Consultation Advice
Ask. Assess. Decide.

The Consultation Is a Two-Way Street

A consultation isn't just for the surgeon to assess you — it's your chance to assess them. This is the person who will operate on your face or body, and you deserve to feel confident, heard and informed. Go in prepared, ask real questions, and treat the consultation as an interview. Walking away is always an option.

Before You Go

Prepare to get the most from the visit:

• Write down your goals in your own words.
• List your medical history, medications, allergies and previous surgeries.
• Note whether you smoke and any substance use.
• Bring photos of looks you like — and be ready to discuss what's realistic.
• Prepare your questions in advance so you don't forget under pressure.

Questions to Ask

Good questions reveal both the procedure and the surgeon:

• Are you a registered plastic surgeon, and what's your specific experience with this procedure?
• How many of these do you perform each year?
• Can I see before/after photos of similar patients?
• What are the realistic outcomes and limitations for me?
• What are the risks and how do you manage complications?
• What does recovery involve, and what support will I have?
• What happens if I'm unhappy with the result — revisions?
• What's the total cost, including theatre and anaesthesia?

Assessing the Surgeon

Watch for these signs of a trustworthy surgeon:

• Honesty about risks and limitations, not just benefits.
• Willingness to say a procedure isn't right for you.
• Pressure-free — no hard selling or time-limited 'offers'.
• Clear qualifications and hospital privileges.
• Photographs of their own work, not stock images.
• A team you can contact after the consultation.

Red Flags

Walk away if you notice:

• Hard selling, discounts for booking on the day, or 'package deals'.
• Vague answers about qualifications or experience.
• Promises of guaranteed or dramatic results.
• No discussion of risks or alternatives.
• Pressure to combine procedures you didn't ask about.
• A clinic that won't let you think it over or get a second opinion.

Comparing Options

It's entirely reasonable — often wise — to consult more than one surgeon before deciding, especially for major procedures. Compare not only price but approach, communication, before/after results and how comfortable you felt. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value; the most expensive isn't automatically best either.

Timing Your Decision

Never decide under pressure. Take time after the consultation to think, talk to trusted people, and revisit your goals. Reputable surgeons expect and encourage this. Significant surgery is a long-term decision — a few extra weeks of reflection protect years of outcome.

After the Consultation

A good clinic follows up, answers lingering questions and never pressures you to book. If something didn't sit right — even if you can't name why — trust that instinct and seek another opinion. Your body, your face, your choice.

A Final Word

The consultation is where safe, satisfying surgery begins. Go prepared, ask hard questions, watch for red flags, and never be pressured. A surgeon who welcomes your questions is one who respects you — and that's the surgeon you want.