This book is a personal account of a plastic and cosmetic surgeon's career, from his earliest dreams to his recent retirement following a stroke. He gives an insight into the difficulties of this career, the training involved, the patients encountered, the interesting places visited and the NHS. The increasing interest in cosmetic surgery and its place in today's world are discussed, together with some of the author's own views and personal experiences in the NHS and in private practice. He gives a historical review of this specialty and a glimpse into the future. This account will be of interest to the general public as well as anyone who is contemplating a career in medicine, plastic or cosmetic surgery.John McGregor was born in Paisley in 1944 and educated at Paisley Grammar School. His undergraduate degrees were obtained at Glasgow University and postgraduate training in Glasgow, Nottingham and Edinburgh. This autobiography is the second book he has written, the first being published in 2009 relating to his first year after suffering a sudden stroke and his experiences of recovery.