These days it’s not just women who are opting for a nip or tuck. Since 2004, the number of men turning to cosmetic surgery has more than doubled to about 2,500 last year, according to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

The most popular procedures are nose jobs (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), liposuction, ear correction (otoplasty) and face or neck lifts. Many people expect surgery to change their life, improve their job prospects or fix a relationship, but this is not necessarily the case. About half the men who have nose jobs aren’t happy with the immediate results, warns BAAPS.

If you have made up your mind to have cosmetic surgery, then it’s crucial to find a good surgeon. This can be difficult because there is no formal regulation for the cosmetic treatments industry. There are practitioners who are qualified doctors but not surgeons (who must be members of the Royal College of Surgeons), and surgeons who are not specialists. “It’s a minefield,” says Nigel Mercer, president-elect of BAAPS.

You should ask your GP for advice, seek personal recommendations, and consult the BAAPS and the General Medical Council, which registers doctors and their specialities. Inquire about the surgeon’s qualifications and how long they have been performing the procedure you wish to undergo, and how frequently they do it. Beware of free consultations and ensure the consulting surgeon is the one doing the operation.

You should also be aware of the risks. “The level of risk is higher in cosmetic procedures because alongside the inherent dangers of surgery, there is the chance you could have a cosmetically bad result,” says Mercer. For example, it’s impossible to produce a computer model of the nose to show exactly what it will look like afterwards. With eyelids, scarring that pulls the eyelid outwards is more common in men than women.

Ask to see before and after photos of operations on other people when having your consultation.

TAKING IT FURTHER

www.baaps.org.uk
Lists member surgeons, all of whom have to return an annual audit of their work

www.gmc-uk.org
The General Medical Council’s directory shows doctors’ qualifications and specialisms

www.which.co.uk/cosmetic
Diagrams explain procedures, results and risks