As a plastic surgeon trained at the University of Milan, with over a decade of practice in the UK, I have always put safety and respect for natural individual beauty first. However, the current situation has me troubled: the increasing number of people choosing “cheap”, “quick fix” and “non-invasive” methods – sometimes provided by unqualified or unregulated providers – is threatening their health and the quality of the actual results.
In fact, in the UK in 2024, only around 27,462 cosmetic surgeries will be carried out, down significantly from a peak of over 51,000 in 2015. StatesmanThis may reflect a shift from invasive surgery to non-invasive methods; but it also demonstrates changing tastes, sometimes driven by trends rather than practical needs. There is a serious reality: about 12% of filler injections (filler, Botox) are performed by non-professional, non-medical "cosmetologists".Statesman. This leads to serious complications—especially with dangerous methods like BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift in liquid form): up to 93% of patients have complications that require hospitalization. Statesman. It's not just the numbers: we've seen heartbreaking cases—like Louise Moller , who nearly had her leg amputated after suffering a serious infection following a non-surgical BBL performed by an unqualified person.The Sun. Or Alice Webb , a mother of five who died from a “BBL” buttock augmentation injection at a substandard clinic.The LiberalThe Guardian.
Botched surgeries carried out by unscrupulous or unregulated facilities have placed a huge burden on the NHS , the UK public health system. It has been reported that: NHS Scotland spent around £755,560 over five years dealing with complications from “cosmetic tourism”, at an average cost of around £9,328 per patientPubMed.According to BAAPS, in one London hospital the average cost of treating each complication is around £13,500 , and is now on track to rise to £15,000. baaps.org.uk+1.Additionally, since 2021, the number of complications has increased by 44% , with 324 patients returning to the UK to deal with the consequences of botched surgeries abroad.The Harley Street Journalbaaps.org.uk.
1. Professional and well-trained Becoming a plastic surgeon requires years of training—including studies at the University of Milan and advanced medical qualifications such as the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons. This is the foundation for ensuring proper evaluation of indications, avoiding inappropriate surgery and unnecessary complications.baaps.org.uk. 2. Facilities standards and safety procedures Standard facilities are often controlled by organizations such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) ; while many “cowboy kiosk” clinics use instruments of unknown origin, even performing injections in kitchens and public areas.The SunThe Guardian. The use of low quality, incompletely sterilized instruments leads to inflammation, infection, and even necrosis. 3. Postoperative monitoring and comprehensive care When surgery goes wrong—such as a scar that doesn’t heal, an infection, or necrosis—postoperative follow-up is crucial to success. In addition, the beautician needs a place to return to, and a commitment to timely treatment. When working abroad, there is often a lack of professional follow-up systems and patient data.PubMed+1.
The ultimate goal is not “total change,” but rather increased self-confidence, restored structure, or just enough improvement in flaws.Common procedures such as breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction, or skin rejuvenation injections can all achieve natural results, if performed scientifically and safely.It is necessary to establish realistic expectations : for example, rhinoplasty can correct the shape of the nose bridge or reduce the tip of the nose, but cannot immediately achieve a comprehensive slimness according to a model that does not match the original structure.Choosing a safe and appropriate method helps: Reduce the risk of serious complicationsSave money and time in the long runProtect your health and maintain your personal privacy
I write this as a dedicated doctor, a graduate of the University of Milan, and a serious practitioner in the UK. I am concerned to see more and more patients being harmed by unsafe cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery is a field of medicine that balances art and medicine. If you are considering cosmetic surgery—always prioritize reputation, expertise, and safety standards over the initial attractive price. True beauty is something that lasts—and safety, is its foundation.
