Private surgery: Everything you need to consider
In today's image-driven, health-obsessed society, where everyone is trying to become the perfect person, it's easy to think that there's something wrong with your body.
If you just have to get it fixed, either for your health or mental wellbeing, then surgery is often the best answer.
However, with NHS waiting times for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments as long as 18 weeks in some cases, it's understandable that if you're desperate to change something about your body, then you might consider private surgery.
If you're thinking about private surgery, then here are the factors you need to consider to find the perfect surgeon for you and get yourself back on the road to a healthy, happy life.
Is Surgery The Right Option For You?
In some cases, surgery could be the last resort- there might be safer, easier treatments you could try before you take the drastic step of going under the knife. For example, if you're looking at liposuction to tone your stomach, then you could try hiring a personal trainer and doing exercises to improve the strength of your abdominal muscles before you decide to choose surgery.
Find A Reliable Private Surgeon
Once you've decided that surgery is the best option for you, then you need to find a trusted private surgery and a surgeon who can complete your procedure safely. Read reviews and ask for recommendations before you choose a surgeon that suits your needs. If you're getting referred by your GP for the procedure, then ask for their advice and recommendations. You can then find a surgeon who is professional and skilled.
Claim If Negligence Occurs
If you've researched your doctor and private practice thoroughly, then hopefully nothing will go wrong. However, medical negligence occurs in even the most esteemed of private clinics, so be prepared to make a claim if the worst happens. You can use Wright Hassall's online calculator to find out how much your claim could be worth and what you can do to start the process. All you need to do is select the area of your body which has been injured on their compensation calculator and you’ll be able to see the estimated value based on the specific injury.
Never Choose A Cut-Price Procedure
It's easy to think that a cheaper procedure will give you a better deal, but this is your health we're talking about. You need to make sure that you invest in a quality private surgery procedure so that you don't experience an unnecessarily painful recovery process. Even worse, you could be left with lasting damage, so avoid deals and poorly-rated private surgery providers.
Follow The Clinic's Directions For Recovery
Any surgery, whether performed on the NHS or privately, leaves marks on your body and takes time to recover from. The amount of time and rest you need to get better will depend upon the type of procedure you get, so it's essential that you follow your surgeon's instructions. If you ignore them or start getting your life back to normal too quickly, then you could find yourself with lasting damage and unable to enjoy the benefits of your treatment.
Consider Private Health Insurance
After your procedure, you might find that private healthcare suits you, or that you want to get additional procedures to create the body you've always dreamed of having. If that's the case, then you should consider taking out private health insurance. Compare a selection of private healthcare insurance plans, so you can find a quality, cost-effective plan. Alternatively, you could ask your private clinic if they offer a payment plan for additional treatments. Either approach will allow you to save money on your private healthcare and treatments, while at the same time ensuring that you enjoy a safe experience.
When getting surgery privately, it's crucial that you take the time to research the clinic and explore all of the options that you have, before you make your decision. Best of luck with your private surgery and I hope the outcome is everything you've ever wanted.
