By Plastic Surgeon Dr Dirk Kremer. 

Consultations are an integral part of the plastic surgery procedure, they allow a patient to get a better understanding of their desired procedure, and whether it will actually be suitable for them, as well as letting a patient get to know the cosmetic surgeon that will likely be performing the aesthetic surgery. It also allows surgeons to decide whether they are willing to work on the patient, or if they believe the patient is seeking plastic surgery for the wrong reasons, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

I always recommend a patient goes to several consultations, especially if this is the first time they’re having cosmetic work. By visiting and researching a wide range of plastic surgeons, a patient can get a better feel for personalities which are compatible with theirs. Trust and understanding between surgeon and patient is a crucial part of any plastic surgery procedure.

If you have a consultation, or are considering plastic surgery, these are the questions you should ask before agreeing to any surgery.

Do you have board certification?

It’s very likely that you’ve read about a botched plastic surgery procedure and assumed that the failure rate for plastic surgery is 50%. That is not the case.

First, the media enjoys these stories because they’re much more interesting than cosmetic surgery going well, and second, often you’ll see that these patients went to an unlicensed plastic surgery practitioner.

That’s not to say the patient is to blame, but it’s much rarer to find botched cosmetic procedures by board-certified surgeons. It’s crucial that you ensure that the surgeon you choose is board-certified.

I am a member of both the German Society of German Plastic Surgeons, and I’m on the specialist register for the UK’s General Medical Council.

Do you frequently perform the procedure(s) I want?

While most plastic surgeons have a broad repertoire of procedures that they offer, usually they specialise in a few procedures, but they’ll usually be experts at that procedure. It’s always worth checking what a plastic surgeon’s specialities are before you agree to surgery, you wouldn’t want to go to a surgeon who only performs your desired procedure once in a blue moon!

My specialities include breast work, facelifts and necklifts – I’ve even been awarded for my achievements! I also offer my signature procedures, the TBT facelift, TBT necklift, E-lipo, and Split-Muscle Breast Augmentation.

What anaesthesia will be used?

This will be determined on a case-by-case bases, but it is important you know whether you will be under general or local anaesthetic, and where the procedure will be performed. This information is important as it will prepare you for arrangements that need to be made post-operatively, such as how you’ll be getting home for example.

What will my recovery process be like?

I am extremely transparent about the potential risks and recovery times that each procedure involves. As with the anaesthesia, this will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but you can find information on the estimated recovery times of every procedure I offer on their respective pages.

You should also find out what the plastic surgeon offers in terms of post-care.

The cost of the procedure

Once again, this will depend on the procedure, as costs vary significantly from procedure to procedure. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will give you a rundown of the costs involved with the procedure. I am recommending you ask this question so you can assess your finances, not to encourage bargain hunting. Plastic surgery offers and deals often come from less-than-reputable sources, and are often a false economy. When it comes to plastic surgery, it’s always best to go with the quality, often more expensive option.

Now you’re ready for your consultation with your plastic surgeon! If you would like to arrange a consultation with me at Harley St Aesthetics, get in touch today.