If you have made the choice to undergo cosmetic surgery then picking the right surgeon will be one of the most important decisions of your life. A successful operation can boost a person's self esteem and their confidence. A badly performed procedure, on the other hand, can leave the patient feeling depressed about their appearance and may necessitate the need for further operations to correct any problems - for instance, while rhinoplasty is one of the most requested procedures it also has the highest rate of revision surgeries (around 1 in 10 patients). Taking the time to find a highly skilled surgeon will lessen the chance of problems arising.

There is no single factor which can be used to determine how skilled a cosmetic surgeon is, but there are several things you can look for which can be a good indication. The foremost of these is the qualifications the surgeon holds. Before someone can practise surgery they should achieve a basic qualification such as an MBBS or MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery). You can use sites such as www.gmc-uk.org for checking this. In addition to this basic qualification they should also have completed a higher level of training in their chosen field and hold additional qualifications such as FRCSPlast (Specialist Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, specialising in plastic surgery). Any company offering cosmetic surgery must be registered with the Healthcare Commision.

Visit as many websites as possible and contact several clinics to request their literature and read all of the information thoroughly. A glossy brochure is no guarantee of a competent surgeon, but testimonials and before and after pictures of previously performed cosmetic procedures can give some idea of how skillful a surgeon is. If you choose to book a consultation with the clinic or surgeon it may also be worth asking if they can put you in contact with previous patients who have undergone the same procedure.

Friends and family, etc, can also be of use for finding a good cosmetic surgeon. With thousands of people seeking to improve their appearance through surgery each year the chances are there is someone within your circle of acquaintances who has either had some sort of cosmetic procedure or who knows someone who has. If you do not know anyone who can personally recommend a cosmetic surgeon then there are several internet forums devoted to cosmetic surgery which may be worth joining. Alternatively, your GP may be able to assist you.

Once you have thoroughly researched which clinics or hospitals may meet your needs the next step you take should be to book a consultation with a surgeon - it is in your best interest to visit several, especially as initial consultations are often free. When you first arrive at the clinic think about how comfortable you are with your surroundings, for instance do the staff seem professional and able to put you at your ease. During the consultation itself the surgeon should listen carefully to what you wish to achieve through surgery and answer all your questions fully. A good surgeon will be honest about what can realistically be achieved and will explain the potential risks and complications which may arise from the operation. There should be no pressure on you to proceed - be wary if you feel they are actively pushing you towards having the surgery.

The results of your cosmetic surgery will be something that lasts for a lifetime. Therefore, do not be tempted to opt for a quick fix and choose the surgeon with the shortest waiting list. It is worth remembering that the most skilled surgeons are also likely to be the most sought after, and they may be worth the extra waiting time.