Cosmetic surgery patients 'to take psychological test'

By Adina Campbell
Newsbeat reporter

New assessments are being introduced at some private clinics to try to stop people having cosmetic surgery they may later regret.

The test has been developed by psychologists who say patients are being put at risk by firms who don't carry out enough checks.

They are also being backed by the UK's biggest plastic surgery group.

Some clinics in The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) have already started using the form.

Nigel Mercer, a consultant plastic surgeon and member of Baaps, says the questionnaires are easy to use and have a scoring system to help identify those who aren't suitable for cosmetic surgery or treatments.

"It's important we are aware of those patients who are vulnerable and that they are appropriately counselled. They need to be fully aware of what they're letting themselves in for if they go for surgery."

"These assessments should act as an aid for surgeons who have a responsibility to ask the right questions. Too many private clinics are more concerned about their bank balance and not their patients."

The test asks questions like how long a person spends looking in the mirror and how much the feature they want to change bothers them.

Nichola Rumsey, a psychologist in Bristol, helped develop the assessment.

"We've worked on this for a number of years. We thought there was a need to provide surgeons with a screening instrument to find out who looks like they will do well from cosmetic surgery and those that may go on to suffer psychological problems."

'Flat chest'

Twenty-two-year-old Sian Welsh from Oldham had breast implants when she was 18. Looking back she says the surgeon didn't give her enough time to think about whether she needed surgery.

"Before my boob job I was a double A cup and it always bothered me having a flat chest. I was really excited about having implants when I turned 18 because I thought it would give me more confidence."

"But looking back, I was definitely too young and probably needed counselling to make me feel better about myself."

The patient must complete 11 questions on body image

"I don't regret the surgery but I should have waited. My surgeon didn't get to know me and never found out where I was psychologically."

The questionnaire takes up two sides of A4 and patients will need to answer the 10 questions before their first consultation with a surgeon.

There is a separate guide for surgeons which helps flag up those who aren't suitable for surgery and may need counselling instead.

It's claimed some patients who are desperate for surgery will able to cheat the test and give false answers.

Newsbeat gave Sian a copy of the questionnaire and she had mixed views.

"I think these assessments are a good idea and if it was around when I had surgery, the outcome may have been different for me.

"However, looking at these questions they're not very detailed and I think some people will put scores down that will guarantee they have surgery."

Nigel Mercer says the questionnaire is only supposed to be an aid for surgeons.

"Good surgeons will be able to tell when someone is lying and we are trained to pick out those who have deeper underlying issues."