Cosmetic surgery More and more people are having surgery to tidy up those bits of their body they have never liked, from nose jobs to tummy tucks.

The most important thing is not to rush into cosmetic surgery

Only you can know what you think is right for you, but the most important thing is not to rush into cosmetic surgery. Think carefully about why you want it and what you realistically expect it to do for you. Having a breast enlargement or a face-lift may make you feel better, but it's unlikely to get you the job of your dreams or rescue a failing relationship.

Make sure you see a qualified and experienced surgeon. The best place to start is by talking to your GP. They'll know who the local surgeons are and what their reputations are like. Also, you may need a referral letter from your GP to get an appointment with the cosmetic surgeon you want to see.

You could also talk to any friends who've had similar operations about their experiences and what their surgeon was like.

The Department of Health has comprehensive information about cosmetic surgery to help people make informed choices. It can be downloaded as a PDF.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons can also provide you with a list of qualified surgeons in your area.

Remember, cosmetic surgery:

• Can be very expensive (it's rarely available on the NHS)
• Isn't without risks and complications
• Doesn't always give the results you hope for

If you have any doubts, don't go ahead until you're clear about what you're doing. Cosmetic surgery can be one of the biggest life changes you'll ever experience - good luck making an informed decision.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in August 2007.