This Guide to Cosmetic Surgery Abroad has been provided by Dr Jesus Benito, of the Clínica Fundació Fiatc in Barcelona, one of Spain’s leading centres for cosmetic surgery.
How do I know that the surgeon/clinic is reputable?
You have the right to ask the cosmetic surgeon if he/she is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. In the Euro zone this is well regulated and training is similar across Europe. Many South African surgeons have had training in the UK.
It is difficult for an overseas cosmetic / plastic surgeon to belong to the British Association of Plastic Surgeons or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, but in all countries there is a similar Association that will regulate qualifications for plastic surgeons. Here are some of the European associations:
Some doctors practising overseas may have a UK registration. You can ask if the doctor is on the Register of the General Medical Council in the UK, and if he/she is included on the Specialist Register of the GMC for plastic surgery in the UK.
Ask for the name of the clinic/hospital where the cosmetic surgery will be carried out, and try to find information on Internet (language can be a barrier in this sense). Ask if the operation is in a private hospital or in the doctor’s clinic.
For a quotation from up to three cosmetic surgery clinics overseas, complete the enquiry form.
Return to the Guide to Cosmetic Surgery Abroad.
