One of the UK’s leading independent plastic surgery organisations has recently launched a new psychology course, highlighting the importance of patient mental health in the cosmetic surgery journey.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), of which Mr Juling Ong is a member, is dedicated to advancing patient safety and has formulated a new initiative to prioritise the mental health assessment aspect of the consultation process. During your consultation with Juling, he will listen carefully to your concerns and what you’re hoping to achieve and if he believes you have unrealistic expectations, he will recommend you do not proceed with surgery at this time.

Cosmetic surgery in the age of social media and reality TV

It’s no surprise that in the age of Instagram filters and images of enhanced face and bodies on our screens, young people in particular feel under pressure to achieve a ‘perfect’ image. In a recent BBC survey of 2,000 British adults, more than half of 18 to 34-year-olds reported that reality TV and social media had a negative effect on how they see their bodies. Furthermore, more than a third of that age group said they would consider cosmetic surgery to achieve what they wanted.

Often these patients have unrealistic expectations as it is never possible to guarantee a specific result. This is particularly true of the rhinoplasty procedure. Often younger patients want the shape and size of nose they see on heavily filtered Instagram images, but this is not always possible or desirable. Your unique facial anatomy and the way your body heals affects the outcome and Juling will always aim to produce a result that will be in balance to your other facial features and looks wholly natural.

Important questions to ask in your cosmetic surgery consultation

While your plastic surgeon should always evaluate your expectations to ensure they are realistic, there are questions you should ask during your consultation so you have a clear idea of what they believe can be safely achieved.

How close to my desired result will I be able to achieve? Your surgeon should be able to clearly explain what the likely outcome will be and looking at before and afters of their past patients can help you understand their aesthetic and results.

Is this procedure a safe way to achieve my desired results? Your surgeon should ensure you’re fully informed about all the possible risks and complications that may arise from surgery and how they will deal with them if they arise.

What will my recovery be like and when can I expect my final result? All surgical procedures should be approached seriously and fully understanding what to expect during the recovery period and how long it will take for all swelling to dissipate and scar healing to mature, is an important factor in realistic patient expectations.

To find out if you’re suitable for cosmetic surgery, call 020 7927 6528 to arrange a consultation with Mr Juling Ong.