Key Questions to Ask During Your Surgical Consultation

Deciding to pursue plastic or cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal choice, one that can bring renewed confidence and a sense of alignment with how you see yourself. But before you commit, the consultation is your golden opportunity to gather clarity, build trust, and confirm you’re in the right hands. A great consultation isn’t a sales pitch; it’s an open, honest conversation where you ask probing questions and the surgeon provides thoughtful, evidence-based answers. 

At Adnova Clinic, our consultations are designed to feel supportive and unhurried. Led by highly qualified surgeons including Mr. Simon Heppell (OBE MB ChB FRCSEd(Plast)), Mr. Charles Durrant (MA MBBS BSc (Hons) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Plast)), and specialists like Mr. Tim Biggs (PhD FRCS(ORL-HNS, renowned for advanced piezo rhinoplasty techniques), we prioritise patient education, realistic expectations, and personalised care. Whether you’re exploring breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, or non-surgical options, coming prepared with the right questions helps ensure the best possible outcome. 

Here are some creative, insightful questions to bring to your appointment, grouped thematically to help you navigate the discussion naturally. 

Questions That Reveal the Surgeon’s Expertise and Track Record

Start here to gauge experience and transparency, essential for building confidence. 

1. Can you walk me through your specific training and experience with the exact procedure I’m considering? How many of these have you performed in the last year or two? What makes your approach unique? (This goes beyond basic qualifications, look for recent case numbers and any specialised techniques). 
2. What kind of results do your patients typically see and can I view before-and-after photos of cases similar to mine? Ask to see examples with comparable age, body type, skin quality, or starting concerns. Adnova’s surgeons are happy to share real outcomes (with patient consent). 
3. How do you handle complications or revisions if something doesn’t go exactly as planned? Inquire about their personal complication rates, how often revisions are needed, and their policy on corrective surgery. Transparent answers here are a strong sign of integrity. 

Questions About Safety, the Procedure, and Realistic Expectations

These help you understand the “how” and “what if” aspects. 

1. Am I a strong candidate for this procedure and are there any alternatives, surgical or non-surgical, that might better suit my goals? An Adnova surgeon will assess your health, anatomy, and motivations honestly. If you’re not ideal, they’ll explain why and suggest options (e.g., non-surgical fillers for minor tweaks). 
2. What are the most common risks specific to this procedure, and how do you minimise them? Every surgery carries risks, discuss bleeding, infection, scarring, anaesthesia concerns, or procedure-specific issues (e.g., implant-related risks for breast surgery). Ask about their protocols for prevention. 
3. Where will the surgery take place, and what safety accreditations does the facility have? At Adnova Clinic, procedures are performed in a modern, purpose-built day surgery centre with rigorous standards. Confirm anaesthesia details, who administers it and their qualifications. 

Questions About Recovery, Aftercare, and Lifestyle Impact

Recovery is often the biggest unknown, get the full picture. 

1. What does a typical recovery timeline look like for someone like me and what can I do before and after to support the best healing? Ask about downtime, pain management, activity restrictions, when you can return to work/exercise, and post-op care (e.g., early mobilisation, hydration, scar management). Adnova emphasises detailed aftercare plans tailored to you. 
2. Will I need support at home, and how will follow-up appointments work? Inquire about who handles aftercare (surgeon vs. nurse), how many visits are included and what happens if you have concerns outside normal hours. Reliable clinics provide clear support pathways. 

Questions That Uncover the Full Picture (Including Cost and Commitment)

Don’t shy away from practicalities. 

1. Can you explain the full cost breakdown, including any potential additional fees? Transparency on surgeon fees, facility, anaesthesia, consultations (£200+ for surgical at Adnova), garments, medications, and follow-ups are crucial. Ask if financing options exist. 
2. How do you ensure I’m making this decision for the right reasons and what if I change my mind after thinking it over? Adnova surgeons explore your motivations, ensure realistic expectations, and never pressure you. They offer cooling-off periods and multiple consultations if needed. 

Bonus Tips to Make Your Consultation Even More Productive 

• Write down your questions in advance, nerves can make it easy to forget. 
• Take notes or ask if you can record the discussion (with permission). 
• Trust your instincts, a good surgeon listens actively, answers without defensiveness, and makes you feel heard and respected. 

At Adnova Clinic, we encourage questions, it’s how we build trust and deliver natural, lasting results in a caring environment. Our surgeons focus on patient-centred care, using advanced techniques to minimise downtime and maximise satisfaction. 

If you’re ready to explore your options, whether for rhinoplasty, breast procedures, body contouring, or facial rejuvenation, contact Adnova Clinic to book your consultation. It’s the first step toward feeling informed, empowered, and excited about your journey.