In the UK, several prominent plastic surgery group providers and individual plastic surgeons that offer a range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The groups are often composed of multiple surgeons and clinic locations whilst the individual plastic surgeons are usually based in specific locations. Some of the main plastic surgery groups in the UK include:

1. The Harley Medical Group: They were originally established in 1983 but have undergone a number of administration closures and buy outs.  They have combined with Sk:n clinic and Mole clinic.  They announced another administration on 17 July 2024.  The group has clinics across the UK including Harley Medical Group Manchester, Birmingham, London Harley Street and more.  They use the First Trust hospital in Preston or Pall Mall Medical in Newton Le Willows for their main surgical procedures in the North West. 

2. Transform Hospital Group: Transform offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures.  They have several clinics and hospitals throughout the UK, with the main hospital based at the Pines Hospital in Manchester and Burcot Hall in Birmingham.

3. MYA Cosmetic Surgery: MYA has clinics nationwide and in cities such as Mya Manchester, Birmingham, and London.  They also have clinics in Alderley Edge, Leeds and Newcastle.   The main hospitals include First Trust in Preston and London Fitzrovia Hospital. 

4. The Hospital Group: This group provides a range of cosmetic and weight loss surgeries. They had clinics and hospitals across the UK but then combined with Transform to become the Transform Hospital Group.  

5. Pall Mall Medical :  Pall Mall Cosmetic is a provider in Newton Le Willows but with clinics in Liverpool and Manchester.  They are a smaller group but have expanded with more locations in Leeds and Birmingham. 

6.  Signature Clinic : Signature clinic is a new group that has clinics in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, London, Glasgow and more.  They offer local anaesthetic procedures, cosmetic dentistry and orthopaedics. 

Individual Surgeon vs. Group Provider

When considering cosmetic surgery, patients often face the decision of whether to choose an individual surgeon or a group provider. Each option has its own set of benefits and considerations.  Individual surgeons may work in private hospitals such as the Spire, Nuffield, Circle or HCA chains.  Some may also have clinics of their own such as Mr Nassab and CLNQ. 

Benefits of Going to an Individual Surgeon

1. Personalised Care: An individual surgeon often provides more personalised care. The patient typically has direct access to the surgeon throughout the entire process, from consultation to postoperative care. This continuity can enhance the patient-surgeon relationship, fostering trust and clear communication.  The groups will often initially have sales coordinators that will handle the patients and so they may not see a surgeon until after they have paid and booked a date for surgery. 

2. Tailored Treatment Plans: Individual surgeons can offer highly tailored treatment plans based on their expertise and the specific needs of the patient. They often have the flexibility to adjust techniques and approaches to achieve the best outcomes for each patient.

3. Reputation and Expertise: Patients can choose a surgeon based on their reputation, specialisation, and expertise in particular procedures. Surgeons like Mr. Reza Nassab, known for his work in breast augmentation and mummy makeovers, have built reputations that attract patients seeking specific results.

4. Consistency in Care: With an individual surgeon, patients are assured of receiving consistent care from one professional who is fully aware of their medical history, preferences, and expectations. This can lead to a more cohesive and satisfying surgical experience.

Benefits of Going to a Group Provider

1. Availability: Group providers often more availability due to numerous surgeons working for them.  Individual surgeons may have waiting lists but this indicates that they are in demand. 

2. Lower Costs: The groups will often offer much cheaper pricing.  This may be due to the volume of work they perform which allows them to get cheaper rates at the hospitals or suppliers.  They also pay lower rates to the surgeon and anaesthetists which can help reduce their prices.  

3. Finance Options: Group providers often have finance options which can help spread the cost of surgery.  Some individual providers such as Mr Reza Nassab also offer some finance options. 

4.  Free Consultation :  The groups will often provide free consultations which are with a sales advisor.  The sales advisors role is to get patients booked and they usually work on a commission basis.  Some may also offer free surgeon consultations whilst most individual plastic surgeons will usually charge for consultations.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between an Individual Surgeon and a Group Provider

When deciding between an individual surgeon and a group provider, patients should consider the following factors:

1. Experience and Qualifications: Whether choosing an individual surgeon or a group provider, it is crucial to ensure that the surgeons are highly qualified and experienced. Check their credentials, training, and professional memberships, such as those with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery.

2. Specialisation: Consider the specific procedure you are seeking and whether the surgeon or group has specialised experience in that area. Some surgeons may have extensive experience in particular types of surgeries, which can lead to better outcomes.  The surgeons working for the groups may often be less experienced.

3. Consultation and Communication: Evaluate the consultation process and how well the surgeon or group communicates. It is essential to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to understand your goals and expectations.  You should meet your surgeon before booking surgery and should never book just based on discussions with a sales advisor. 

4. Facilities and Technology: Assess the facilities and technology available at the clinic or hospital. Modern, well-equipped facilities can enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedures.

5. Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Look for patient reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of others. Positive feedback and successful outcomes can indicate a high level of care and expertise. You may have friends or family that have recommended a particular surgeon whilst in the groups there may not be any certainty of getting a specific surgeon.

6. Cost and Financing: Consider the cost of the procedure and whether the provider offers financing options. Group providers may have more flexible payment plans, which can be an important factor for some patients.

7. Aftercare and Support: Ensure that the provider offers comprehensive aftercare and support. Recovery is a critical part of the surgical process, and access to ongoing care can significantly impact the overall experience and results.  Individual surgeons will often provide a more closer link with their patients.  

Conclusion

Choosing between an individual surgeon and a group provider for cosmetic surgery is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including the type of procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the level of personalised care desired. Individual surgeons can offer a highly tailored and consistent experience. Patients should carefully evaluate their options, considering the surgeon’s qualifications, the quality of facilities, and the level of postoperative support to make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and expectations.