Why BAPS & BAAPS?

Last year alone the demand for cosmetic surgery increased by around 25% and has done for the last five years, and many more people are opting for cosmetic surgery. So how do you find a cosmetic surgeon and how do you know they are fully trained?

Membership in professional organisations is one of the many factors in determining a surgeon's qualifications. There are two main organisations in the UK, These are the largest inter-disciplinary medical organisations, and they are exclusively devoted to cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, BAPS and BAAPS members represent only a minority of surgeons in the UK practising cosmetic surgery.

• The British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS)
• The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)

In short, its members are fully trained plastic surgeons. They are involved in ongoing training with twice-yearly instruction and scientific meetings. All members are on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons and are eligible to have a consultant appointment in the NHS. In addition each new member has to be recommended by two existing members who are fully aware of his/her ability as a cosmetic surgeon.

BAPS & BAAPS Members are fully trained Plastic Surgeons. They have undergone a rigorous training programme. This involves at least six years training in recognised training centres, having regular assessments and exams. They are taught cosmetic surgery in lectures, courses, tutorials, and demonstrations. They are aided in their early operations by experienced surgeons.

Members also regularly attend meetings organised by BAAPS twice a year, they are all eligible to hold consultant positions in Plastic Surgery in the NHS. All NHS plastic surgeons have completed six years of specialist training and have obtained further qualifications such as (FRCS plast) are added to the specialist register in plastic surgery. These surgeons can then apply to become a full member of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS).

Members are also listed on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons kept by the General Medical Council. They are recognised by BUPA, and other Health Insurance companies, and work in reputable hospitals and clinics for example private wings of NHS Trust hospitals, BUPA, and Nuffield etc.

BAPS & BAAPS are recognised by The Surgical Royal Colleges, The Royal College of Surgeons of Scotland, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, and The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland as the professional body representing the field of cosmetic surgery.

You will always have a consultation with the surgeon; who will give his/her professional medical opinion which is based on his/her assessment of your needs. You will be told if a procedure is not appropriate as well as the different procedures that would be of most benefit to you. BAPS & BAAPS Members have a wide breadth and depth of knowledge and so can always fully advise you of the different treatments available.