What Happens at a Plastic Surgery Consultation in Middlesbrough?

A plastic surgery consultation is a private conversation about your concerns, health, options and expectations.
It should give you clarity and time to think, not pressure you into booking surgery.

Written for: Mr Ollie Bassett Plastic Surgery
Clinical author: Mr Ollie Bassett, FRCS (Plast)
Professional registration: GMC 7082713
Clinic: Tees Valley Hospital, Middlesbrough
Date medically reviewed: 03/07/2026
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual consultation or medical assessment.

On this page

• What a plastic surgery consultation is for
• How to prepare for your appointment
• What happens during the consultation
• Whether you will need a physical examination
• Questions about risks, scars and recovery
• What happens after the appointment
• When a surgeon may recommend waiting
• Frequently asked questions

Key takeaways

• A consultation is an assessment, not a commitment to surgery.
• You should meet the surgeon who will perform your procedure.
• Your medical history, goals, anatomy and expectations all help shape the advice you receive.
• Risks, limitations, recovery and costs should be explained clearly.
• You should have time to reflect before deciding whether to proceed.
• Sometimes, the safest and most responsible recommendation is to wait or not have surgery.

What happens at a plastic surgery consultation?

A private plastic surgery consultation usually includes a detailed conversation about what is bothering you, a review of your health and medical history, an appropriate physical examination, and an honest discussion of the options that may suit you.

You should also be told what surgery cannot achieve. Scars, recovery, complications, aftercare and costs should be part of the conversation, rather than details introduced after you have made a decision.

The NHS advises patients to choose someone with suitable training, skills and insurance, and to understand the risks, costs and aftercare involved before proceeding with a cosmetic procedure.

For patients seeing Mr Ollie Bassett, consultations take place at Tees Valley Hospital in Middlesbrough and are conducted personally by Mr Bassett. His listed clinical interests include breast surgery, body contouring, facial surgery and skin surgery.

A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment

You do not need to arrive knowing the correct medical name for a procedure.

You might simply know that:

• Loose abdominal skin is affecting how clothes fit;
• Your breasts feel too heavy or have changed after pregnancy;
• Your upper arms or thighs still feel out of proportion after weight loss;
• Your eyelids make you look more tired than you feel;
• A particular area of fat has not responded to a stable weight and healthy habits;
• Changes around your face or neck no longer feel like you.

That is enough to begin the conversation.

A consultation is where your concern can be translated into a clinical question: is there a suitable procedure, what could it realistically achieve, and would its likely benefits justify the risks and recovery for you?

It is also entirely acceptable to attend a consultation and decide not to proceed. Good advice should leave you better informed, even when the answer is “not yet” or “this is not the right operation for you”.

How should you prepare for your consultation?

You do not need to prepare a perfect presentation. A few notes, however, can help you make better use of the appointment.

Think about what is actually bothering you

Try to describe the effect of the concern rather than starting with a procedure you have found online.

For example:

• “The skin rubs when I walk.”
• “I cannot find bras that feel comfortable.”
• “My stomach still feels unsupported after pregnancy.”
• “I avoid lifting my arms in photographs.”
• “I look tired even when I feel well.”
• “I have reached a stable weight, but this area has not changed.”

This gives the surgeon a clearer picture of the physical and emotional outcome you are seeking.

Note your medical information

You may be asked about:

• current and previous medical conditions;
• prescribed medicines and supplements;
• allergies;
• previous operations and anaesthetics;
• problems with bleeding, blood clots, infection or wound healing;
• smoking or nicotine use;
• pregnancy plans, where relevant;
• weight changes;
• previous cosmetic treatments or surgery.

Honest information matters. It allows your surgeon to assess risk and decide whether further tests, medical advice or a change in timing may be needed.

Bring a list of questions

People often remember their most important question on the way home, usually while sitting at a red light.

Writing questions down beforehand can help. You may also wish to make notes during the appointment or bring a trusted friend or family member, subject to the clinic’s arrangements.

What happens during the consultation?

Although the details vary by procedure, most surgical consultations follow several broad stages.

1. You explain your concerns and goals

The appointment normally begins with your story.

You may be asked:

• What would you like to change?
• How long has it bothered you?
• Does it cause physical discomfort?
• Has pregnancy, ageing or weight change played a part?
• What have you already tried?
• What would a worthwhile improvement look like to you?
• Are there results you would not be comfortable with?

There is no “correct” reason for asking about surgery. What matters is that the reason is yours, that your expectations are realistic, and that you understand the balance between potential benefit and risk.

Mr Bassett’s recovered practice material places particular emphasis on listening first, assessing each person individually and avoiding templated recommendations.

2. Your health and medical history are reviewed

Plastic surgery is still surgery. A careful health assessment is therefore an essential part of the consultation.

Some medical conditions do not automatically prevent treatment, but they may affect the type of operation, anaesthetic, timing or aftercare considered appropriate.

Your surgeon may also discuss factors that can influence healing, such as nicotine use, weight stability, medication, previous scars and the support available to you at home.

Do not stop prescribed medication before an appointment unless the clinician responsible for it has advised you to do so.

3. An examination may be needed

A physical examination helps the surgeon understand what is creating the concern and which options, if any, may be suitable.

The assessment will depend on the area being discussed. It might include:

• skin quality and elasticity;
• the amount and position of excess skin;
• fat distribution;
• muscle separation or weakness;
• breast position, volume and symmetry;
• previous scars;
• facial proportions or eyelid position;
• how tissue moves when you stand, sit or raise an arm.

Only the relevant area should be examined. The purpose and extent of the examination should be explained, and your privacy and dignity should be protected.

Clinical photographs may sometimes be useful for your medical record or surgical planning. Their purpose, storage and use should be explained, and photographs should only be taken with appropriate consent.

4. Your options are explained

The recommendation may be different from the procedure you expected.

For example:

• Loose abdominal skin may need a tummy tuck rather than liposuction;
• Breast volume loss and breast droop may require different approaches;
• Significant skin laxity may not respond adequately to fat removal alone;
• Treating several areas at once may not be the safest plan;
• Non-surgical treatment may offer too little change for the concern;
• Surgery may be inappropriate until weight, health or family plans are more stable.

A tailored recommendation should explain why a particular approach is being considered and why other options may be less suitable.

This is one of the most valuable parts of a consultant-led appointment. It separates what sounds appealing online from what is appropriate for your anatomy and health.

Explore the procedures offered by Mr Bassett, tummy tuck, body contouring, liposuction, arm lift, thigh lift, breast surgery, eyelid surgery, facelift or neck lift.

5. The limitations of surgery are discussed

A responsible consultation should include what cannot be promised.

Surgery cannot guarantee:

• perfect symmetry;
• an exact clothing or bra size;
• invisible scars;
• complication-free healing;
• a result identical to somebody else’s;
• permanent freedom from ageing or future body changes;
• a particular emotional response.

The aim is to help you form realistic expectations, not lower your confidence.

A natural-looking result is not one standard outcome. It depends on your anatomy, proportions, tissue quality and personal preferences.

6. Risks and possible complications are explained

All surgery has risks. The specific risks depend on the procedure, your health and the extent of treatment.

Your surgeon should explain:

• common short-term effects;
• less common but important complications;
• risks that are particularly relevant to you;
• how complications would be managed;
• which symptoms require urgent advice;
• whether revision surgery could ever be needed.

The GMC describes consent as an exchange of information rather than a signature on a form. Patients should receive information about material risks, including risks that matter particularly to them, and should have time to consider their decision.

A useful question is not simply, “Is this safe?” No operation is entirely risk-free.

More helpful questions include:

• What are the main risks in my case?
• How frequently do you encounter these complications?
• What can I do to reduce my risk?
• What happens if I have a problem after leaving hospital?
• Who should I contact outside normal clinic hours?

7. Scars and recovery are considered before surgery, not afterwards

Scars are part of many plastic surgery procedures. Their location, length and likely development should be discussed openly.

Recovery planning may include:

• Time away from work;
• Driving restrictions;
• Support with children or caring responsibilities;
• Lifting and exercise restrictions;
• Dressings or compression garments;
• Sleeping positions;
• Wound and scar care;
• Follow-up appointments;
• When travel may be appropriate.

Your occupation matters. Returning to a desk-based role may be very different from returning to nursing, construction, hairdressing, childcare or other physically demanding work.

The Royal College of Surgeons provides a consultation checklist encouraging patients to discuss the surgeon, hospital, procedure, alternatives, risks, recovery and aftercare before consenting.

Read our guide to preparing for recovery after plastic surgery

8. Costs and aftercare should be clear

A personalised quotation may not be possible until you have been assessed.

Before committing, ask what the quoted fee includes, such as:

• Surgeon’s fees;
• Hospital and theatre charges;
• Anaesthetist’s fees;
• Implants or specialist garments, where relevant;
• Routine follow-up;
• Dressings or aftercare;
• The clinic’s policy if further treatment is needed.

The NHS advises considering the full cost of a cosmetic procedure, including aftercare and any future treatment that might be required.

A lower price does not necessarily represent better value, particularly when access to your surgeon, hospital standards and local follow-up differ.

View plastic surgery pricing and what is included.

What should you ask during the consultation?

There are no embarrassing or trivial questions. This is precisely where they belong.

Useful questions include:

About suitability

• Am I a suitable candidate?
• Is now the right time?
• Is there a non-surgical alternative?
• Could waiting improve safety or the result?
• Would you recommend a different procedure?

About the operation

• Where would the scars be?
• What type of anaesthetic is normally used?
• Would I need an overnight stay?
• Can procedures be combined safely?
• Who will perform the surgery?

About results

• What is realistic for my anatomy?
• How might the result change over time?
• Can I see relevant before-and-after examples, where appropriate?
• What asymmetry may remain?
• Is revision sometimes required?

About recovery

• How much time should I take away from work?
• When could I drive?
• When could I exercise?
• Will I need help at home?
• What warning signs should prompt me to contact the clinic?

About care

• Who will review me after surgery?
• Who do I contact if I am worried?
• What follow-up is included?
• Where would any complication be assessed or treated?

BAAPS advises prospective patients not to feel rushed, to ask questions and to understand that aesthetic surgery carries risk. Its patient safety guidance also recommends allowing adequate time and, commonly, more than one consultation before surgery.

What happens after the consultation?

You should leave with a clearer understanding of:

• Whether surgery may be appropriate;
• The option or options discussed;
• The likely scars and recovery;
• The material risks and limitations;
• The practical preparations required;
• Expected costs;
• The next step, should you decide to continue.

You do not need to make an immediate decision.

You may wish to:

• Read the written information provided;
• Discuss practical support with family;
• Consider the financial commitment;
• Arrange time away from work;
• Think of further questions;
• Attend another consultation.

Being interested in surgery does not remove your right to change your mind.

A note on reflection time

The GMC states that patients must be given time to reflect and should not feel rushed into a commitment. It does not prescribe one universal period because the time needed varies between people and procedures.

Time to think is not an obstacle placed in your way. It is part of making a sound decision.

When might a surgeon recommend waiting?

Being told to wait can feel disappointing, particularly after you have spent months or years researching.

There may, however, be a good clinical reason. Examples can include:

• Unstable weight;
• Active nicotine use;
• Plans for another pregnancy;
• A medical condition requiring better control;
• insufficient support during recovery;
• unrealistic expectations;
• a recent major life event affecting the decision;
• the need for another specialist opinion;
• a safer staged approach rather than one long operation.

A recommendation to wait is not necessarily a refusal. Sometimes it is the most patient-centred advice a surgeon can give.

Do you need to know which procedure you want?

No.

Many people book a consultation because they understand the concern, but not the solution.

Loose skin, breast heaviness, abdominal weakness, facial ageing and localised fat can overlap. Two people describing the same concern may need very different treatment plans.

Your role is to explain what you notice, how it affects you and what you hope will improve. The surgeon’s role is to assess whether there is a safe, proportionate and realistic way to help.

Consultant-led plastic surgery in Middlesbrough

Mr Ollie Bassett is listed by Ramsay Health Care as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Tees Valley Hospital, with GMC number 7082713. His BAAPS profile lists interests including body surgery, breast surgery, eyelid surgery, facelifts, facial surgery and liposuction.

Consultations welcome patients from Middlesbrough and the wider North East, including Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar, Guisborough, Hartlepool, Darlington, Northallerton, Thirsk, Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne and York. The clinic location allows patients to return locally for planning and follow-up rather than treating surgery as a single isolated appointment.

Thinking about arranging a consultation?

You do not need to arrive certain about surgery.

A consultation is a place to ask questions, understand your options and decide whether any treatment feels appropriate for you.

Arrange a private consultation with Mr Ollie Bassett at Tees Valley Hospital.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a plastic surgery consultation a commitment to having surgery?

No. It is an opportunity to discuss your concern, undergo an appropriate assessment and understand your options. You should have time to consider the information afterwards and should not feel pressured to book.

Will I have to undress during the consultation?

An examination of the relevant area may be needed, depending on the procedure being considered. The surgeon should explain what needs to be examined and why. Your privacy and dignity should be protected throughout.

Can I bring someone with me?

Patients can often bring a trusted friend or family member, although it is sensible to check the clinic’s current arrangements beforehand. Some parts of the consultation may still need to take place privately so that you can speak openly.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring a list of medicines and supplements, relevant details of previous surgery or medical conditions, and any questions you want answered. You may also find it useful to note how the concern affects comfort, clothing, work, exercise or confidence.

Will I receive a price during the consultation?

A personalised quotation can usually only be prepared after your anatomy, goals, and proposed procedure have been assessed. Ask what the price includes, particularly hospital fees, anaesthesia, follow-up and aftercare.

What happens if Mr Bassett does not recommend surgery?

You should be given a clear explanation. The advice may be to wait, consider another option, address a health or lifestyle factor first, or avoid surgery altogether. A responsible consultation is intended to identify what is appropriate, not simply to approve an operation.