CHECKLIST BEFORE A COSMETIC PROCEDURE
■ CHECK THE COSTS
Confirm the costs of your procedure and understand what is included and excluded from those fees — particularly around aftercare and any revision surgery which may be necessary.
■ FIND THE RIGHT PRACTITIONER
Seek advice from your GP when choosing a practitioner. Your GP should be able to recommend a suitable practitioner and will also be able to pass on details of any allergies or medical conditions you have, and any medication you are taking, to the specialist. Should you be getting cosmetic surgery, ensure the practitioner is registered on the Irish Medical Council’s specialist register of plastic, re-constructive and aesthetic surgery.
Be sure your practitioner has the right training.
“Delving into someone’s qualifications is really important,” said Professor Caitriona Ryan.
“Most plastic surgeons have trained [in medicine] for between 10 and 15 years.”
Do not be swayed by offers of discounts or other incentives (such as price reductions if you introduce a friend) when choosing a practitioner. Should you wish to get overseas treatment, check with the regulatory authority for medical practitioners in the country you intend to travel to — and confirm that the medical practitioner who will be performing the procedure is appropriately registered in that country.
Contact the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (iamra.com) for information and advice on overseas professionals.
■ STAY INFORMED
Understand the possible complications and longterm effects of any cosmetic procedure you are considering. All surgery carries a certain amount of risk. Fully understand any agreements or consent forms that you are asked to sign.
Be sure the treatment is suitable. Botox, for example, is not advised for people with muscle problems, nerve damage, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
■ BOTOX SAFEGUARDS
Get a consultation before undergoing any Botox procedure, advises the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). “Consumers should not seek to source such products themselves,” said a spokesman for the HPRA. “Medicines that contain botulinum toxin may not be legally supplied directly to consumers.
“The HPRA has ongoing concerns about the illegal offering for supply or administration of medicines containing botulinum toxin by people who are not authorised or qualified to do so.”
Be aware that as Botox is a prescription medicine, it is illegal to advertise it in Ireland. “Over the years, the HPRA has, in a number of instances, required businesses to remove advertisements relating to the supply of medicines containing botulinum toxin,” said the spokesman.