What does 'verified' mean on Lifecycle Aesthetic?

A verified badge means we have checked the clinic's lead surgeons against the relevant national medical register and confirmed they hold a recognised specialist registration for the procedures advertised.

Where do I check a UK surgeon's registration?

Use the General Medical Council (GMC) online register. A cosmetic surgeon should appear on the GMC Specialist Register, ideally under Plastic Surgery.

How do I check an EU surgeon's credentials?

Each EU country maintains its own medical register, such as the BIG-register in the Netherlands or the Ordine dei Medici in Italy. Confirm the surgeon's specialist qualification with the national body for the country where the clinic operates.

How to Verify a Cosmetic Surgeon (UK & EU)

A patient's guide to checking a cosmetic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register in the UK and equivalent regulatory bodies across the EU before booking.

Why credential checks matter

Cosmetic surgery is medicine. The single most important step before booking any procedure is confirming that the surgeon holds a recognised specialist registration for the operation you want. A polished website or persuasive consultation is not evidence of qualification — the public medical register is.

In the UK: the GMC Specialist Register

Every doctor practising in the UK must be on the General Medical Council (GMC) register. To check a surgeon:

Search the surgeon's full name on the GMC online register.
Confirm they appear on the Specialist Register — not just the basic register — under Plastic Surgery (or the relevant specialty).
Check there are no restrictions or conditions on their registration.
Look for membership of bodies such as BAAPS or BAPRAS as an additional signal of standing.

Across the EU: national registers

Each EU country maintains its own register of doctors and specialists. Confirm the surgeon's specialist qualification with the national body where the clinic operates — for example the BIG-register in the Netherlands, the Ärztekammer in Germany, or the Ordine dei Medici in Italy. Specialist plastic surgery qualifications are recognised across the EU, so look for the equivalent of a "specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery."

Questions to ask your clinic

Which surgeon will perform my procedure, and what is their registration number?
What specialist qualification do they hold for this exact procedure?
Where can I independently verify their registration?
What aftercare and complication cover is included?

Frequently asked questions

What does 'verified' mean on Lifecycle Aesthetic?: A verified badge means we have checked the clinic's lead surgeons against the relevant national medical register and confirmed they hold a recognised specialist registration for the procedures advertised.
Where do I check a UK surgeon's registration?: Use the General Medical Council (GMC) online register. A cosmetic surgeon should appear on the GMC Specialist Register, ideally under Plastic Surgery.
How do I check an EU surgeon's credentials?: Each EU country maintains its own medical register, such as the BIG-register in the Netherlands or the Ordine dei Medici in Italy. Confirm the surgeon's specialist qualification with the national body for the country where the clinic operates.