Are You Eligible for Cosmetic Surgery? Who Should & Shouldn’t Get Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires careful thought and preparation. Not everyone is a suitable candidate, and it’s important to determine whether you are eligible before moving forward. Factors such as health, expectations, and lifestyle play a crucial role in assessing your suitability. At Clear Surgery, we prioritise ethics, transparency, and patient safety, ensuring that we only take on patients who are suitable for surgery and have realistic expectations.

If you’re considering surgery, this guide will help you understand whether you meet the criteria and what factors surgeons consider when determining eligibility. Making an informed decision with an ethical and responsible clinic is essential for the best possible outcome.

Our Initial Consultation Process

Before determining eligibility for surgery, Clear Surgery requires the following information from patients:

• Full name
• Age (must be 18 or older to enquire and undergo surgery)
• Any medical conditions
• Any medications you are taking
• Do you smoke?
• Do you drink alcohol?
• Any other relevant medical information that may affect your case
• Your expectations and goals for the procedure (photos can be helpful)
• Clear photos of the areas you wish to have surgery on

Providing this information helps our surgeons assess whether surgery is safe and appropriate for you.

Who is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery?

Not everyone is suited for cosmetic procedures, but those who meet the following criteria are more likely to have a safe experience and satisfying results.

Age Requirements

Patients must be 18 or older to enquire and undergo cosmetic surgery. Age plays an important role in eligibility, as younger patients may not have fully developed features, and older patients may face higher surgical risks. At Clear Surgery, we assess on a case-by-case basis, particularly for patients over 55 years old. While many older patients can safely undergo surgery, factors such as existing medical conditions and overall health will influence suitability. If we believe surgery poses a risk, we may advise against proceeding for the patient’s safety.

Physically Healthy Individuals

• Have no serious underlying health conditions that could increase surgical risks.
• Are at a stable weight (especially for procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks).
• Have no active infections or untreated medical issues.

Non-Smokers or Those Who Can Quit

• Smoking and vaping affect blood circulation, slowing down healing and increasing the risk of complications.
• Ideal candidates quit smoking or vaping at least 4 weeks before surgery.
• Many previous patients have found surgery to be a motivating factor to quit permanently.

Patients with Realistic Expectations

• Understand that cosmetic surgery enhances features but won’t create perfection.
• Are aware that everyone’s results are unique, as individual anatomy and healing differ.
• Have a clear vision of what they want but remain open to professional advice.
• Recognise that some photos of celebrities and influencers may be digitally edited and may not reflect achievable results.
• A skilled surgeon will review your goals and discuss whether your desired outcome is realistically possible.
• Choosing a surgeon experienced in your specific procedure is key to achieving the best results.

Emotionally & Mentally Prepared Patients

• Are making the decision for themselves, not under pressure from others.
• Are patient and committed to following pre- and post-op instructions.
• Have carefully considered the decision and haven’t rushed into it impulsively.

Who Should Reconsider or Delay Surgery?

Some individuals may need to wait, prepare, or reconsider surgery due to health concerns, lifestyle factors, or unrealistic goals.

Patients with Serious Medical Conditions

If you have any of the following conditions, surgery may not be safe or may require additional precautions:

• Heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or high blood pressure (increases surgical risks).
• Autoimmune disorders (may affect healing and increase infection risks).
• Blood clotting disorders (can increase the chance of complications during surgery).

Clear Surgery does accept patients with medical conditions, but it is essential to disclose them before booking so the doctor can properly assess your suitability and ensure your safety.

Mental Health Considerations

• If you have a mental health condition, it is important to raise this with your surgeon.
• This does not necessarily mean you cannot have surgery—in some cases, the surgeon may request a doctor’s evaluation to assess suitability.
• Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or severe self-image concerns should be particularly cautious. If you find yourself obsessing over minor imperfections or expecting surgery to fix personal issues, it’s worth seeking professional advice first.

Individuals with Unstable Weight

Surgery results can be compromised if weight fluctuates significantly. Those who:

• Plan to lose or gain a significant amount of weight.
• Have recently experienced major weight changes.
• Are considering surgery to avoid weight loss through diet and exercise.

May need to stabilise their weight first for long-lasting results. Some procedures, such as liposuction or tummy tucks, may require the surgeon to assess BMI (Body Mass Index) before determining suitability.

Patients Expecting Instant Results with No Recovery Time

Cosmetic surgery requires a healing period. If you:

• Expect immediate results without swelling or bruising.
• Have a big event within weeks of surgery (e.g., wedding, holiday).
• Aren’t willing to take time off for proper recovery.

Then you may need to rethink your timing or consider non-surgical options.

Practical Checklist: Are You Ready for Surgery?

• Have I researched my procedure and fully understood the risks?
• Am I in good physical and mental health?
• Have I been honest about my medical history with my surgeon?
• Have I set realistic expectations for my results?
• Do I have enough time for proper recovery?
• Am I doing this for myself and not due to external pressures?
• Have I chosen an experienced and reputable surgeon?
• Have I quit smoking or vaping at least 4 weeks before surgery?
• Have I reached a stable weight if considering body contouring procedures?

Ethical Considerations: Clear Surgery’s Commitment to Patient Safety

At Clear Surgery, patient well-being always comes first. We put ethics above everything else and will only take on patients who are healthy and safe to have surgery.

We do not accept patients when:

• We believe surgery is not in their best interest.
• Their expectations are unrealistic, and their desired outcome cannot be safely achieved.
• A procedure would pose a significant risk to their health.

We believe that transparency and honesty are essential in cosmetic surgery. If we determine that a procedure is not suitable for you, we will be upfront about it rather than proceeding with surgery just to secure a booking.

Key Takeaways

• Cosmetic surgery is not for everyone, and eligibility depends on health, expectations, and lifestyle.
• Honest disclosure of medical history and lifestyle factors is crucial for ensuring patient safety.
• A thorough consultation, including medical history and photos, is required to assess suitability.
• Realistic expectations and understanding of the recovery process are key to satisfaction with results.
• At Clear Surgery, ethics come first—we do not take on patients who are not suitable for surgery.

Disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified medical practitioner before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Clear Surgery is a medical tourism company that facilitates treatment with experienced surgeons and accredited hospitals. We are not a medical provider and do not perform medical procedures ourselves. Patients undergo surgery at their own risk, and all medical decisions should be made between the patient and their chosen surgeon.

Patients must be 18 years or older to enquire or undergo surgery. It is the patient’s responsibility to provide complete and accurate medical information, including health history, medications, and any relevant conditions. Failure to disclose necessary details may result in treatment cancellation or increased medical risks.

Both the UK Government (source) and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller service (source) advise patients to carefully review medical tourism guidelines before travelling abroad for surgery. Official government health advice can be found on their respective websites. Patients should also review our Terms and Conditions for full details on our services and responsibilities.