Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

You are here:

Cosmetic Surgery : Checklist

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

Useful questions to ask

If you decide to find out more about cosmetic surgery procedures you will need to approach a number of providers to find out what they can offer. This checklist of questions to ask can help to make sure that the provider gives you all the details you need to know in order to make an informed decision on whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.

You can print this checklist webpage out and take it with you when you visit or telephone a provider, or to a personal consultation with a surgeon.*

(*These questions are taken from 'National Care Standards - Independent Specialist Clinics' published by the Scottish Executive in 2004)

The clinicians

  • Who will carry out the treatment?
  • What qualifications do they have?
  • How long have they been trained in this treatment?
  • How frequently do they carry it out?
  • Do they have professional indemnity insurance?

The cost

  • What will be the cost of the consultation with the surgeon?
  • What will be the cost of the treatment, including any materials I may need after it?
  • If there are any complications, will I have to pay to have them treated?
  • If I change my mind and decide not to complete the treatment, do I still need to pay the full cost for the treatment?

The treatment

  • Is the treatment right for me?
  • How long does the treatment take?
  • Is the treatment painful and if so what form of anaesthesia is used?
  • Is all equipment used sterile and used only for me?
  • What are the risks involved?
  • What are the complications and success rate of the procedure in this clinic?
  • Are there any other treatment options available for me to achieve the results I want?
  • Do you have any 'before and after' photographs that I can see?
  • Can I speak to anyone else that you have treated?
  • Will you want to inform my GP about my treatment?

After treatment

  • What type of care will I need after treatment?
  • Will I need pain relief following treatment?
  • Will I have swelling or bruising and can these be treated?
  • How long will the effects of treatment keep me away from my usual activities?
  • At what stage will I be able to judge the results of treatment?
  • How long do the results last?
  • If I need to see you in the period after treatment, will you be available?
  • What will happen if I am unhappy with any aspect of the treatment?
  • When can I return to work?

The record of treatment

  • Will you keep a record of my treatment and what form will this take?
  • Will my records or photographs be shown to anyone else for any reason?
  • Will you ask my permission before releasing my records, including photographs, to anyone else?
  • Can I get a copy of my records?
  • How long does the clinic retain records after someone's treatment is complete?

Additional links

Travelling?

A-Z list of cosmetic procedures

Access keys