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How do I choose a Plastic Surgeon? Why are UK trained plastic surgeons considered the finest surgeons in the world? In the UK, stringent rules govern the training of a career plastic surgeon. A trainee undergoes a period of general surgical training usually for a minimum period of 2-3 years after he has completed his medical degree at University (MB BCH). In order to obtain a higher training post a Surgical College examination is then required to be passed (FRCS or MRCS) and the Trainee may then be accepted into a formal Plastic Surgery training programme as a Registrar for at least 5 years. At the end of this period of training an exit examination is sat and this leads to the award of the FRCS(Plast) which confers Specialist recognition on a Plastic Surgeon. (CCST or 'Certificate of completion of specialist training') Ensure your chosen surgeon has the following minimum standards: GMC Registration Medical degree MB BCH Fellowship of a College of Surgery (FRCS) - this proves that a degree of basic surgical training has been completed, and that the surgeon is knowledgeable in general surgery. FRCS(Plast) or CCST - this is the Specialist accreditation awarded by the Joint UK Colleges allowing Specialist practice in Plastic Surgery in the UK . This is the highest level of plastic surgery training that can be achieved. Membership of a Medical Defence Union Body Membership of BAPRAS (the British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons) Membership of BAAPS (the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) - this association concerns itself purely with the Aesthetic or Cosmetic aspects of Plastic Surgery and is the main regulatory body for Cosmetic Practice.Be aware of the following 'cowboy' practices, who provide an inferior service not regulated by the above requirements. Many health professionals who are not trained surgeons can perform certain procedures such as filler injections and botox injections. Other doctors practising plastic surgery have gained their basic FRCS only, and are only partly trained in plastic surgery either having spent only a few years in the specialty or have not gained a Registrar training post and therefore not been eligible to sit the FRCS(Plast) examination. They are often 'failed' plastic surgeons who do not have the ability to compete with the UK training. Recently there has been an influx of overseas doctors who have trained outside of the UK in Plastic Surgery - however their training is an unknown quantity as are their standards. Buyer beware!! In the UK trainees are traditionally exposed to a large number of Consultant trainers, averaging 10-14 over their 5 year programme. What the recommended minmum standards confer is a form of guarantee that your surgeon has been trained to the highest level possible in the UK, and that he is being regulated by his Associations to maintain the highest standards. He will require to be regularly appraised as part of his duty and audits of his performance carried out annually. In addition the breadth of surgical knowledge required both practically and theoretically will enable a well-trained plastic surgeon to manage almost every conceivable complication, however rare it may be. |