General Questions & Answers Page

Who are the best candidates to undergo surgery?

Surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match any ideals you have, or cause other people to treat you differently. If you are looking for improvement, not perfection in the way you look, your expectations are realistic, you are physically and emotionally healthy and sound, then surgery may be an option for you to consider, and you may be a good candidate. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations, write them down and discuss with your surgeon.

Who are the best candidates to undergo surgery?

Surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match any ideals you have, or cause other people to treat you differently. If you are looking for improvement, not perfection in the way you look, your expectations are realistic, you are physically and emotionally healthy and sound, then surgery may be an option for you to consider, and you may be a good candidate. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations, write them down and discuss with your surgeon.

Before your surgery

In the week before, some patients may be advised by their surgeon or GP that medications containing aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), are not taken, since these products affect the bloods clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during or after surgery, which may result in increased bruises or possible complications such as hematoma's. Always consult your own GP before stopping any medication.

We would also recommend that if you take high doses of vitamin E eat large amounts of garlic and consume alcohol, these too, may produce similar results so should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we will recommend medications suitable for you.

It is in your own interests to stop smoking, at least two weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which lead to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus delaying and interfering with the healing process.

Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on).

Your surgeon will decide whether preliminary examinations are necessary, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or x-rays. If this is the case, these tests should be performed several weeks before the surgery. These may be charged as additional to your surgery fee.

It is best not to wear any makeup when you come in for your operation, and to tie your hair back if possible. Remove all jewellery, and nail varnish. If you are having an overnight stay, then take with you a small overnight bag.

After surgery

Before discharge from your hospital, you will be given instruction sheets containing the do's and do not's to help for a quicker recovery. You will also be handed details of your surgeons mobile number in case of any medical emergency.

A number of appointments will be made for you to either remove or change any dressings or stitches, and to check and monitor wounds. These appointments will usually take place with either your surgeon or your appointed nurse.

You will will asked to return to see your surgeon for regular review appointments, to ensure that you are healing well and results are as expected. Recovery takes time, and your body's own healing mechanism works at different stages. One side of you may feel well and healed, but the other treated side still feel numb or swollen. In most cases this is normal and be expected. Your body heals at different times. Weeks and months following your surgery will give you the most noticeable results, which is why we tend to make your follow up review appointments with your surgeon, at 1 - 2 weeks following surgery, 2 months the 6 month.,

Where is the surgery performed?

We have a choice of locations in the London and Berkshire regions. All our cosmetic surgeons have been granted practicing privileges into a variety of well known and respected hospitals, all registered with the health care commission, and who are known for their clinical excellence, wide range of facilities, and high standard of nursing care.

Your hospital location and name will be provided to you at the time of booking surgery.

How quickly can I have my surgery?

We would recommend that a period of 2 weeks passes before any rush decisions are made to have surgery, this "cooling off" or "thinking time" period, is to ensure surgery is what you want. Sometimes, patients can get caught up in the moment. However all too often, surgery has been on their mind for many years, and once fully investigated, it's often the case where patients ask us, "How soon can I have it done?.

We can sometimes arrange for surgery to take place within 7 days of your surgeon's consultation, providing that both your surgeon and yourself are in complete agreement, but we recommend that 2 weeks pass from the date of your surgeon consultation, before your surgery date is set.

Some clients wish to book way in advance for surgery, meaning that months will pass, due to finances, diary dates, holidays etc. This is fine, and we have found that patients doing this, sometimes pay us monthly, so they don't have a big bill to pay when their surgery date arrives. The choice is yours as to when you would like to proceed.

Is surgery painful?

All types of surgery carry a varying degree of pain, We will ensure you are given appropriate time before your operation to discuss any concerns with your anesthetist, who will be on hand and looking after you during your hospital stay. Every patient differs, after surgery, presenting medics with a variety of different pain thresholds. We will endeavor to provide you with some pain management solutions, to ensure your comfort is relieved.

Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post- operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles, such as an abdominal or breast reduction have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

Possible risks and complications

The decision to have surgery is extremely personal and you have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Your cosmetic surgeon will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anaesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

  • Unfavorable scarring leaving conspicuous scars
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Infection
  • Poor healing of incisions
  • Changes in sensation, may be temporary or permanent
  • In the case of Breast Augmentation, nipple sensitivity may be altered and Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant
  • Implant leakage or rupture Wrinkling of the skin over the implant could occur.
  • Anesthesia risks Fluid accumulation
  • Blood clots Pain, which may persist Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Excessive Bleeding
  • Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause over eating, dieting, and the aging process, can alter some cosmetic surgery procedures which have been carried out, in particular to the breast and body. These lifestyle changes will influence the appearance of your cosmetic surgery over the course of your lifetime.
  • Possibility of revision surgery
  • Providing that your surgeon consultation has been in-depth and thorough, your expectations are realistic,, there may be occasions for the need for revision enhancement surgery. Examples of which may include:
  • An excess fat lump still apparent after a Liposction procedure, ears not as far back to the head as they could be, a slight bump still showing on a rhinoplasty, a wider scar visible, which could be made smaller. With this in mind, we at Inspire will endeavor to arrange at the request of your surgeon, enhancement surgery, which will be carried out at a choice of london hospitals. Additional costs may be involved.

How soon after surgery can I resume normal activities and return to work?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after cosmetic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most clients will require assistance for the first two days. Then are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.

Eyelid Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, you may feel comfortable going to the shops by day 3-4, and with makeup could return to work by 5-7 days.

Facelift Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.

Breast Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.

Liposuction-Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.

Abdominal - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.

When can I resume regular exercise?

The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. Most patients may be advised by their surgeon to start a slow walking the second Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not usually allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.

How much does surgery cost?

The total cost of your procedure may include several cost components and may be influenced by many variables.The surgeon’s fee alone is established by several factors, such as:

  • Geographic location Surgeon expertise and demand
  • Time and effort your procedure requires

Additional elements of the total cost may include:

  • The anesthesiologist fee
  • Your hospital or surgical center stay
  • Your hospital fees
  • Investigation or Lab fees
  • Type of device being implanted and more

We can give you an approximate price over the telephone, but in order to have a full understanding of all costs, you will need to see your surgeon first. Your clinic manager can then confirm all the costs involved in your procedure.

Methods of Payment

Wondering how you’re going to pay? Options include:

  • Cash or Credit cards
  • Cheques
  • Bankers Cheque
  • Bank Transfer
  • Paypal
  • Patient financing contact

For details about how to apply online, receive information or talk to one of their representatives visit:

Breast Augmentation Q&A's>>