Elective surgery is rarely a decision to simply change one part of yourself. It involves assessing your motivations, knowing the boundaries of what surgery can achieve, and determining whether your recovery time is manageable. The most successful plastic surgery decisions often come from those who take the time to evaluate these considerations before viewing before and after pictures.
In order to make an informed decision on a plastic surgery procedure you’re considering, whether that is cosmetic or reconstructive, facial surgery, breast surgery or body surgery, your consultation will give you a good idea of what is involved from start to finish. If you are considering plastic surgery in Harley Street, London, a thorough consultation can also help you understand the surgeon’s approach, expected results, and what your recovery may involve.
Here are a few things to look for in a plastic surgery consultation in central London.
What Should a Consultation Clarify?
There are many reasons why people decide to undergo cosmetic surgery – this explains the why of it at and not all of plastic surgery them are going to be suited to the same procedure. A long-standing issue might call for a different approach than something that came up recently due to a trend or a comment by someone else.
Think about what you want to be improved, in practical terms. Maybe you want clothes to fit better, you don’t like a scar, or maybe you want to feel more comfortable in photos. If you can articulate a clear reason for wanting surgery, the surgeon will have a much easier time explaining what is possible and what isn’t.
If your motivation is just to boost your confidence after a bad breakup, new job, or other difficult period in life, wait a bit first. This isn’t the kind of thing that surgery can cure.
What’s the evidence behind the surgeon’s success?
Pictures are great for inspiration, but they aren’t the only measure of a successful surgeon. Photos show what the results look like when healed, without the swelling, scarring, asymmetry, and the inevitable changes that happen over a recovery period.
Your consultation should include a discussion of:
- Your medical history, medications, allergies, and previous surgeries
- The likely pros and cons of the procedure
- Potential risks and side effects, such as scarring, anaesthesia, and complications
- Recovery time and aftercare requirements
- Follow-up appointments and any other post-surgical support
- What happens if the surgery doesn’t go as planned
The surgeon should be able to tell you why you might not be a candidate for the surgery you’re asking for. This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a way of making sure you’re making the right decision.
What are the surgeon’s credentials?
Credentials are important, including training, qualifications, and years of experience. It is vital that you find a surgeon who works in an approved environment and follows proper protocol for performing surgery.
Your surgeon should be willing to answer questions and explain their experience without making you feel uncomfortable. You should be able to ask questions freely without being talked around the subject.
Recovery Depends on Honest Planning
The actual recovery process falls on you. It requires you to take your medications correctly, attend follow-up appointments, care for your incisions, avoid activities that could damage the healing process, and allow sufficient time for the healing to occur. This discussion should happen well before you decide.
Be honest about the recovery schedule
It’s easy to overlook the way post-op swelling, bruising, pain, restricted movement, tiredness, and dressing changes can impact your everyday life. You might need time away from your job, holidays, childminding, workouts, or even just going out with friends. The results might also take a lot longer to appear than you thought.
It might also be the case that there are medical reasons why the date is set. Some surgeons insist you must have given up smoking (including vaping and nicotine replacement therapy) for a certain time before and after surgery because nicotine affects blood flow and healing (see why here). In some cases, elective surgery will be postponed until you’ve done this or cleared for surgery by another doctor.
Costs, Questions, and the Final Decision
Some surgeons will quote a single price that covers everything from anaesthesia to the cost of wearing compression garments after your surgery to any blood tests. But don’t assume that’s all there is to consider. There could also be fees for accommodation, medication, follow-up consultations, and a policy on revisions. Don’t let price be the deciding factor. There is such a thing as being too cheap.
An extremely low price might indicate that some aspects of aftercare, facilities, or who you can contact if you’re worried aren’t properly sorted out. On the other hand, a high price doesn’t mean that the surgeon is the right fit for you. Get the whole breakdown in writing, and take it home. Make sure that you understand the financial aspect of the procedure before you commit to the medical aspect.
Make a List of Things to Ask at Your Consultation
If you feel nervous about asking questions, write them down ahead of time. Here are some that might help:
- What is a likely outcome for me, based on my physical build and skin condition?
- What are the most common risks with this type of surgery, in my case?
- Where will my procedure take place? Who will administer my anaesthesia?
- For how long do I need to arrange for someone to help me once I’m back home?
- When should I call you / go to the ER after surgery?
- If I don’t want to have the procedure, what other treatments are available to me?
The answers shouldn’t just be the standard talking points of the procedure. They should relate directly to you.
Decide Whether to Go Ahead Later
Don’t rush into booking after your consultation. Let the information sink in and talk to the people who’ll help you through your recovery. Then make sure that you can get the time you need off work, arrange for someone to help you out at home, take your pre- and post-operative limitations into account, and confirm that the results look like what you wanted to achieve.
