Aesthetic Surgery in Edinburgh

Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my surgery?

Yes. At Waterfront, the consultant who assesses you at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your operation, performs it, and follows you through every post-operative review. There is no handover between assessment and surgery, no patient coordinator, and no surgeon rotation. This applies across all of our aesthetic procedures — face, breast and body.

What is the difference between cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and aesthetic surgery?

The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. Plastic surgery is the formal medical specialty — surgeons trained in plastic surgery are on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery and treat both reconstructive and aesthetic conditions. Aesthetic surgery describes procedures aimed at improving appearance, performed by plastic surgeons. Cosmetic surgery is the common patient-facing term for the same group of procedures. At Waterfront, all consulting surgeons performing aesthetic procedures are consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register. For broader patient information, see BAAPS and the Royal College of Surgeons.

How do I choose the right surgeon for aesthetic surgery in Scotland?

The most important step is checking that the surgeon is on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery — not just on the GMC main register. Beyond that, look for membership of BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons); look at the surgeon’s own before-and-after photos in the procedure you are considering; and ask whether the consultant who assesses you will be the consultant who performs and reviews your surgery. Use the consultation to gauge whether the conversation feels honest, with no pressure to book on the day. Further patient guidance is available from BAAPS and the Royal College of Surgeons consultation guide.

What should I expect at a consultation at Waterfront?

Consultations are unhurried and take place with a consultant plastic surgeon — not a patient coordinator or a nurse. Your consultant will examine you, discuss what you want the surgery to address, explain the realistic options (including non-surgical alternatives where they exist), go through the relevant risks and recovery, and give you an honest view on whether surgery is the right step for you at all. A written summary of the consultation is sent to you a few days later, so you have the detail in writing as you think things through. For broader guidance on what to expect from a consultation generally, see the Royal College of Surgeons consultation guide.

What are the risks of having aesthetic surgery abroad?

BAAPS has consistently raised concerns about the risks of seeking aesthetic surgery abroad — including limited follow-up if complications occur, difficulty arranging appropriate aftercare in the UK, and variability in surgical standards. NHS surgical units increasingly report having to treat complications of overseas cosmetic surgery, often at the patient’s own cost. If you are considering surgery abroad, your UK GP or a UK plastic surgeon can help you weigh the trade-offs honestly. Further information from BAAPS on cosmetic tourism and the Royal College of Surgeons guide.

What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?

Your consultant remains personally involved through your recovery. If anything concerns you between scheduled appointments, your consultant will respond directly and arrange to see you as often as needed until things are settled. You are not handed off to a generic aftercare team.

How are aesthetic surgery results judged?

Most aesthetic surgery results take time to settle. Bruising and swelling typically settle within the first month, but the final result of facial and breast surgery is generally judged at around six months once the tissues have refined and scars have matured. Your consultant will discuss when to judge the result of your specific procedure at consultation.