CHOOSING A SURGEON
	A lot of surgery clinics use very aggressive marketing techniques to gain a new cleint. Do not just answer a persuasive advertisement in a magazine or on the web. You have to be very careful and selective, and before you decide about any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to do your homework.

1. Check out the surgeons credentials.

This is very important. Always make sure any qualifications the surgeon has are verified and where possible ask to speak to past patients. Any doctor claiming to be a plastic surgeon should have at least 5 years training in the relevant specialty and should have passed appropriate exams. You need to look for someone with a lot of experience in the procedure or area in which you are interested. Make sure the surgeon use up-to-date techniques with successful results. Ask your own doctor for a referral or contact the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) for a list of their members and their different specialities.

2. Make sure you have a proper consultation with the actual surgeon who will be operating on you.
	New UK government regulations insist on this. Be suspicious if you are not charged a fee for this consultation – a good surgeon`s time is valuable. A free consultation will probably be with a counsellor, nurse or salesperson.

3. Be well prepared for a consultation.

Before your appoitment, make a note of all your questions. Not to be afraid to ask! Remember this is actually your body the surgeon will be operating and therefore you have every right to make enquiries. Do not forget to bring with you a list of your current medicines or pills you may be taking, that includes any vitamins and supplements you may take. If the answers are not absolutely clear to you, say so and ask for a further explanation. Remember that you are paying for this consultation. QUESTIONS TO THE SURGEON

4. Do not rush into anything and do not be pressured by anyone else.

You, nobody else will be undergoing surgery, so do it ONLY if you are 100% convinced about it and if you REALLY want it for yourself. After the initial consultation, allow yourself a cooling off period of about 2 or 3 weeks. Give yourself time to think clearly about the procedure before making the decision to go ahead. Remember, you can always change your mind and cancel right up to the moment you go to sleep for surgery.