Cosmetic surgery is rarely available through the NHS. There must be overriding physical or psychological reasons for considering it as a treatment option. For example, in rare cases, a primary care trust (PCT) may decide that cosmetic surgery is required to protect a person’s health.
Most people pay to have cosmetic surgery carried out privately because NHS resources are limited and waiting times are usually long.
GP referral
Visit your GP if you're considering having cosmetic surgery. They can discuss your options with you and advise you about the possibility of having the procedure on the NHS.
If your GP thinks that cosmetic surgery may be a suitable treatment option for you, they will refer you to a consultant who will decide whether NHS-funded surgery is appropriate. Before making a decision, the consultant may ask you to have a psychological assessment.
If you decide to have cosmetic surgery at a private hospital or clinic, it's still advisable for you to be referred by a GP. This is so that the surgeon carrying out the procedure has access to your medical records.
Cosmetic surgery through the NHS
The few types of cosmetic surgery provided by the NHS are:
- breast implants – due to severe underdevelopment or asymmetry (lop-sidedness)
- breast reduction – due to back pain or shoulder pain
- nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) – due to breathing problems
- abdominal surgery – for example, tummy tucks as a result of excess fat or skin after pregnancy or essential abdominal surgery
- eyelid reduction – due to affected vision
Your GP will be able to give you general advice about surgery and they will advise you about any specific issues to discuss with the surgeon. For example, cosmetic surgery isn't recommended for women who are pregnant, people with certain medical conditions or those taking certain types of medication.
Before having cosmetic surgery, you should meet with your surgeon at least twice to discuss what you're hoping to achieve and to get a better understanding about what's realistically possible. The surgeon will also carry out a physical examination and study your medical history to check that you are a suitable candidate for surgery.
Cosmetic surgery through private providers
Due to the limited availability of cosmetic surgery on the NHS, most people who decide to have cosmetic surgery have treatment privately.
All private companies that provide cosmetic surgery must register annually with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Always ask to see the company’s registration before agreeing to have cosmetic surgery at a private hospital or clinic.
The Care Quality Commission inspects all cosmetic surgery providers and reports on their findings.
You can also read more about making sure that private cosmetic surgeons and hospital staff are properly qualified when choosing a surgeon for cosmetic surgery.
