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title: "Questions to Ask Any Surgeon Before You Book (The Complete Checklist)" slug: "questions-to-ask-surgeon-before-booking-australia" description: "Before you book with any surgeon, ask these questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know." date: "2026-03-31" category: "finding-a-surgeon" tags: ["surgeon questions", "consultation checklist", "cosmetic surgery", "australia"] relatedSlugs: ["find-compare-cosmetic-surgeons-australia", "plastic-surgeon-vs-cosmetic-surgeon-australia", "how-to-check-surgeon-qualified-ahpra-fracs", "red-flags-choosing-cosmetic-surgeon-australia", "cosmetic-surgeon-costs-city-comparison-australia", "trust-cosmetic-surgery-reviews-australia", "what-happens-when-cosmetic-surgery-goes-wrong-australia"] status: "review" ahpraCompliant: true

Questions to Ask Any Surgeon Before You Book (The Complete Checklist)

Your consultation is the most important appointment in the entire process. It's where you gather the information you need to make a confident decision — or to walk away and find someone else. The questions below are designed to be printed out and taken with you. No surgeon should have a problem with you asking any of them.

[IMAGE: Person reviewing a printed checklist at a clean desk with a pen — organised, prepared, empowered feel]

About Their Qualifications

These are the baseline questions. A qualified surgeon will answer them openly and may even commend you for asking.

  1. Are you registered with AHPRA as a specialist plastic surgeon?
  2. Do you hold FRACS (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)? Specifically FRACS(Plas)?
  3. Are you a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)?
  4. Which hospitals do you have operating privileges at?
  5. How long have you been practising?

What a good answer sounds like: Specific, verifiable, and offered without hesitation. "I've been FRACS-qualified since 2008 and I operate at [specific hospital]." If answers are vague or defensive, that's a signal worth paying attention to. For more on verification, read: How to Check if Your Surgeon is Qualified

About Their Experience With Your Procedure

Qualifications get a surgeon in the door. Experience with your specific procedure is what you're really hiring them for.

  1. How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
  2. How often do you perform it now? (Weekly, monthly, a few times a year?)
  3. What is your complication rate for this procedure?
  4. What is your revision rate?
  5. Do you have any specific training or fellowship experience relevant to this procedure?

What a good answer sounds like: Numbers, not generalities. "I perform approximately three breast augmentations per week" is more useful than "I've done lots." A surgeon who openly shares their complication and revision rates is demonstrating the kind of transparency you want from someone you're trusting with your body.

About the Procedure Itself

Understanding what's actually going to happen — and why — helps you make a more informed decision.

  1. What technique do you recommend for my situation, and why this approach specifically?
  2. What type of implant/material do you recommend, and why? (If applicable)
  3. Where will the incisions be, and what will the scarring look like long-term?
  4. What type of anaesthesia will be used?
  5. How long will the procedure take?
  6. What are realistic expectations for my specific situation?

What a good answer sounds like: Tailored to you, not generic. The surgeon should be discussing YOUR anatomy, YOUR goals, and YOUR specific circumstances — not giving a one-size-fits-all pitch. If the consultation feels like a sales presentation rather than a medical discussion, that's worth noting.

For help deciding between procedure types, read: Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift: Which Do I Actually Need? or Silicone vs Saline Implants

About Costs

Pricing transparency is something every patient deserves. Don't leave a consultation without clear answers to these questions.

  1. What is the total all-inclusive cost? What specifically is and isn't included?
  2. Can I get a written breakdown of surgeon's fees, anaesthetist's fees, hospital fees, and implant costs separately?
  3. How many follow-up appointments are included in the fee?
  4. What is the cost of additional follow-up visits beyond what's included?
  5. What is your policy on revision surgery fees?
  6. Do you offer payment plans? What are the terms and interest charges?
  7. Is the consultation fee deducted from the surgical cost if I proceed?

What a good answer sounds like: A clear, written quote with everything itemised. No surprises, no hidden extras. All pricing is indicative and approximate until a full consultation has taken place. For detailed pricing by city, read: How Much Do Cosmetic Surgeons Charge in Australia?

About Risks and Complications

Every procedure carries risks. A surgeon who discusses them openly is one you can trust.

  1. What are the specific risks and potential complications of this procedure?
  2. What is YOUR complication rate? (Not the general statistic — theirs specifically)
  3. How do you handle complications when they arise?
  4. What are the signs I should watch for after surgery?
  5. For implant procedures: what is BIA-ALCL and what's the risk?
  6. What happens if I'm not satisfied with the result?

What a good answer sounds like: Honest and specific. Not "complications are very rare" (even if they are) but "the most common complications for this procedure are X, Y, and Z, and here's how I manage each of them." If a surgeon claims they've "never had a complication," approach that with healthy scepticism — it's statistically unlikely for anyone who's performed enough procedures.

About Recovery

Understanding recovery before surgery helps you plan properly and set realistic expectations.

  1. What's the expected recovery timeline for my procedure?
  2. When can I return to desk work? Physical work? Exercise?
  3. What activity restrictions will I have, and for how long?
  4. Will I need compression garments? For how long?
  5. What medications will I need, and are they included in the cost?
  6. How should I prepare my home for recovery?

What a good answer sounds like: Specific timelines with acknowledgment that individual recovery varies. "Most patients return to desk work after 7-10 days, but it can take 4-6 weeks before you can resume exercise." For a week-by-week recovery breakdown, read: Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

About Aftercare

Post-operative care is where many patients feel let down. Get clarity before surgery, not after.

  1. How many follow-up appointments are included?
  2. Is there an after-hours contact number if I have concerns?
  3. Who will I see for follow-up — you personally, or another member of your team?
  4. What happens if I need additional care beyond what's included?
  5. Do you provide written aftercare instructions?
  6. How long does your aftercare program last?

What a good answer sounds like: A clear, structured aftercare plan with accessibility. "I see all my patients personally at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months. My nurse can be reached 24/7 on [number] for any concerns." If aftercare sounds vague or minimal, factor that into your decision.

About the Facility

Where the surgery happens matters almost as much as who performs it.

  1. Is the facility accredited? By which body?
  2. Is there overnight monitoring available if needed?
  3. What emergency protocols are in place?
  4. Will an anaesthetist be present for the full procedure? (Not just at induction)

What a good answer sounds like: Confidence and specifics. "We operate at [named hospital], which is accredited by [accreditation body]. A specialist anaesthetist is present throughout, and there's a full resuscitation team on site."

[IMAGE: Modern, welcoming Australian medical facility reception — clean, professional, not intimidating]

The Green Flags: What Good Looks Like

After asking all these questions, here's what a strong consultation feels like:

  • You felt unhurried and respected
  • Your questions were welcomed and answered thoroughly
  • The surgeon discussed risks openly, without minimising them
  • You received a detailed written quote with everything itemised
  • A cooling-off period was offered — no pressure to book on the spot
  • You left with clear information about what happens next
  • You felt confident, not sold to

If you didn't feel this way, trust that instinct. You can always seek another opinion.

Pirk has assessed over 400 surgeons across Australia and can help match you with AHPRA-registered surgeons based on your procedure, location, and priorities. Take the free surgeon matching quiz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I print this checklist and bring it to my consultation?

Yes — that's exactly what it's designed for. A good surgeon won't mind you working through a list of questions. If anything, they'll appreciate that you're being thorough. It also helps you stay focused during what can be an overwhelming appointment.

What if the surgeon doesn't answer all my questions?

If a surgeon avoids specific questions — particularly about qualifications, complication rates, or costs — that's a red flag. You deserve clear answers on all of these points. Red Flags When Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon covers other warning signs.

How long should a good consultation last?

At least 30-45 minutes for an initial consultation. Some complex procedures may require longer. If you're in and out in 15 minutes, you probably didn't get the information you need.

Do I need to decide during the consultation?

No. A responsible surgeon will give you time to think, compare options, and make your decision without pressure. The cooling-off period exists for a reason. Take it.

How many consultations should I have before booking?

At least two or three. This gives you comparison points for communication style, pricing, aftercare plans, and how comfortable you feel. You'll often know when you've found the right fit.

Disclaimer: Pirk is not a medical provider. We're here to support your decisions and help connect you with qualified, registered health practitioners. All procedures are performed by qualified surgeons or registered health practitioners, and any medical advice should always come directly from your treating provider. We guide you through the journey, but all medical decisions are made between you and your surgeon.