The most important part of any operation is the consultation where you can explain your concerns and medical history. 

Be cautious of free or no fee consultations, this is a method used by many large cosmetic surgery groups to get you in the doors. Again in this case, consultations may not be with the person who will perform your surgery. It is entirely appropriate that you pay for a consultation with any skilled medical professional. If a surgeon offers their time for free you might want to reflect on the possible reasons why they are doing so.

Your surgeon should take a detailed medical history and ask about any previous operations or illnesses you may have had. You will receive information on the chosen procedure (Usually there can be several surgical options to achieve a particular result) and discuss the results you would like to achieve. Your surgeon should tell you what will happen during your surgery, after your procedure and the risks involved.

This should be an honest discussion of what the operation entails; each procedure has pros and cons and different risks, discuss anesthesia,  the hospital where the operation will be carried out  and recovery (how long will it take, how you are likely to feel at each stage and what care you will require after surgery). 

It is very important to understand as much as you can about the procedure, your consultant and the risks associated.  

Write down any questions, your wishes and concerns that you want to ask your surgeon so you don't forget them. Check the list below for possible questions. 

Your consultation should only be with the consultant plastic surgeon whom you have chosen to perform your surgery, not a salesperson, patient care coordinator or clinic manager.  Patient coordinators and Patient care coordinators (usually paid on commission by cosmetic surgery companies) may tempt you to have procedures that you had not initially planned. 

It is a good idea to see more than one surgeon for different opinions, the price of two or three consultations is relative to the overall cost of an operation and any secondary surgeries or revisions. 

Remember that most reputable surgeons will be in demand and busy so don’t be put off by having to wait for your operation.  Be safe, be sure - good things are worth waiting for! 

This list is not exhausted, you should feel that you can ask any number of questions that make you feel safe and sure of the procedure and surgeon you are considering.

1) What is your experience of doing this type of cosmetic surgery?

2) What kind of operations do you mostly carry out?

3) How many of this particular operation do you carry out each year?

4) What are your success rates for this operation?

5) What is the rate of complications that you experience with this kind of operation?

6) Do you have any additional certification/qualifications that make you more experienced in performing this operation? Are you a member of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)?

7) Can I see some “before and after” photographs?

8) Can I speak to any of your past patients? 

9) What care can I can expect post operation (after plastic surgery)? 

10) Who will look after me?

11) How long will I need to be home/off from work for recovery? 

12) What happens if something goes wrong? What if I'm not pleased with the result? 

13) How much will it cost, including my aftercare? Will it cost extra to have further treatment if something goes wrong?

14) Will I need at home after the operation? How long will I need help for?

15) How long before I can go back to work?

16) Will I have restrictions on my normal activities after the operation? Will I be able to shower, bath, climb stairs, exercise, have sex?

17) When will I need to come back for a follow up appointment?

18) If you are considering breast implants, what type of implant would be used? 

19) What is the track record for that type of breast implant?

20) Where could I find more information about that type of breast implant? 

PRINT THIS CHECKLISTFROM THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS  TO TAKE WITH YOU 

Read the information here.