"Plastic surgery differs from most other types of surgery, in that the philosophy of the surgeon is central to the quality of both the experience and the outcome of the procedure.

In the surgeon's hands lies not just the anatomy but also the self esteem of the patient. The surgeon is therefore the custodian of the patient's ultimate trust and must be totally committed to a result in which harmony and proportion are achieved for each patient.

I believe that the points below highlight some of the characteristics which define the best plastic surgeons. When supported by a high level of surgical and technical expertise, these characteristics ensure that plastic surgery makes a significant improvement to patient's lives."

• The plastic surgeon must spend time listening carefully to each patient and then explaining the options and procedures in detail. This process helps the patient define their needs more clearly, and leads to the development of a 'surgical plan', which is fundamental to the success of the procedure.
  
  This planning phase may take several consultations and the patient is considered ready for surgery when they are clear about their objectives, and when the 'surgical plan' has evolved to meet these.

• Patients must be given accurate information by the surgeon and staff, and helped to make informed choices - which is only possible when the surgeon has expertise in the enitre spectrum of aesthetic techniques. This is in contrast to those practitioners who promote only the limited techniques they can perform, which may or may not be suited to the patient's real needs.
  
  
• When a patient is ready and has decided to proceed with surgery, they must be assured of complete confidentiality and receive total and ongoing support from the surgeon and staff during and after the procedure.
  
  
• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, patients must be assured of a natural look, undetectable as the result of surgery.

When these considerations are in place the experience of plastic surgery is a positive one which enhances every aspect of the patient's future.