When choosing a facelift surgeon in the UK, look for a consultant on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery who holds the FRCS (Plast) qualification, is a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS, operates in a CQC-registered hospital and provides clear, face-to-face consultation and aftercare. Rather than searching for the ‘best’ surgeon, look for the right one for your face, your goals and your safety.
Specialist registration
Any doctor on the GMC register can legally perform cosmetic surgery, which is why checking the specialist register matters. A surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery has completed full UK training in the specialty. You can check this for free on the GMC’s online register by entering the surgeon’s name or GMC number. Mr Nassab’s GMC number is 4704243.
Qualifications and memberships
- FRCS (Plast): the intercollegiate specialty examination taken at the end of UK plastic surgery training.
- BAAPS: the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, whose members commit to audit and ethical practice in cosmetic surgery.
- BAPRAS: the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
- International bodies: membership of organisations such as ISAPS can reflect involvement in wider professional education.
Mr Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with FRCS (Plast), a BAAPS Council member and Chair of the ISAPS Social Media Working Group.
The hospital
Your facelift should take place in a hospital registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, with a consultant anaesthetist, overnight nursing and access to a return to theatre if needed. You can read CQC inspection reports online. Mr Nassab operates at CQC-registered hospitals in Manchester, Cheshire and London.
Facial surgery experience
Ask how regularly the surgeon performs facelifts and which techniques they use, for example SMAS, deep plane or mini facelift. A surgeon with facial surgery as a regular part of their practice should be able to explain why one approach suits you better than another, and show consented photographs of patients with similar concerns. Beware of claims based only on patient numbers or social media followers.
What a good consultation looks like
You should see the operating surgeon, not a salesperson or coordinator, for a full medical history and examination. The discussion should cover what can and cannot be achieved, the recommended technique, scars, recovery, risks and costs. The GMC advises a cooling-off period before cosmetic surgery, and a second consultation is encouraged. You should receive written information and a clear price that lists what is included. You may find the facelift consultation questions helpful.
Location and continuity of care
Recovery from a facelift involves several reviews over the first weeks and months, so it helps to choose a surgeon you can see easily for follow-up. Consider how far you will need to travel for stitch removal and reviews, and who would see you quickly if a problem arose. Mr Nassab offers consultations in Manchester, Knutsford and London, so patients can usually be reviewed close to where they had surgery. Continuity with the same surgeon, rather than being passed between clinicians, is worth asking about.
Red flags
- Pressure selling: discounts for booking on the day, time-limited deals or reluctance to let you think it over.
- Cheap packages abroad: low headline prices can hide limited follow-up, travel risks after surgery and difficulty arranging help if complications arise once home.
- No surgeon consultation: meeting only a coordinator, or first meeting the surgeon on the day of surgery.
- No aftercare plan: no named contact, no 24-hour number and no clear follow-up schedule.
- Unrealistic promises: claims of dramatic results with no downtime or no risk.
Aftercare and cost
Good aftercare includes 24-hour contact during the early recovery, stitch removal, scheduled reviews over the first year and a clear policy if revision is needed. A facelift with Mr Nassab costs from £14,500. A deep plane face and neck lift costs from £18,500 and a mini facelift from £8,000. The £150 consultation is charged separately. Finance may be available. Surgery is only for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you check a surgeon is on the specialist register?
Search the surgeon’s name or GMC number on the GMC online register and look for a specialist entry in Plastic Surgery.
Is a cosmetic surgeon the same as a plastic surgeon?
Not necessarily. ‘Cosmetic surgeon’ is not a protected title, so check for specialist registration in Plastic Surgery.
Is it worth travelling abroad for a cheaper facelift?
Lower prices abroad can come with limited aftercare and the risks of flying soon after surgery. Consider how complications would be handled once you are home.
Does the surgeon’s social media following matter?
Not in itself. Qualifications, experience, hospital standards and aftercare are more important.
