Plastic Surgery Regret Risk Calculator
Calculate Your Regret Risk
Based on UK research showing 42% increase in breast implant removals since 2019
Your Regret Risk Assessment
Your personalized risk assessment based on UK medical data
Key factors influencing your risk:
- Emotional motivation:
- Long-term maintenance understanding:
- Complication awareness:
- Wait period:
- Professional consultation:
Every year, tens of thousands of people in the UK undergo plastic surgery to change how they look. Some walk away thrilled. Others wish they’d never gone under the knife. While most procedures are safe and effective, one type stands out as the most commonly regretted - and it’s not the one you might think.
The #1 Regretted Procedure: Breast Implants
According to data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), breast implants are the most frequently regretted cosmetic surgery in the UK. Not because they fail, but because the long-term consequences are often underestimated. Women report feeling trapped - not by the surgery itself, but by the maintenance, the health risks, and the emotional toll.
Many patients enter surgery thinking implants will solve self-esteem issues or boost confidence. But years later, they realize the change didn’t fix what they were really trying to heal. One 38-year-old woman from Manchester told the BBC: "I thought bigger breasts would make me feel more feminine. Instead, I spent eight years dealing with pain, sleepless nights, and two revision surgeries. I ended up removing them. I’m glad I did - but I wish I’d never had them in the first place."
The numbers back this up. In 2024, over 8,200 breast implant removals were performed in the UK - a 42% increase since 2019. The reasons? Capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant), chronic pain, anxiety about rupture or leakage, and the growing awareness of BIA-ALCL - a rare but serious lymphoma linked to textured implants. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) banned textured implants in 2019, but thousands of women still live with them.
Why Breast Implants Are Different
Unlike liposuction or rhinoplasty, breast implants aren’t a one-time fix. They’re a lifelong commitment. The average lifespan of an implant is 10 to 15 years. That means most women will need at least one replacement surgery. Each revision carries risks: infection, asymmetry, loss of sensation, or even the need for full mastectomy.
And then there’s the emotional burden. Women who regret implants often describe feeling like their body isn’t theirs anymore. "It’s not about vanity," says Dr. Helen Park, a plastic surgeon in London. "It’s about losing control. You wake up one day and realize you’re living with a foreign object that’s changing how your body functions - and no one warned you how much that would weigh on you."
Surgeons now advise patients to consider a "trial period." Some clinics offer temporary saline implants for a few months before committing to silicone. Others recommend therapy sessions to explore whether the desire for surgery comes from internal pressure - not personal choice.
Other Commonly Regretted Surgeries
While breast implants top the list, other procedures also show high regret rates:
- Rhinoplasty (nose jobs): Over 15% of patients report dissatisfaction. The most common issue? A nose that looks unnatural or doesn’t breathe well. Many end up needing revision surgery, which is more complex and expensive.
- Liposuction: People expect sculpted abs or thighs - but if skin lacks elasticity, it can sag badly after fat removal. One woman from Birmingham said she lost 18 pounds of fat but gained 10 pounds of loose skin. "I look like I lost a baby - and I never had one."
- Facelifts: Too aggressive lifts can create a "wind-tunnel" look - pulled, tight, and unnatural. Older patients especially regret this when their face continues to age naturally around the surgically altered areas.
- Buttock implants: The "Brazilian butt lift" trend led to a surge in procedures. But fat transfer failures and implant migration have caused serious complications. In 2023, the UK’s National Health Service treated 27 patients for life-threatening infections linked to unregulated buttock injections.
What No One Tells You
Most clinics focus on before-and-after photos. They rarely mention:
- That recovery takes 3-6 months, not weeks
- That scarring can be permanent and visible
- That insurance won’t cover complications
- That your body changes with age, pregnancy, or weight shifts - and the surgery won’t
- That mental health improvements are not guaranteed
A 2025 study from the University of Sheffield followed 1,200 patients who underwent cosmetic surgery over five years. Only 47% reported lasting psychological benefits. The rest felt either neutral or worse off - especially if they’d been seeking surgery to fix relationship issues, trauma, or depression.
How to Avoid Regret
If you’re considering plastic surgery, here’s what actually works:
- Wait six months. If you still feel the same way after half a year, reconsider your motivation.
- Choose a BAAPS-certified surgeon. Not all clinics are equal. Check their registration on the GMC website.
- Ask for real patient stories. Not staged testimonials. Ask to speak with someone who had complications.
- Get a psychological evaluation. Many reputable clinics now require this - especially for breast augmentation.
- Understand the long-term costs. Budget for revisions, potential removals, and ongoing medical care.
One surgeon in Manchester told me: "I’ve turned down more patients than I’ve operated on. Not because they’re not good candidates - but because they’re not ready. Surgery isn’t a solution. It’s a tool. And tools don’t fix broken hearts."
What Happens After Regret?
Removing implants or correcting failed procedures isn’t easy. Revision surgeries cost 2-3 times more than the original. Recovery is longer. And not all damage can be undone.
Some women join support groups like "Breast Implant Illness UK," where hundreds share their stories. Others file complaints with the NHS or private insurers. A few have taken legal action - especially if they were misled about risks.
But the most powerful step? Speaking up. The more people talk about regret - not just success - the better informed future patients become.
What’s the most regretted plastic surgery in the UK?
Breast implants are the most regretted plastic surgery in the UK. While they’re popular, many women later experience chronic pain, implant complications, or emotional dissatisfaction. Over 8,200 removals were performed in 2024 alone - a 42% rise since 2019. The reasons include health risks like capsular contracture and BIA-ALCL, as well as the realization that surgery didn’t solve deeper emotional issues.
Why do people regret breast implants more than other surgeries?
Breast implants require lifelong maintenance. They don’t last forever - most need replacement after 10-15 years. Each revision increases risk. Many women also report feeling like their body no longer belongs to them. Unlike nose jobs or liposuction, implants affect internal function (breathing, posture, sensation) and carry serious health risks like lymphoma. Emotional regret is common when the surgery was done to fix self-worth, not just appearance.
Are there alternatives to breast implants for improving confidence?
Yes. Many women find lasting confidence through non-surgical options: targeted strength training to enhance natural shape, wearing supportive bras designed for volume, or working with a therapist to address body image. Some clinics now offer "confidence coaching" before surgery - helping patients determine whether their desire for change is truly about appearance or deeper self-perception.
Can you get surgery to fix a bad plastic surgery?
Yes, revision surgery is possible - but it’s more complex, expensive, and carries higher risks. A revision rhinoplasty might cost £8,000-£15,000, compared to £4,000-£7,000 for the first. Implant removals can cost £5,000-£10,000. Not all damage can be reversed, especially if scar tissue or nerve damage occurred. Always choose a surgeon certified by BAAPS with proven revision experience.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?
You’re a good candidate if: your goal is to enhance, not fix, your appearance; you’ve waited at least six months to be sure; you’ve researched risks thoroughly; and you’re not doing it to please someone else. If you’re seeking surgery to fix depression, trauma, or relationship issues, talk to a therapist first. Realistic expectations and emotional stability are more important than the surgery itself.
Final Thought
Plastic surgery isn’t evil. For many, it’s life-changing. But it’s not magic. The most regretted surgeries aren’t the ones that went wrong - they’re the ones done for the wrong reasons. If you’re considering it, don’t just ask "Can I?" Ask "Why?" and "What if I don’t?" The answer might surprise you.
