New Survey Data: Cosmetic Surgery Knowledge

Cosmetic surgery knowledge is important. Whether it is you or someone you know who has had a procedure, it is vital that people know more about the cosmetic surgery world to avoid the pitfalls. We wanted to investigate just how much people know about cosmetic surgery, how they would go about it safely and how to get help should they need it.

To do so, we conducted a national survey to discover just how much the UK knows about cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. From if they’ve had cosmetic work done themselves, to how confident they would be to find help from a cosmetic surgeon, you can find out more about our survey in the results below.

Key Findings

We spoke to a total of 991 people for the 2022 survey, from 18-year-olds to 65-year-olds, to those who have undergone a cosmetic procedure to those who have not, which allows us to see results from a variety of different viewpoints.

• 91% of people would not consider non-surgical treatment from somebody who was not a medical professional
• 86% of the people who have had cosmetic surgery are women
• 80% of people would not know what to do if their cosmetic surgery procedure went wrong
• Only 22% of men have considered cosmetic surgery, compared to 56% of women
• 68% of people would not know how to find a safe and reputable cosmetic surgeon
• 48% of people have considered a non-surgical cosmetic treatment

Would you consider getting non-surgical treatment, such as filler or botox, from somebody who was not a medical professional?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	8.78%	83
No	91.22%	862

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “I would know exactly what to do if my cosmetic surgery procedure went wrong”?

Strongly Agree	Agree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree
4.66%	15.56%	41.69%	38.10%

Would you ever consider non-surgical cosmetic treatment?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	48.13%	477
No	51.87%	514

From these findings alone, we can see that although almost half of the people we surveyed have considered some form of cosmetic procedure, they would not know where to go to have a procedure by a safe and reputable surgeon or if they needed help with any problems. Read our six-step guide to find a safe cosmetic surgeon.

Cosmetic Surgery Knowledge

Having extensive knowledge of cosmetic surgery before even considering any sort of procedure can help avoid mishaps and give a more well-rounded view of cosmetic surgery in general.

People may often feel pressured into cosmetic procedures due to a lack of confidence and the way the media presents certain body and facial types as idealistic.

Despite the varying stories in the media about botched surgery, it’s clear that people still do not know how to get the help if they need it. Here, we analyse the UK’s opinion and experience in regard to cosmetic procedures.

Gender and Cosmetic Surgery

When we take a closer look at the survey results, we can see there is a difference in responses when comparing those who identify as female and those who identify as male.

• Out of the people we surveyed, 51% of women have considered having cosmetic surgery, while 78% of men have not considered it
• 56% of women have considered non-surgical cosmetic treatment (such as botox, fillers, etc.), whereas 78% of men have never considered it

Despite these differing opinions when it comes to whether they would undergo cosmetic treatment, men and women come together to agree on the safety side of cosmetic procedures.

• 90% of women and 95% of men would not consider non-surgical cosmetic treatment from someone who was not a medical professional
• 81% of women and 86% of men would not consider going abroad for a cosmetic procedure
• 94% of women and 84% of men agree that there should be more done to educate people on what to do if cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures go wrong

When it comes to cosmetic procedures, safety is key. In the people we surveyed, both men and women appeared to not have a great deal of knowledge in how to stay safe where cosmetic treatments are involved.

• 69% of women and 77% of men would not know how to check the qualifications of the person carrying out their non-surgical cosmetic treatment
• 65% of women and 77% of men would not know how to find a safe and reputable cosmetic surgeon
• 81% of women and 76% of men would not know what to do if their cosmetic procedure went wrong

Age and Cosmetic Surgery

When looking at the survey data, we took age into consideration to see how the varying age groups responded. There appears to be a disparity between the different age groups’ opinions on whether they would have any procedures themselves.

• 65% of 18-25 year-olds and 68% of 50-65 year-olds have not considered having cosmetic surgery, 60% of 26-35 year-olds and 50% of 35-50 year-olds have considered having it
• 48% of 18-25 year-olds, 56% of 26-35 year-olds, and 54% of 35-50 year-olds have considered a non-surgical cosmetic treatment, and 61% of 50-65 year-olds have not considered it

Despite their differing opinions on whether they would get any cosmetic treatments done themselves, all age groups seem to have little knowledge of what to do when faced with cosmetic safety.

• 62% of 18-25 year-olds, 60% of 26-35 year-olds, 67% of 35-50 year-olds, and 75% of 50-65 year-olds would not know how to find a safe and reputable cosmetic surgeon
• 76% of 18-25 year-olds, 88% of 26-35 year-olds, 80% of 35-50 year-olds, and 83% of 50-65 year-olds would not know what to do if their cosmetic procedure went wrong

Those who have had cosmetic procedures

When looking at the survey data, we also took into consideration those who have had cosmetic procedures (16% of the people surveyed) and their experiences and opinions. It is interesting to note their gender and age.

• Out of the people we surveyed, 86% of those who have had cosmetic procedures were women
• 46% of those who have had cosmetic procedures were aged 35-50 years old

Those who have had cosmetic procedures appear to be more confident in certain aspects of the cosmetic treatment process.

• 64% of those who have had cosmetic procedures would know how to find a safe and reputable cosmetic surgeon
• 64% of them would not go abroad for cosmetic procedures

However, those who have had cosmetic procedures appear to be just as in the dark about some safety aspects as those who have not had cosmetic procedures.

• 63% of people who have had a cosmetic procedure would not know what to do if their cosmetic procedure went wrong

 

Check out all our survey data below:

 

Have you ever had cosmetic surgery?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	6.56%	65
No	93.44%	926

Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	44.70%	443
No	55.30%	548

Have you ever had non-surgical cosmetic treatment?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	10.80%	107
No	89.20%	884

Would you know how to check the qualifications of the person carrying out your non-surgical cosmetic treatment?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	29.21%	276
No	70.79%	669

Would you know how to find a safe and reputable cosmetic surgeon?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	32.06%	303
No	67.94%	642

Would you consider going abroad to undergo a cosmetic procedure?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	18.20%	172
No	81.80%	773

Have you ever heard of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	27.09%	256
No	72.91%	689

Would you trust your original surgeon to carry out a corrective procedure following botched cosmetic surgery?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
Yes	10.58%	100
No	89.42%	845

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “More should be done to educate people on what to do if cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures go wrong”?

Strongly Agree	Agree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree
48.04%	44.34%	3.70%	1.80%

There are a number of bodies that regulate cosmetic surgeries, who are able to help if something goes wrong with a procedure.

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
True	70.77%	656
False	29.23%	271

All cosmetic surgeons working in the UK today have the insurance necessary to adequately protect their patients.

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
True	44.34%	411
False	55.66%	516

If you undergo surgery abroad, you will have the same legal protection as you do in the UK.

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
True	6.36%	59
False	93.64%	868

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as botox injections and lip filler can be administered by anyone, regardless of their training or experience.

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
True	54.80%	508
False	45.20%	419

There are no regulatory bodies for non-surgical cosmetic providers, unless the procedure is carried out by a nurse, dentist, doctor, or pharmacist.

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
True	69.69%	646
False	30.31%	281

Who is the first person you should contact if you believe you have been the victim of a negligent cosmetic surgery procedure?

Answer Choices	Percentage	Responses
The surgeon/clinic that completed your procedure	52.86%	490
A lawyer	19.42%	180
The police	3.13%	29
I don't know	24.60%	228