From the first consultation, every clinical decision is your surgeon's. Vertex Medic arranges the meeting and keeps the paperwork; it is not in the room.
Step 01You meet the surgeon who would actually perform the operation. The RCS and the GMC both say only the operating surgeon should advise you about the procedure and take your consent, and that this must not be delegated to sales or booking staff.
Step 02The surgeon asks why you want the operation and what result you are hoping for, and whether that is realistic. GMC guidance requires the surgeon to consider your psychological needs and to be satisfied that the request is voluntary.
Step 03A full medical history is taken: previous abdominal surgery, pregnancies and any plans for more, weight history and current BMI, smoking or nicotine use, diabetes, clotting problems, and every medicine and supplement you take.
Step 04The surgeon examines your abdomen, assessing the amount and direction of skin excess, the quality of the skin, the degree of muscle separation, any hernia, existing scars, and the position of the tummy button. Height and weight are recorded and photographs are usually taken with your consent.
Step 05Alternatives are discussed, including doing nothing, weight management, exercise, liposuction alone, or delaying surgery if you are overweight, pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The GMC requires the surgeon to tell you about alternatives that could meet your needs with less risk, even from other practitioners.
Step 06The surgeon explains which technique they think fits your anatomy (full, mini, fleur-de-lis, with or without liposuction), where the scars would be, and what the operation cannot achieve.
Step 07Risks and complications are discussed in detail, with particular attention to the ones you are most concerned about, together with the recovery period, time off work, driving and exercise restrictions.
Step 08Fees are set out clearly, including what is and is not included, the charges for follow-up, revision and treatment of complications, and what happens if you change your mind after paying a deposit. GMC guidance paragraphs 28 and 29 require this clarity.
Step 09You receive written information to take away, and the surgeon may ask permission to contact your GP.
Step 10You are given time to reflect. GMC guidance says the surgeon must give you the time and information you need and must tell you that you can change your mind at any point. The RCS advises taking at least two weeks after the consultation before deciding.
Step 11A pre-operative review, at which written consent is completed with the operating surgeon, normally follows on a separate occasion before the day of surgery.