MR RICHARD KAROO FRCS (PLAST)
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon.
Clinical Lead for Plastic Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery at The welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Breast & Cosmetic Surgery Fellowships London and Australia, now based privately in Cardiff.
Cosmetic surgery or non-surgical enhancements can be incredibly life-changing in the most positive of ways, not only physically, but emotionally too. Your relationship with that person who treats you is built upon mutual trust and understanding with shared goals.
If you are considering the possibility of having cosmetic surgery, please research carefully. It is important to always seek the advice of someone with the appropriate qualifications and experience, who is on the Specialist Register of the GMC and think carefully about your aftercare.
Mr Richard Karoo shares his advice on cosmetic surgical procedures:
- 1. How do I prepare for surgery?
It is important to research carefully what procedure you are hoping to undergo and seek the advice of a Plastic Surgeon with some years of experience in this field. Some patients who are seeking body contouring surgery may benefit from losing weight, others who smoke must stop to reduce potential problems with wound healing.
These concerns can be discussed at the time of consultation but otherwise, a generally healthy lifestyle is all that’s required.
- 2. When will I see the results?
Results are the best part of this whole surgical journey! Although nothing can ever be guaranteed an appreciation of the final outcomes can be between 3 – 12 months depending upon the anatomical site.
- 3. What happens if I wake up during the procedure?
General anaesthetic awareness is very rare indeed, with monitors now in place I’ve never seen this happen. A more common question I often hear from more mature patients considering surgery is “am I too old for a general anaesthetic” – the answer is quite simple, if ones general health is good and common health problems well controlled with medication, age really is just a number.
- 4. Does it really matter where I have my surgical procedure?
This really is of significant importance, unfortunately, there are a number of patients who travel abroad, having never met their operating surgeon until the day of surgery, undergoing significant procedures and then flying back to the UK only days later with no follow up in place. Complications such as bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, implant loss occurs and there is no one to properly care for this individual unless they fly back out to the clinic undertaking this surgery. A meeting with your surgeon should take place well in advance of any operation with options discussed and information provided to help provide a fully informed decision. Surgery undertaken in a local hospital where doctors and nurses are to hand to provide that high-quality aftercare required.
- 5. If I’m not ready to commit to surgery. Are there less invasive options to improve my appearance?
This is a common feeling and in some cases, the answer is yes. Non-surgical Facial Aesthetic treatments, if performed well, can really enhance ones features and deliver that refreshed look. It’s also important however to be realistic in what can be achieved, a honest opinion from a medical practitioner is of value as for some patients surgery is the only way to help achieve that individuals goals.
For more information, visit www.thecardiffclinic.co.uk or call 029 2025 6498.
Address : 116 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LP.
