Honest, evidence-based information about plastic surgery procedures, recovery, risks, and realistic outcomes. Written by a consultant plastic surgeon — not a marketing team.
Good decisions start with good information. This section exists to help you understand plastic surgery without hype or pressure. Every article reflects Kevin McGarry's clinical approach: honest, evidence-based, and focused on what is right for you — not on generating appointments.
The single most important decision in your surgical journey is not which procedure to have — it is who performs it. Understanding qualifications, accreditation (FRCS(Plast)), and what to ask at consultation can protect you from poor outcomes.
Book a Consultation →Plastic surgery can achieve significant, lasting changes — but it cannot achieve perfection, stop ageing, or resolve psychological dissatisfaction unrelated to physical appearance. Understanding what surgery can and cannot do is essential before proceeding.
About Kevin McGarry →Every surgical procedure carries risk. Competent surgeons discuss these openly and honestly before you commit. Be wary of any surgeon who minimises risk or dismisses your questions. Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical practice.
Discuss Your Case →Recovery timelines vary significantly by procedure. Understanding what real recovery looks like — including swelling, bruising, activity restrictions, and when final results are visible — helps you plan properly and avoid disappointment.
View All Procedures →All surgery leaves scars. The goal of a skilled plastic surgeon is to place them where they are least visible and to close wounds in a way that minimises their appearance over time. Understanding scar maturation helps set accurate expectations.
Skin & Scar Surgery →Private plastic surgery represents a significant financial commitment. Avoid clinics offering unrealistically low prices or aggressive finance packages. Understanding the full cost — including aftercare — helps you make a properly informed decision.
Request a Quote →Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery is the highest surgical qualification in the UK and Ireland for plastic surgery. It requires years of specialist training, rigorous examination, and ongoing professional development. Not all surgeons performing cosmetic procedures hold this qualification.
Qualification"Cosmetic surgery" is not a recognised surgical specialty in the UK or Ireland. "Plastic surgery" is. A consultant plastic surgeon has completed a formal training programme and sits on the Specialist Register. This distinction matters enormously for patient safety.
SafetyBefore and after galleries show selected cases under optimal conditions. They do not represent average outcomes, and your anatomy, skin quality, and healing will differ. Use them for general understanding — not as a blueprint for your own result.
ExpectationsBreast implants, like all implanted devices, require time to settle. Swelling distorts early results significantly. Most surgeons advise waiting at least 3–4 months before evaluating the final outcome of any implant-based procedure — not the few weeks shown in many before-and-after posts.
RecoveryGood candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are motivated by personal goals rather than external pressure. A consultation with Kevin McGarry will clarify whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.
Combining procedures can reduce total recovery time, but increases anaesthetic duration and operative complexity. Whether combination surgery is appropriate depends on your health, the procedures involved, and the operating facility. This is discussed fully at consultation.
This varies by procedure. Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Body contouring results persist if weight is maintained. Facial surgery results are long-lasting but do not stop the ageing process. Each procedure has its own longevity profile, discussed at consultation.
Unhappiness after surgery can relate to unrealistic expectations, unexpected complications, or genuine surgical under-performance. Revision surgery is sometimes appropriate but requires careful assessment. Kevin McGarry is experienced in assessing and addressing post-surgical concerns.
Please contact the clinic directly to discuss payment options. We advise all patients to understand the full cost of their treatment — including follow-up and any revision — before committing. We do not use aggressive finance arrangements.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of wound complications, poor healing, and anaesthetic complications. Most plastic surgeons require cessation of smoking for a minimum period before elective surgery. This will be discussed fully at your consultation.
A consultation with Kevin McGarry gives you direct access to a named consultant plastic surgeon who will answer your questions honestly, without pressure or sales culture. Book a private, unhurried consultation today.
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