How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon in the UK
“Cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected title. Any GMC-registered doctor can use it. What actually matters is entry on the GMC Specialist Register in the right specialty, CQC-registered facility, and a written revision policy. This site does not rank or recommend individual surgeons — we teach the checks so you can do them yourself.
- 7Guides
- GMCSpecialist Register
- CQCRegulated clinics
GMC
Check the GMC Register (in 5 Minutes)
Step by step: licence to practise, Specialist Register entry, fitness-to-practise history.
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Verification
Verify a Cosmetic Surgeon: 5-Point Checklist
The title isn’t protected — what to check instead before you book.
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Bodies
BAAPS & BAPRAS Explained
What each membership signals, and what it doesn’t guarantee.
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CQC
CQC-Registered Clinics
Registration lookup and how to read the clinic’s most recent inspection report.
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Consultation
Consultation Questions
The questions that reveal experience, honesty and the revision policy.
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Red flags
Red Flags & Pressure Selling
Time-limited discounts, same-day booking, price by “patient coordinator” — ASA/CAP concerns you should not ignore.
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Photos
Reading Before & After Photos Critically
Angle, lighting, makeup and swelling — how the same result looks four ways.
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