Insurance for Cosmetic Surgery

100,000 cosmetic procedures were performed in the UK last year. In response to the growing demand for cosmetic surgery, Beautysure are now providing insurance to cover people if something goes wrong with the surgery. If you have medical insurance you will not be covered for any mishap that may occur as a result of a cosmetic procedure so this may be worth considering.

Cosmetic surgery is growing in popularity. The Harley Medical Group announced a 26% increase in their surgical business in 2008. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported that breast augmentation was up 30% in 2008.

However, as with any invasive surgery there are risks and they are particularly important if you undergo a surgery that is designed to improve your appearance only to find that you are left with undesirable scarring, for example, or an uneven breast augmentation. 5% of cosmetic surgeries result in complications with many needing corrective surgery.

Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and past President of BAAPS “Those considering an aesthetic surgery should always be aware that no procedure is without risk. When performed under the right circumstances, cosmetic surgery can have a positive psychological impact and improve quality of life.”

The onus is on surgeons to perform procedures to the necessary standards and of course, simply being unhappy with the aesthetic results of a surgery is not enough reason for official complaint. However if things go medically wrong as a result of treatment you should be able to have this put right by the surgeon who performed the operation. Scarring, infections and implant problems are common. Some companies will cover you for any medical complications that occur for 12 months following your operation. Aurora, for example cover you if things 'have not gone as they should,' for example if a neck lift slackens prematurely.

Beautysure have now introduced an insurance policy which is offered only by participating members who are all registered with the BAAPS. It costs £199 for 12 months and £99 for a further 2 years. It covers you for £4,000 of treatment for a range of post-surgery complications, including, tissue necrosis, scarring, haematoma that needs draining and 'dog ears' after a tummy tuck. Multiple surgeries are covered up to £6,000.

If things go wrong with your proceedure you may not want your surgeon to put it right. If you have insurance with Beautysure you can be seen by another consultant surgeon.

All surgeons should be providing a fully comprehensive back up service. However, according to Beautysure, 'Currently, the ‘guarantees’ offered by cosmetic providers are not consistent and are often not transparent to the patient. This can lead to unhealthy conflict further down the line in the event of a complication. Following a surgical complication, Beautysure Insurance takes the grey area away ensuring a quick and problem free solution for the patient and surgical provider.'