Deciding to go ahead with a cosmetic surgery procedure can be one of the biggest decision you make and you’ll naturally have some concerns about the safety of the procedure and whether you’ll be happy with the results afterwards. Choosing a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, also known as BAAPS, can give you much-needed peace of mind during this challenging time.
BAAPS is one of the UK’s leading independent plastic surgery associations and all members are rigorously vetted prior to joining to ensure they have the necessary experience and expertise. A commitment to patient safety is also the guiding principle of the organisation and all surgeons have to submit an annual audit of the procedures they have performed.
Here are ten reasons why you should choose a BAAPS surgeon:
1 Level of training
All BAAPS members have to be fully trained plastic surgeons on the GMC specialist register. This means they have completed a six-year specialist plastic and reconstructive training programme to become a plastic surgeon.
2 Registered with GMC
The GMC or General Medical Council is an independent organisation that protects patients and you can use it to check whether your surgeon is on the specialist register for plastic surgeons. However, to be a member of BAAPS, you must be on this register.
3 Breadth of knowledge and experience
BAAPS members are encouraged to continue to train and learn and have made a commitment to continuous personal development, so you can be assured that they are aware of the latest developments.
4 An unbiased and expert consultation
In your consultation with a BAAPS member such as Mr Ong, he will always provide you with honest and expert advice and this may mean that he will advise you not to go ahead with a surgical procedure at this time if he does not feel that it will benefit you or will not fulfil your expectations.
5 Consultant-level
All BAAPS members must be eligible to take up a consultant plastic surgery role in the NHS. Mr Ong is currently a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
6 A commitment to ongoing training
BAAPS members must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to training and learning and they regularly attend meetings, seminars and lectures, both nationally and internationally, in their field.
7 Recognised by UK insurance providers
BAAPS members are recognised by BUPA, PPP and many other major health insurance providers.
8 Operate from reputable clinics and hospitals
BAAPS members will only work in reputable hospitals and clinics, ensuring the best patient care possible. For example, Mr Ong performs procedures at leading London private hospitals including The Portland Hospital, The Wellington Hospital and The Weymouth Hospital.
9 Member of a recognised professional body
BAAPS is recognised as the legitimate professional body representing the field of cosmetic surgery by The Royal College of Surgeons of England, The Royal College of Surgeons of Scotland and The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
10 Following a code of conduct
BAAPS has a code of conduct that follows the Good Practice Guidelines issued by the GMC and members must follow this. BAAPS Members adhere to a code of conduct which follows the GMC Good Practice Guidelines.
