The Surgeon’s Checklist – 5 Questions You Must Ask During Your Consultation

In the Australian surgical landscape of 2025, the initial consultation is no longer just a “chat” it is a formal, multi-step process governed by strict AHPRA cosmetic surgery rules. As of late 2025, all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must provide a GP referral and undergo at least two pre-operative consultations before even booking a procedure.

This new framework is designed to protect you, but it also places more responsibility on the patient to be an active participant. To ensure you are choosing a qualified professional and an ethical practice, use the following “Five Question Checklist” during your first meeting.

1. Are you a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with FRACS (Plas) registration?

This is the most critical question. In 2025, the title “surgeon” is legally protected. Only a doctor who has completed the rigorous training of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is entitled to be called a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

• What to look for: The letters FRACS (Plas) after their name.
• Why it matters: It guarantees they have completed at least 12 years of medical and surgical training, with at least 5 years specifically in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

2. How many times have you performed this specific procedure in the last 12 months?

General surgical skill is important, but “recency of practice” is the key to safety. You want a surgeon who performs your desired operation regularly, not once every few months.

• The Follow-up: Ask to see “typical” before and after photos not just their “best” cases to get a realistic idea of their surgical style and scar placement.

3. Where will the surgery be performed, and is it a licensed facility?

Surgery should only take place in an accredited private hospital or a licensed day-surgery facility. In 2025, AHPRA has tightened rules to ensure that high-risk procedures are not performed in “back-room” clinics or unaccredited offices.

• Pro-Tip: Check if the surgeon has “hospital privileges” at major hospitals. This means a hospital board has reviewed their credentials and granted them permission to operate there.

4. What are the specific risks for me, and what is your protocol if something goes wrong?

Every surgery has risks, but a good surgeon will tailor this answer to your health history (e.g., smoking, BMI, or previous surgeries).

• Emergency Plan: Ask who you should call at 2:00 AM if you have a concern during recovery. A reputable practice will have a clear, 24/7 aftercare protocol and won’t just tell you to “go to the Emergency Room.”

5. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of all out-of-pocket costs?

Under 2025 Informed Financial Consent rules, your quote should be transparent and comprehensive.

• Ask about: The surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, and the hospital “theatre” fees.
• The “Gap”: Ask if they participate in “Gap Cover” schemes with your private health insurer to help reduce the financial burden.

The 2025 Consultation Timeline

Under the current Australian guidelines, your journey must follow this legal sequence:

1. GP Referral: Obtain a referral from your regular doctor (this is now mandatory for all cosmetic surgery).
2. First Consultation: Meet the surgeon or their clinical team to discuss goals and undergo psychological screening (for conditions like BDD).
3. Second Consultation: At least one meeting must be in-person with the surgeon who will actually perform the operation.
4. The Cooling-Off Period: You must wait a minimum of seven days after your second consultation and after signing consent forms before you can pay a deposit or book your surgery date.

Conclusion

A consultation is as much an interview of the surgeon as it is an assessment of you. If you feel pressured, if the “specialist” title is vague, or if the costs seem “too good to be true,” do not be afraid to walk away. Use the AHPRA Public Register to verify every detail before you commit.

For more resources on making your choice, you can download the Health.gov.au Patient Checklist or read our guide on understanding surgical qualifications.

FAQs

1. Why do I need a GP referral for a cosmetic procedure now?

As of 2023/2024, the Medical Board of Australia requires a referral to ensure that an independent doctor your GP has assessed your physical and mental health before you see a surgeon. It adds a layer of safety and ensures your medical history is properly shared.

2. Is the consultation fee refundable?

Generally, no. A specialist consultation fee (usually ranging from $250 to $500 in Australia) covers the surgeon’s time and expert assessment. However, if you have a GP referral, you may be able to claim a small Medicare rebate (approx. $80–$90) for the initial appointment.

3. What is “psychological screening” in a consultation?

It is a brief, validated questionnaire used to ensure you are in the right headspace for surgery. Surgeons look for signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or unrealistic expectations that might make surgery a poor choice for your wellbeing.

4. Can I skip the 7-day cooling-off period if I’m in a hurry?

No. This is a mandatory legal requirement in Australia. No reputable surgeon will bypass this rule, as doing so would breach their registration standards and put their license at risk.

5. What if I’m not happy with my surgeon after the first meeting?

This is exactly why the two-consultation rule exists. If you don’t feel a “click” or if your questions weren’t answered clearly, you should seek a second opinion. Surgery is a long-term relationship, and trust is the most important factor.