Procedures: Complete Patient Guide
This guide helps UK patients compare cosmetic surgery, weight-loss surgery, and non-surgical treatments with a safety-first approach. Use it to understand suitability, risks, recovery, and cost before consultations.
Quick answer
- Choose procedure type based on goals and clinician assessment, not trends.
- Verify credentials and aftercare pathways before booking.
- Plan recovery time and total cost in full.
Procedure categories
Cosmetic surgery
Face, breast, and body operations (e.g., rhinoplasty, breast surgery, tummy tuck). Usually involve anaesthesia and planned downtime.
Weight-loss surgery
Gastric sleeve, bypass, and balloon options. Suitability depends on full medical evaluation, not BMI alone.
Non-surgical treatments
Includes Botox, fillers, and fat freezing. These are still medical procedures and need qualified providers.
How to decide safely
- Define outcome and expectations clearly.
- Review medical suitability and alternatives.
- Understand likely benefits and realistic limits.
- Ask for complication rates and aftercare protocol.
- Take cooling-off time before any payment decision.
Risks before consent
- Infection, bleeding, asymmetry, scarring, dissatisfaction
- Anaesthetic risks for surgery
- Need for revisions and added costs
- Longer-than-expected recovery
Recovery and planning
Use the Recovery Time Planner and Procedure Cost Estimator to prepare work leave and budget.
Questions for your clinician
- Am I a suitable candidate, and why?
- What complications are common in cases like mine?
- What does your aftercare and emergency support include?
- What happens if the result needs revision?
Medical disclaimer: Educational content only. Not personalised medical advice.