The single most important meeting in the whole cosmetic surgery journey is the first consultation. It is where the right surgeon is identified, the right procedure is established, and realistic expectations are set. It is also where the surgeon decides whether you are the right patient for the procedure you have in mind. Approaching this meeting well significantly improves the quality of every decision that follows.
Before You Book
Spend time choosing carefully. The most important checks before a consultation is even arranged:
- GMC Specialist Register — confirm the surgeon is registered as a specialist in Plastic Surgery, not just listed as a doctor. You can verify this directly on the GMC website.
- Professional body membership — BAAPS or BAPRAS membership is the UK gold standard for plastic surgeons.
- Operating facility — should be CQC-registered.
- Real patient reviews and case examples — beyond polished marketing material.
- Word of mouth — recommendations from people you trust, especially those who have themselves been operated on.
What to Bring to the Consultation
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| List of medications and supplements | Including over-the-counter and herbal products |
| Brief medical history | Previous surgery, significant illness, allergies |
| Photographs of yourself from earlier years | Useful for procedures aiming to restore prior appearance |
| Examples of results you like and don’t like | Helps communicate aesthetic preferences specifically |
| Written list of questions | You will forget half of them otherwise |
| Reading glasses if you need them | For consent forms and imaging |
What the Consultation Should Cover
A proper first consultation should include all of the following:
- Detailed discussion of your goals — what you would like to change, why, and what you imagine the result might look like
- Full medical history — including past surgery, current health, medications, lifestyle
- Examination — focused and thorough, with photographs taken for the medical record
- 3D imaging — where appropriate for facial work
- Discussion of options — including alternatives to the procedure you may have arrived requesting
- Realistic outcomes — what the procedure can and cannot achieve for your specific anatomy
- Risks and complications — clearly explained, in plain language
- Recovery in detail — what to expect, how long, what restrictions apply
- Written quotation — itemised, transparent, no surprises
- Cooling-off period — UK best practice requires at least 14 days between consultation and surgery decision
Questions Worth Asking
- How many of these procedures do you personally perform each year?
- What is the recovery realistically going to look like for me?
- What does your typical complication rate look like, and how do you handle them?
- What is included in the quoted price, and what is not?
- How long will follow-up appointments continue?
- What happens if I need a small revision?
- Can I see before-and-after photographs of patients with similar anatomy to mine?
- Who would deliver the anaesthetic?
- What facility would the surgery take place in?
- What if I decide not to proceed?
Warning Signs
Watch for these signals to leave a consultation politely and look elsewhere:
- Pressure to make a decision on the day
- Discounts contingent on booking immediately
- The surgeon agreeing to whatever you request without examination
- Hurried consultations with little time for questions
- Reluctance to discuss complications or alternatives
- No clear written quotation, or one that omits major cost components
- Marketing language rather than medical detail
What a Good Consultation Feels Like
Unhurried. Educational. Frank. You should leave feeling more informed than when you arrived — including, sometimes, with information that makes you reconsider the procedure altogether. A good surgeon will, on occasion, tell you that what you are asking for is not the right answer for you. Take this as a sign of professionalism, not rejection.
The Cooling-Off Period
UK guidance from professional bodies recommends a cooling-off period of at least fourteen days between consultation and final decision on surgery. This is not a bureaucratic delay — it is genuinely valuable time during which to process what you were told, consider your questions, and make a settled decision. Reputable clinics will not pressure you against this.
Should I Have Multiple Consultations?
Many patients have two or three consultations with different surgeons before deciding. This is sensible and routine. It helps you triangulate opinions, confirm a recommendation across multiple surgeons, and find the practitioner whose communication style and clinical approach you most trust.
Dr. Ferrando’s Approach
Dr. Giovanni Ferrando, FRCS (Plast), allocates substantial time to first consultations — typically a full hour, sometimes more. He expects patients to leave with all questions answered, a clear written plan, and the time and space to make their decision without pressure. He encourages patients to seek second opinions where they wish to, and openly recommends doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring my partner or a friend?
Yes — a second pair of ears often catches details you might miss. Many patients find it helpful.
Can I have the consultation virtually first?
For initial discussions, yes. A physical examination is required before any surgery is booked.
What if I am told no?
A surgeon declining to operate is a sign of professional integrity, not rejection. They are telling you the procedure is not the right answer for you. Listen to that.
How long should I expect the consultation to take?
A genuine first consultation typically lasts forty-five minutes to an hour. Anything substantially shorter likely lacks the depth required.
References & Further Reading
Related articles from this clinic
External authoritative resources
- GMC Specialist Register — verify a UK surgeon
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) — check a clinic’s registration
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation with Dr. Giovanni Ferrando in London for an unhurried, honest discussion of what is right for you. Read more about Dr. Ferrando or explore our full range of services.
