CC Kat, Consultant Plastic and re-constructive Surgeon talks to Jamie Perry about Birmingham's changing faces.

Dedication is a word CC Kat takes seriously. Five years in medical school, four years of general surgery study and six years of specialist plastic surgery training are just the start of an illustrated point.

It's just as well, as last year alone more than 65,000 Britons opted for cosmetic surgery, an increase of 50 per cent in the last five years.

So what defines plastic surgery?

"Plastic Surgery is the field of surgery that deals with the restoration of form and function using specialised techniques. It comes from the Greek word 'plastikos' meaning 'to mould'. The deformities can be as a result of trauma (e.g. burns), birth defects (e.g. cleft lip and palate) or cancer surgery (e.g. mastectomies). Cosmetic surgery is derived from plastic surgery in that it uses the same exacting techniques to improve appearances rather than correcting deformities"

What are the most common practices?

"I share my time evenly between private and NHS work. In the NHS, I do mostly reconstructive work e.g. breast reconstructions, correction of breast asymmetry, skin cancer work, etc. My private work is mostly cosmetic and the popular procedures are breast enlargements, lifts and reductions, tummy tucks, facial surgeries and liposuction."

Do you think the majority of people who are looking to make aesthetic changes on the outside really want to make internal changes? "Unfortunately people make impressions visually. If two identically qualified people, both with pleasant personalities, went for the same job interview, the likelihood is the difference between success and failure may well be made on a visual basis - that's life."

What procedures determine whether somebody is suitable for aesthetic surgery?

"It's a long process of consultation. This involves exploring patient requests, expectations, reasoning and medical background and encouraging the patient to consider their long-term needs. We have medical guidelines to work within and should all the requirements be met, we would then proceed to the next stages. Certain warning signs highlight potential unsuitable clients; such as unrealistic expectations or repeat surgery, but it is a slow considered consultation."

How do people find reputable surgeons?

People can contact The British Association of Plastic Surgeons or British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons for advice. I do a lot of my private work at The Priory Hospital in Edgbaston. I think it is an excellent hospital that provides first class care for their patients. You can obtain information on the Priory Hospital by accessing their website at www.prioryhospital.co.uk ."

What are patient's initial reactions to bruised or healing areas?

"The key to having a happy patient is that they have no surprises. If a patient is carefully counselled and prepared for what to expect after the surgery their recovery can be smooth because they know what to expect at every step of the way.

What do you enjoy about your job?

"I find my job extremely gratifying. You only have to see a client walk into my office weeks later to understand how surgical techniques can make radical impacts on their lives. Previously meek and retiring people suddenly find additional confidence - positive

attitudes, posture and outlook. The problem is it has made me a bit of a workaholic starting work at 7am and getting back after 9pm six days a week!"

How do you find time for yourself?

"My husband is an essential part of my work. Without his continued support and understanding I simply would not be able to continue my work and maintain a family life. He does all of the cooking except for at weekends when we go out to enjoy the wide variety of Birmingham restaurants"

Do you have any healthy skin tips for people not wishing to opt for surgery?

"A good skincare regime, lots of exercise and stop smoking. I always treat myself to a facial once a month which I find relaxing as well as beneficial."

My time with Mrs Kat had been an eye opener. It's clear from the examples that she provided that surgical techniques have progressed in leaps and bounds since aesthetic surgeries' inception in the 60s. It appears that in a nation and world ever more obsessed with personal appearance that the poles of reason are stretching to accommodate individual personal preferences.

We are all aesthetically unique and equal. Whether tall, small, thin, stocky, athletic or portly, we all have distinguishing features. Essentially you get what you are given and the rest is down to lifestyle, food and exercise.

So when is what we have not enough? I suppose that's a personal question.