Operations in Spain

The aesthetical surgery is a specialised aspect of plastic surgery. The primary object of plastic surgery is the reconstruction of external defects to the human body, however aesthetical surgery is aimed at perfecting ones appearance. Aesthetical surgery is therefore really "caring surgery" - aesthetic surgeons can be seen as psychiatrists of the body, they can help to achieve ones individual goal.

It is claimed that people undergo an aesthetic operation to be more attractive, more competitive in their social life, in love or in business, but in my personal experience, the fundamental reason is for people to feel better in their skin and to raise their self esteem. There is not one operation that can guarantee success in business, in social life or even that can save a marriage. The typical example of a candidate for an aesthetical operation is an independent woman who would like to eliminate an aspect of her appearance that she does not like.

The by far most popular operation in Spain is the breast lifting operation through breast implants. The second most popular operation is liposuction. Other common operations are breast reductions, ear and nose corrections.

A special mention should be given to facial rejuvenation surgery. The modern "lifting" techniques, sometimes complemented by laser for the so called "resurfacing" are much less aggressive than in the past and with more natural and lasting results than before.

Only accredited plastic surgeons are capable of achieving remarkable results after an operation. In Spain this speciality is officially named " plastic surgery, aesthetics and reconstruction" and to achieve this status the doctor has to receive resident training in an accredited hospital for five years.

As in other countries, there are surgeons in Spain who call themselves "aesthetical or cosmetical surgeons" and they execute aesthetical operations, but they are not necessarily recognised and there is no guarantee of competence. The plastic surgeon is especially trained to prevent and to solve complications that can occur from such an operation.

Spain is within Europe the country with the highest number of aesthetical operations and the quality of the Spanish plastic surgeons is therefore very high. On the other hand, prices for aesthetic surgery are very competitive in Spain. Spain is therefore a good choice for this kind of operations.

Please take my advice, if you would like to undergo an aesthetical operation, in whatever country, please go to an accredited plastic surgeon who in possession of the necessary papers and who can inform you about the possibilities or risks of each operation and have it done in a well equipped hospital with all guarantees. Do not trust bargains. A well informed patient is probably the most satisfied patient.

How do you make sure that your surgeon is a recognised specialist? Phone the regional Medical Board and find out. And before you are operated, ask your surgeon for a written information sheet that you both sign, describing what the operation entails and what the possible complications are.