Key information about plastic surgeons

What does a plastic surgeon do? 

A plastic surgeon is the surgical specialist who corrects aesthetic or physical alterations to improve facial and body harmony. They work with both healthy patients who wish to enhance a specific feature and with patients who have congenital or acquired deformities. 

Why might you be referred to a plastic surgeon? 

A referral is made when there is an aesthetic or physical alteration that requires surgical assessment. This may be due to malformations present from birth, the consequences of trauma, scars, or physical changes associated with ageing. 

When should you see a plastic surgeon? 

When you wish to improve a specific physical feature or when there is a physical or aesthetic alteration that affects personal appearance. It may also be appropriate when there are deformities following illness, accidents or ageing processes. 

Each year, millions of people worldwide consult a plastic surgeon for reconstructive or aesthetic reasons, according to international organisations such as the WHO. It may be reasonable to seek advice if there are physical changes, discomfort or aspects that cause ongoing concern and persist over time or affect daily life. Seeking specialist advice is part of routine care for both health and body image. 

Why choose a plastic surgeon? 

Because they are the specialist trained to assess overall facial and body harmony and to treat congenital or acquired deformities, as well as aesthetic concerns, using both medical and surgical approaches. 

Types of patients who see a specialist in plastic surgery 

Patients with a positive perception of their appearance who wish to improve a particular feature, and patients with physical or aesthetic defects that affect their self-esteem or quality of life. 

What conditions does a specialist in plastic surgery treat? 

• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Amputation
• Wrinkles
• Skin cancer
• Scars
• Lymphoedema

Preparing for a consultation with a plastic surgeon 

It is advisable to attend with any previous medical reports, explain the objective of the treatment and clarify any questions about the procedure and recovery. An individualised assessment is essential. 

What treatments or procedures might a plastic surgeon perform? 

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction
• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Breast lift (mastopexy)

What should I do to book an appointment with a plastic surgeon? 

On Top Doctors, you can book a consultation with a leading plastic surgeon with just one click and access highly qualified specialists. 

What is the best plastic surgery centre in the UK? 

At Top Doctors we feature leading centres specialising in plastic surgery, with advanced technology and expert medical teams. 

Sources 

• Alkire, B. C., Raykar, N. P., Shrime, M. G., Weiser, T. G., Bickler, S. W., Rose, J. A., Nutt, C. T., Greenberg, S. L., Kotagal, M., & Meara, J. G. (2015). Estimated need for surgery worldwide based on prevalence of diseases: Implications for public health planning of surgical services. The Lancet Global Health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746187/  
• World Health Organization, & World Bank. (2015). Essential surgery: Disease control priorities (3rd ed., Vol. 1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK333511/ 
• Meara, J. G., Leather, A. J. M., Hagander, L., Alkire, B. C., Alonso, N., Ameh, E. A., Bickler, S. W., Conteh, L., Dare, A. J., Davies, J., Mérisier, E. D., El-Halabi, S., Farmer, P. E., Gawande, A. A., Gillies, R., Greenberg, S. L. M., Grimes, C. E., Gruen, R. L., Ismail, E. A., … Yip, W. (2015). Global surgery 2030: Evidence and solutions for achieving health, welfare, and economic development. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery. https://surgery.ucsf.edu/sites/default/files/umbraco/media/8065752/Overview_GS2030.pdf 
• International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (2024). ISAPS global survey 2023. http://isaps.org/media/rxnfqibn/isaps-global-survey_2023.pdf