The term ‘fly-in-fly-out surgeons' is used to describe practitioners who carry out cosmetic procedures on a short-term basis but are not permanent residents of the UK. This practice has grown in popularity in recent years as demand for surgery continues to rise. It involves British cosmetic clinics drafting in foreign surgeons on a temporary basis in order to meet the demand for treatments.

Clinics use fly-in-fly-out surgeons to carry out a long list of operations over a condensed period of time on a private basis, then fly out again, leaving the patient under the care of the clinic with no follow up from the surgeon who performed their operation. It is common practice for clinics to encourage the surgeons to complete as many operations as possible in a given day - leading many to criticise this “production-line” style of surgery.

In this blog post, we put the spotlight on fly-in-fly-out surgery, highlighting the risks that this can pose to a patient’s wellbeing and the potential of this practice leading to cases of cosmetic surgery negligence.

How does fly-in-fly-out surgery work?

Clinics that operate using fly-in-fly-out surgery usually pay surgeons according to the number of procedures they carry out, encouraging them to conduct as many operations as possible. With clinics’ income being determined by the number of patients they take on, there is pressure to obtain consent quickly from those considering surgery, upon which they will be moved through the process as quickly as possible.

Patients who are thinking of undergoing cosmetic surgery need to be provided with proper consultations before and after their procedure, allowing them to make informed decisions while understanding any potential risks and side effects. Fly-in-fly-out surgery does not always allow for follow-up consultation with the operating surgeon in the event of any complications.

We often find that many individuals who have suffered negligence or are unhappy with the treatment they have received feel short-changed by the care they have been given, having had little or no interaction with the person performing their surgery.

Why is fly-in-fly-out surgery dangerous?

All cosmetic surgeons operating in Britain must be registered with the General Medical Council, however, foreign surgeons often have insurance with foreign insurers, which may contain various exclusions or limitations which could result in no cover for any claims made in relation to surgery carried out in the UK. Therefore, patients who suffer complications from their surgery may find it much more difficult to successfully claim compensation.

In many cases, when trying to claim compensation on behalf of clients who have suffered cosmetic negligence, legal experts find there is a distinct lack of cooperation in establishing who the surgeon’s provider of medical indemnity insurance is. Often, even when the insurer has been identified, foreign insurance companies are slow to respond and lack experience relating to clinical negligence laws in the UK. This prevents the legal process from proceeding as efficiently as it usually would.

When a patient has undergone treatment from a fly-in-fly-out surgeon and wants to claim compensation, the entire process can be more difficult and time-consuming.

Another reason why fly-in-fly-out surgeons can have a negative impact is that they are often difficult to locate in the event that a patient who was under their care is seeking compensation for negligence. This means that such cases can go on for much longer than they would usually, had the surgeon been accredited in the UK.

How can I tell if my surgeon is safe?

To increase your chance of safe and effective surgery, individuals who are considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure should take steps to look for a UK-based surgeon and is also insured here. Where possible, looking for a surgeon who also works for the NHS will help to ensure you are seeking treatment from a reputable professional.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we advise individuals who are thinking about surgery to follow these steps:

• Seek recommendations from friends or family members who may have undergone a similar procedure to the one you are looking for. You can also gain valuable information from:
  • Your GP
  • The General Medical Council’s specialist register
  • The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons
  • The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
  • Royal College of Surgeons
• Check the qualifications of the surgeon in question
• Be prepared to pay - cosmetic procedures are expensive, and this is justified by their complex nature and the level of skill involved with performing such a major operation
• Ask the questions you need before surgery

Find out more about selecting a safe cosmetic surgeon in our online guide.

Speak to us

If you have suffered negligence while undergoing surgery that you believe was carried out by a fly-in-fly-out surgeon, we can help. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has a proven track record of excellence when it comes to helping people who have endured botched cosmetic surgery.

Visit our contact us page to get in touch.