Cosmetic Surgery FAQ

Contrary to its name, plastic surgery does not involve the use of plastics. The word “plastic” is derived from a Greek word “plastikos” which means to “mould or refashion”.

Reconstructive surgery is designed to improve function and minimise disfigurement that has occurred as the result of an accident, birth defect or disease. Cosmetic surgery is that subspeciality of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery that is designed to improve a person’s appearance beyond the status quo in an aesthetic manner by altering or reshaping a bodily feature.

A surgeon is someone who is qualified to perform invasive surgical procedures. Specialist surgeons have studied specialist surgery for a minimum of five years on top of their MRCS/FRCS qualifications and have at least twelve years of total medical and surgical education. Junior surgeons are either Members or Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) or equivalent, and have undergone basic, albeit intensive, training to perform invasive surgical procedures. However, to call yourself a specialist surgeon requires an additional 5+ years training on top of the basic MRCS/FRCS qualification. A FRCS (Plast) surgeon has studied and trained in Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery for a minimum of 10 years after medical school. However, this qualification is only part of the quality assurance for patients and surgeons then have to attained a so-called CCT (completion of certified training) to become an official ‘Specialist’ on the GMC Specialist Register.

Please note that doctors with only a MBBS (bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery) degree are not surgeons. They are not trained specifically for invasive surgical procedures under anaesthesia. However, in the UK surgically unqualified doctors are also allowed to perform cosmetic surgery. To ensure your surgeon is fully qualified and has extensive surgical training, patients should make sure their surgeon has the FRCS(Plast) qualification or is a member of BAAPS and BAPRAS and has their CCT.

Mr Banwell is an internationally renowned, fully qualified Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon BSc(Hons), MB BS FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Plast) specialising in cosmetic surgery with nearly 15 years experience in all areas. He is a member of multiple professional societies which include the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) & the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Mr Banwell regularly attends international meetings and workshops in Australia, America and Europe to keep updated on the latest surgical techniques and innovations.

A cosmetic consultation with Mr Banwell starts from £130. During this consultation you will be given comprehensive information regarding the procedure you are interested in and your medical history will be reviewed and assessed. You may also have some photographs taken.

Depending on our patients needs, bookings and length of procedure, there may be time available quickly. However, we do not like to rush our patients into a procedure (a so-called ‘cooling-off’ period is encouraged by our national associations -BAAPS & BAPRAS), preferring to allow them to book in when they are confident and at the best time for them. We understand our patients have time schedules and we therefore try and fit in as best we can to match your proposed arrangements.

There are a number of benefits for having your cosmetic treatment at one of the hospitals Mr Banwell operates at. You will have easy access to the medical staff and support team without hassle and barriers – before, during and after your treatment. All of the institutions Mr Banwell works inner all CQC registered and have superlative safety records and patient satisfaction results.For your reassurance you know you are in capable hands as Mr Banwell is a Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons and is on the Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery with the GMC in the UK and has over 10 years experience as a specialist.

Mr Banwell will talk to you about keeping your GP informed and how it is beneficial to keep him/her well briefed about any surgery you may choose to have. If you opt to go ahead with surgery Mr Banwell will ask for your permission to write to your GP for details of your medical history. This is good medical practice and is a safety precaution and important if you’ll be having a general anaesthetic.

Mr Banwell will talk through the implications of the surgery you are interested in, the recovery period, how much time off from work you may need and any follow up care you will need. If you have any questions or concerns about your surgery or the procedure you are interested in please ask Mr Banwell at your consultation or one of his staff in the office (01342 330302). And, if something occurs to you after your consultation, there’s plenty of options for you to get in touch once again and get the information you need.

When you have made the decision to go ahead with a surgical procedure with Mr Banwell and you have received your estimate, the next step is to choose a date and liaise with Mr Banwell’s team.  You will be supported through this journey by both Mr Banwell’s team and the relevant hospital team members and pre-assessment personnel. You will be advised about what to bring on the day of surgery but please do browse through these sections for a better idea of what to expect. Remember that there is 24/7 medical cover at all the hospitals where Mr Banwell works. The team will discuss and confirm financials but please note that full payment of Mr Banwell’s fee is required 3 weeks prior to surgery day. Hospital fees and anaesthetic fees are paid separately and directly to institutions or individuals.

Many procedures can be performed as day surgery so there is no need for an overnight hospital stay but bigger procedures may require 1, 2 or even a 3 night stay.

Mr Banwell and his team do their best to prevent any pain and discomfort. At your initial consultation, Mr Banwell will discuss anaesthetic options with you including local anaesthetic, sedation and general anaesthetic. Mr Banwell works with highly trained anaesthetists who do their utmost to ensure your comfort before, during and after the procedure.

Depending on the nature of your procedure, it is recommended that you should arrange for somebody to take you home after your operation, particularly if you have had sedation you must not drive for several hours after your procedure. Mr Banwell also recommends that somebody stay with you during the first day at home. Further advice can be obtained at the time of your consultation(s).

Please contact the hospital where you had your surgery. Our hospitals have clinical teams on duty every day of the week and they are there for your help. For simple requests Mr Banwell’s Personal Assistants are available for help and advice too. Please note that the hospital will organise your post-operative check in dressing clinic at 1 week but Mr Banwell’s team will organise follow up with him personally (usually at 2 weeks).

If any complications occur in the peri-operative period, then all costs are covered as part of a ‘peace of mind package’ Rarely, revisional surgery may sometimes be required but this is decided upon by a third party with well-defined criteria.

There is no fee for review consultations for cosmetic surgery as this is included in your cosmetic surgery package price. Normal fees apply to non cosmetic surgical patients and insured patients (Mr Banwell’s team only submit standard insurance fees).

There is a range of implants that we can use here at PB Cosmetic Surgery but Mr Banwell’s preferred implant company is Motiva from Establishment Labs (ESTA). Mr Banwell will discuss Motiva Implants in more detail at your consultation.

We take major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and Debit cards. You can also make payments by cash.

Yes we do. If you require assistance with finance for your procedure, there are several companies that can help you. Please contact Mr Banwell’s office for further information on 01342 330302.

There are absolutely no hidden costs for cosmetic surgery (although please note that additional procedures do come at an extra cost). The price you are quoted covers everything, including surgeon and anaesthetist fees, plus hospital and theatre costs. The price quoted also includes all necessary drugs, dressings, blood tests (if required) and follow-up appointments, if necessary.

In the first instance, if you have cause to complain or are unhappy for any reason, please do phone or contact the office (FAO: Practic Manager by email or letter. We aim to reply to your concerns within 30 days and always hope to resolve matter quickly and efficiently. Please do not forget that we are consistently improving our services and need feedback from you. We welcome your contributions which could be positive as well as negative comments. They play an important part in the development of our future treatment plans and customer care policies.