New year new body

A GMTV survey has revealed that 90% of people would consider cosmetic surgery. Read our essential advice and information

The quest for the perfect body is becoming a national obsession. The past two years has seen demand for cosmetic surgery rise by a third among British women.

Here are the results of a recent GMTV survey:

• Almost 90% of viewers would have plastic surgery with three out of four people believing it would make them happier.
• Nearly three quarters says they worry about their looks as they get older and one in four have already "gone under the knife".
• One in four say they'd travel abroad for cheaper surgery.
• Most viewers would like to do something about their face (45%)
• Just over a quarter would improve their tummy (27%)
• One in five would get their breasts done (19%)
• Around three quarters of viewers say they'd like cosmetic dentistry (74%)

Meanwhile,  recent investigation discovered, there is an increasing amount of unsuitable surgery being carried out in private clinics.

A string of high-profile blunders which have left women permanently disfigured, helping alert the public to the largely unregulated plastic surgery industry.

It's estimated that over £7 million compensation has been paid out to the victims of botched tummy tucks, leaking breast implants, bodged botox injections or inappropriate procedures over the last 14 years.

This has prompted calls for reviews regulations for operations and other procedures.
  
Britain has around 1,000 private clinics, which are meant to be monitored by the Healthcare Commission, but it's understood the Chief Medical Officer decided to act after increasing evidence that some were using untrained staff and making misleading claims.

Around 75,000 people have cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK every year, the highest number in Europe, and the industry is worth approximately £275 million.

We look at how you can reduce the risks involved in a process that is fast becoming another national lottery.

Do your homework

Just because surgery is becoming more common doesn't mean you should think lightly about going under the knife. Careful thought and sensible planning is essential, say the experts:

• Consult your GP before you make any decision about having cosmetic surgery.
• Don't on any account pick your surgeon on the basis of the ads in the back of glossy magazines.
• If you do decide to take the plunge, is your surgeon is professionally qualified? Check he or she is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) by phoning the information line on 020 7580 7642.
• Surgery isn't for everybody, and the decision to have it should be taken very seriously. Will cosmetic surgery really change your life? Have you exhausted all other options- diet and exercise instead of liposuction, non-surgical facelifts or beauty treatments instead of the knife?
• Remember, facelifts, liposuction and other surgery sometimes need up to five months recovery time, and you may need to take other factors into account. You might have to revise your diet before and after surgery, change your exercise regime or avoid sun exposure (for facial surgery patients, particularly), for example.
• Make sure you're fully informed about risks and limitations of the procedure - nothing is 100 risk-free.
• Make sure you don't get talked into any extra procedures - if you went in for a pair of new boobs, you don't want to come out with lipo'd hips.
• Know your surgeon: Many practitioners purport to be experts, but many are not even surgeons. Practitioners may boast impressive sounding
  qualifications, but these can have little meaning. Organisations associated with and preferably based in the Royal College of Surgeons will demonstrate acceptable standards of practice. Hospitals which have strong associations with NHS consultants and practice will also adhere to these standards and so offer some level of reassurance. The BAAPS can help you find a properly credentialed surgeon in your area.
• Beware of 'free' consultations and booking fees or non-refundable deposits. Nothing is free and if the surgery is right for you then there will be no need for you to be locked into going ahead by any financial cancellation penalties.
• Do not travel a long distance or overseas for any surgery unless you are comfortable with the arrangements to follow up and the management of any problems or complications which might arise.
• Remember you can always change your mind - right up until the moment you go into surgery. No reputable surgeon would normally impose any
• Don't consider surgery if you've just experienced a life-changing event like bereavement, divorce or childbirth.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the organisation, surgeon and clinic you have chosen.
• Don't rush into it - take your time and make sure you're completely happy with every aspect of the surgery.
• The government has published a free guide for women considering breast implants. For a free copy of the booklet click on the link opposite. The leaflet is also available in GP surgeries and other appropriate clinics and practices.