The initial consultation
Your consultation is the first and most important step in your treatment journey. It is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to understand what you would like to achieve.
I will begin by asking you what it is that you do not like about the area you are concerned with, and what changes you are hoping to see. This helps me build a clear picture of your goals. I will also examine you carefully to establish your starting point. By combining this with what you hope to achieve, we can begin mapping a treatment journey that takes you from where you are now to where you would like to be.
Sometimes this journey can be completed in a single procedure. At other times, a staged approach may be safer or more appropriate. In some cases, patients achieve their desired results without needing every stage of the initial plan. If there are several realistic options available, I will explain them to you, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
Your medical history is also an essential part of the consultation. I will ask about any health conditions, medication, or previous treatments you have had in the area of concern, and we will go into detail where necessary. Occasionally, I will take photographs to help with assessment and planning. In certain procedures, such as rhinoplasty, I may also use image manipulation to demonstrate potential outcomes. This can be done by me or by a member of my team, and the images are always checked before being shared with you.
Once the consultation with me is complete, you will usually meet one of my patient care co-ordinators. They will guide you through the next steps, whether that is booking your treatment, taking some time to think things over, or deciding not to proceed. If you are suitable for surgery, you will typically receive a written summary of the consultation by email. This ensures you have a clear record of what we discussed and the options available to you.
I see the consultation as the start of your journey. It is where we plan together, set realistic expectations, and decide on the best route to reach your goals safely and effectively.