in your appearance but may attribute it to something else like weight loss or change in hairstyle. This is particularly true if the result is natural in appearance. Also, remember that you look at yourself more critically than anyone else. Do not be disappointed if no one notices any change at all.
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Where are the scars from cosmetic surgery?

Scars are part of all surgery. It is important to know where surgical scars will be placed. They should be inconspicuous and easily covered with clothing, hairstyles and/or makeup.
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What are keloid or hypertrophic scars?

It is normal for surgical scars to be red and firm during a six to twelve month healing period. Sometimes scars itch and burn and become widened, red, and raised. This usually resolves on its own however rarely, there is a need for treatment. Rarely, scars will not only develop these hypertrophy symptoms but also extend beyond the initial incision and overlap the skin. This is a keloid scar. People of darker skin colour are at greater risk for developing both of these conditions.
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Can cosmetic surgery erase scars?

This may be the most frequently ask question. This stems from the misconception that cosmetic surgery can eliminate scars. Traumatic or surgical scars are permanent. They will lighten over time but some mark in the skin will persist forever. It is not possible to erase or eliminate scars.
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What are the risks of cosmetic surgery?

There are risks with any surgery. Infection, excessive bleeding, abnormal scarring, poor healing, slow healing, skin loss, changes in skin sensation, muscle or nerve injury, although uncommon, can occur with any surgery. Fortunately, most problems that result from such complications are correctable. You must understand your risk of complications completely before you choose to have cosmetic surgery.
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Will cosmetic surgery affect the skin sensation?

Anytime surgery is done there is a risk of loss of feeling of the skin. This can be a result of stretching, bruising, swelling, and/or cutting nerves. Most major nerves are avoided when we do surgery but there is variability in anatomy or nerve position. Fortunately most changes in feeling or sensation are temporary.
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Will cosmetic surgery affect muscle function?

Anytime surgery is done there is a risk of changes in muscle function. This can be a result of stretching, bruising, swelling, and/or cutting nerves or muscles. Most major nerves and muscles are avoided when I do surgery but there is variability in anatomy or nerve position. Fortunately most changes in muscle or nerve function are temporary.
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Can people of dark colour have cosmetic surgery?

Darker skin colour is more prone to hypertrophic scars and keloid scars after surgery. If you have a history of this condition regardless of skin colour, we do not recommend cosmetic surgery.
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I have heard about so many bad things on television, is it safe to do cosmetic surgery?

There are always risks to having cosmetic surgery. When severe complications are combined with inexperienced surgeons poor results can occur. we believe that cosmetic surgery can be done safely with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Serious problems are usually related to excessive surgery.
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What can you tell me about this new cosmetic surgery technique that I saw on television?

Everyone wants the latest in medical care. This is not always the best medical care. At times media presentations will leave out critical information about potential complications, quality of result, and regulations. We are open minded when it comes to new technology but would rather not use our patients to try out the newest techniques.
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How old do I have to be to have cosmetic surgery?

Body development can continue into the early twenties. When surgery is done before this time, there is a chance the surgery will have to be repeated. In addition, emotionally it may be difficult to adjust to the surgery during teen years. For these reasons, we suggest that surgery be postponed if possible until 21 years of age. Notable exceptions to this are ear surgery and breast reduction.
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Should I stop smoking?

For general health reasons, we recommend that all our patients stop smoking. It is clear that smoking increases the risk for developing all sorts of cancers. Breathing problems like emphysema and circulatory problems including heart attacks are also linked to smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of coughing after your surgery that can lead to unwanted bleeding. Smoking also reduces blood flow that can result in skin loss during the healing period. It is always best to stop smoking.
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What other choices do I have?

There are always other choices when it comes to cosmetic surgery. These include other cosmetic surgery procedures, non surgical procedures, make up, weight loss, or changes in clothing styles and indeed no treatment at all. Always consider all your choices before choosing cosmetic surgery.
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Is it safe to do long cosmetic surgeries?

We recommend that the length of surgery be limited to six hours. Beyond this, we believe that the risk of complications increases.
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When should I have cosmetic surgery done?

You should consider cosmetic surgery when some physical attribute bothers you. People will seek out physical improvements at various times in their lives based on many things.
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Am I a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

This is a question that can be answered only after a consultation. There are many things to consider including psychiatric conditions, life stress, medical illness, obesity, and motivation. You should be a healthy non-smoker, within twenty pounds of your ideal weight, not going through major life stress (i.e. grieving a death, changing jobs, divorcing), and motivated by internal desires to look better.
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Am I too old to have cosmetic surgery?

Improvements in appearance can be made at any age. As you get older, the changes do not last as long and they may not be as dramatic. It is important that at any age serious medical conditions or poorly controlled medical conditions may make it unsafe to have cosmetic surgery.
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Can I have surgery when I am pregnant?

No! we do not treat any patient who is or may be pregnant. Not only can the stress of surgery and potential complications affect your pregnancy but also any medications required can affect your unborn child.
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How soon after I have a baby can I have cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery can be considered three to six months after delivery of a child. This will allow you to recover from the pregnancy, loose any excess weight, strengthen your abdominal muscles and possibly finish breast-feeding. It will also eliminate the stress of caring for a newborn child.
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Do I weigh too much to have cosmetic surgery?

Obesity does increase the risk of complications of many cosmetic surgery procedures. We recommend that you be within twenty pounds of your ideal weight. We also suggest that you complete any desired weight loss prior to surgery. Reducing your weight will optimize the result of your surgery, reduce your risks of complications, and may affect what surgery you choose.
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How many times can I have cosmetic surgery done?

Each time surgery is done, scar tissue is created in the surgical site. This scar tissue detracts from the natural result.
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Preparation

What do I do the night before cosmetic surgery?

Remove all of your jewellery including all body pierce jewellery the night before surgery. Do not wear any jewellery until after your surgery. Wearing jewellery during surgery can lead to burns and scars of the skin. Before you go to bed take a shower with an antibacterial soap. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
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How do I prepare for the night after cosmetic surgery?

Every patient is apprehensive about the night after surgery. Proper preparation will make this first night easier for you. First, read through your after care instructions twice. If there are any questions make sure you ask them the next day before your surgery. An adult will need to pick you up after your surgery and drive you home. we do not recommend you travel more than one hour to your home. If you live further than this, you should arrange to stay in a hotel. An adult must stay with you for the twenty-four hours after your surgery. This is necessary to help you in case of any emergencies.
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What do I do the morning of cosmetic surgery?

Take an antibacterial shower the morning of your surgery. Do not put anything on your skin after your shower including body moisturizer, deodorants, antiperspirants, or makeup. These can interfere with surgical markings, skin cleansing, and anaesthesia monitoring. Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery including coffee, tea or water. You may brush your teeth provided that you do not swallow anything. Do not chew gum. If you are a diabetic or take prescription medications ask us about taking your medications the morning of your surgery. Do not wear contact lenses.
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During Surgery

Where is cosmetic surgery done?

All of our surgery is performed in Hospital theatres that are registered with the Health Care Commission. Over night stays can also be arranged at these same hospitals. In some cases the overnight stay will be compulsory.
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What kind of anaesthesia will be used during cosmetic surgery?

Most surgery is completed under general anaesthesia. Patients are completely asleep during the surgery and remember little or nothing of the experience. Some short operations are performed under local anaesthesia.
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How is cosmetic surgery done?

Each surgery can be separated into four parts. First, a plan is outlined on the patient's skin. Second, a skin incision is placed so that the subsequent scar(s) will be inconspicuous. Next, necessary surgery is completed beneath the skin, fat and muscle (i.e. muscle tightening, implant placement, fat removal, and/or skin tightening). Finally, absorbable stitches are placed to close the incision in the skin.
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How long will I be in the operating room?

The length of time it takes to complete surgery depends on the procedure itself. Frequently, multiple procedures are combined increasing the time to complete the operation(s). Preoperative preparation and postoperative recovery add about two to three hours to the total time spent in my office.
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After Surgery

How much will cosmetic surgery hurt?

Some patients do experience a degree of discomfort or pain after surgery. Most often this can be controlled with pain killers.
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Do I have to stay in bed after cosmetic surgery?

No. Get out of bed as soon as possible after your surgery. An adult must help you get out of bed the first few times because of possible fainting. Begin to walk as much as possible as soon as you can after surgery. Always get out of bed to go to the bathroom. A balance of rest and reduced activity will speed up your recovery.
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Can I drive myself home after cosmetic surgery?

No! It is impossible to predict how you will respond immediately after the surgery. This is particularly true if intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia is used. Our concern is for your safety. we require that an adult pick you up and drive you home.
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Will there be any bandages or dressings with cosmetic surgery?

There may be dressings that are placed at the time of surgery. All of the outer dressings are removed in one to two days. Other small dressings removed within 10 days.
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When can I shower after cosmetic surgery?

Once the outer dressings and/or adherent foam padding have been removed, you may shower. If only clear plastic dressings have been applied, you may shower the day after surgery. You may use the antibacterial soap that you used before your surgery. We recommend that you do not bath or swim for one week. Also, do not bath or swim until all drains have been removed.
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What should I do if I have questions or problems after cosmetic surgery?

We recommend that you first review your written take home instructions. If your question or concern is not answered, please call your direct contact at our offices or the hospital where you were operated on.
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When do I come back for cosmetic surgery aftercare?

We will want to see you 5 – 10 days post surgery, depending on which procedure you had.
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Will there be any stitches to take out after cosmetic surgery?

There may be, and this will be taken care of 5-10 days post operation. Most often self absorbing stitches are used eliminating any discomfort of suture removal after surgery.
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How long before I can fly home after cosmetic surgery?

Travelling long distances or for long periods of time can be problematic after surgery. Generally, we do not recommend travelling longer than one hour for one week after surgery. When you do travel you must have help at all times with your baggage (do not lift more that five pounds for three weeks) and you must get out of your seat and walk for five minutes every hour. Remember, even small vibrations during travel can increase the amount of pain that you experience. Finally, you will not have the same energy level as you did immediately before your surgery.
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How long before I can travel after cosmetic surgery?

Travelling long distances or for long periods of time can be problematic after surgery. Generally, I do not recommend travelling longer than one hour for one week after surgery. When you do travel you must have help at all times with your baggage (do not lift more that five pounds for three weeks) and you must get out of your seat and walk for five minutes every hour. Remember, even small vibrations during travel can increase the amount of pain that you experience. Finally, you will not have the same energy level as you did immediately before your surgery.
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How long will it take for the swelling and bruising from cosmetic surgery to go away?

Ice packs reduce swelling and bruising. Once present, swelling and bruising take about one to two weeks to resolve. Do not massage any bruised area until all discoloration has past.
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How long will it take to get over cosmetic surgery?

Bruising and swelling resolve in three to six weeks. A return of all of you energy or stamina takes six weeks. Final healing and scar softening takes six to twelve months for completion.
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How long must I be off work after cosmetic surgery?

How long you are off work depends on what you do. If you do clerical work (i.e. stockbroker, teacher, or programmer), you can return to work when you feel up to it, one week would be normal. If you do manual labour, (i.e. entertainer, truck driver, or trainer), you may need to be off work for two to three weeks. Regardless of your employment, do not lift anything weighing more than five pounds for three weeks.
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When can I work out after cosmetic surgery?

Generally, you can go back to working out four weeks after your surgery. This depends on how you feel. Do not lift anything that weighs more than five pounds and avoid contact sports for six weeks. Workouts must stop if you experience discomfort in the surgical site(s). A balance of rest and reduced activity will speed up your recovery.
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When can I have a massage after cosmetic surgery?

Body massage is very effective in relaxation. However, it cannot be done while there is bruising of the skin due to the risk of long term or permanent brown-gray staining of the skin. All therapeutic massage treatments must be stopped until any bruising has completely resolved.
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When can I resume sexual activity after cosmetic surgery?

The vigour of all activities should be reduced for two to three weeks after your surgery. Sexual activity is no different. We recommend no sexual activity for one week. Resumption should be done carefully. We suggest that you use your best judgement as an adult regarding this. Remember any activity that is too strenuous can ruin the result of your surgery.
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When can I sun tan after cosmetic surgery?

Sun tanning damages your skin and accelerates the aging process. It leads to wrinkling, discoloration and superficial growths. It can also lead to serious skin cancer. For these reasons, we recommend that you use sun block with an SPF number of 30 or greater at all times. A physical broad-spectrum sun block works best. If you are exposed to the sun, we recommend that you protect treated areas for six weeks with clothing. However, you must protect any scars from sun exposure with clothing, tape or sun block for six months.
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Will my problem return if I have children?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict if cosmetic surgery improvements will be lost after having children. Changes in body shape do occur during pregnancy.
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How long will cosmetic surgery results last?

The results are usually very long lasting (i.e. five to ten years). Implant failure, sun exposure, weight gain, weight loss, aging and pregnancy will reduce the longevity of the results. To maintain the best result, it is important that you avoid sun exposure and drastic weight changes.
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