Preparing for your first consultation
Cosmetic surgery can be a positive and life-changing experience, but the decision can be overwhelming. How do you find a surgeon you trust? How do you determine which procedures are right for you? Will it be painful? How long will it take to recover? How do you know you will see the results you want? Will you be cared for afterwards?
Your first consultation with a surgeon or nurse is a critical step in making your decision. It is the time when your doctor learns about your motivation for wanting cosmetic surgery and your expectations, and when you can evaluate your options for achieving your goals. It is common to feel some anxiety and nervousness during your first consultation, and to forget to ask important questions or even forget the answers given. We therefore encourage you to prepare questions in advance and take notes during the consultation.
Following are important questions to ask, but this is not an exhaustive list and you should include questions that are unique to your concerns, lifestyle and desires.
- What are your qualifications?
- Why are these qualifications different, better or important?
- How long have you been a cosmetic surgeon?
- Which procedures/treatments are your signature?
- How many procedures do you perform each year? What types?
- How many patients have required post-op revisions?
- What is the simplest and safest treatment to meet my goals? Are there other options?
- How many times have you performed the recommended treatment? How many years?
- How is the surgery performed?
- How long is the operation?
- What are possible side effects? What complications could occur?
- What results can I expect? How long do the results last?
- Where will scars be located and how noticeable will they be? Will they fade?
- How long is the recovery?
- How much pain/bruising is to be expected? For how long?
- Do I need special garments, medicine or diet to aide in recovery?
- What do I need to do the day before and the day of surgery?
- How long will I take to heal?
- What kind of care will I need after surgery?
- What can I do to help speed recovery?
- When can I return to work? Normal activities?
- Who performs the skin care and post-operative follow-up?
- What are my options if I do not see the results I want?
- If a problem arises after I return home, who can I call? Is someone available 24 hours a day?
A few more useful tips to help you evaluate your options. Whether or not you ultimately choose 111 Harley St., we encourage you to talk to at least three doctors before selecting the right one for you. Ensure your questions have been answered fully and you trust the surgeon before you commit to surgery. Review before and after photographs, read patient testimonials and check credentials. Be wary of surgeons who promise too much or minimise risks – all surgery carries risks. Also be wary of surgeons who only perform a procedure one way. The beauty of cosmetic surgery is the art and precision of the surgeon to give you the best possible individual result – this can’t be achieved with only one approach.
In the 10 years since 111 Harley Street was formed, we have learned that the happiest patients and best results are achieved by open and honest discussions, full understanding of appropriate procedures and recovery, and continuous care from the first consultation to the final check-up and beyond.