The most useful questions to ask at a blepharoplasty consultation cover the surgeon’s qualifications and GMC specialist registration, how often they perform eyelid surgery, what exactly will be done and why, where the operation takes place, the risks for you personally, the aftercare plan and the policy if a further procedure is needed. Below is a structured checklist, with what a good answer should include.
Questions about the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register?: a good answer is a clear yes, with the specialty named (such as plastic surgery). You can check this yourself on the GMC website.
- What are your qualifications?: look for FRCS (Plast) or an equivalent surgical specialist qualification, and membership of bodies such as BAAPS or BAPRAS.
- How often do you perform eyelid surgery?: expect a straightforward answer about regular experience with both upper and lower lids, not vague reassurance.
- Can examples of your work be shown?: a surgeon should show consented examples of patients with similar anatomy, with realistic, unfiltered photographs.
Questions about your operation
- What exactly needs treating?: a good answer explains whether the issue is skin, fat, lid laxity, brow position or a combination, and why.
- Is the brow contributing?: the surgeon should assess brow position and say whether eyelid surgery alone is appropriate.
- Which technique would you use?: for lower lids, this may be a transconjunctival or skin approach; for upper lids, how much skin and fat will be removed.
- Local or general anaesthetic?: upper blepharoplasty is often possible under local anaesthetic; the pros and cons should be explained.
- What result is realistic in my case?: listen for balanced language and a clear account of what surgery will not change.
Questions about safety and the hospital
Ask where the surgery will be performed and whether the hospital is registered with the Care Quality Commission. Ask who will be in theatre, including whether an anaesthetist is present when sedation or general anaesthetic is used.
Then ask about risks specific to you, such as dry eye, lower-lid position or previous eye surgery. A good surgeon will discuss rare but serious risks, like bleeding behind the eye, openly and explain what to do if warning signs occur, rather than playing them down.
Questions about recovery and aftercare
- How much time off will be needed?: expect realistic guidance, commonly around one to two weeks for social recovery.
- Who removes the stitches?: a good answer names the clinic, the timing and who you will see.
- Who is the out-of-hours contact?: there should be a clear emergency contact, not just a general enquiries line.
- How many follow-up appointments are included?: routine reviews should be part of the plan, with a final check once healing has settled.
Questions about cost and revision
Ask for a written quote that sets out what is included: surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre fees and routine follow-up. At Mr Nassab’s practice, the £150 consultation fee is charged separately. Upper blepharoplasty starts from £5,000 under local anaesthetic, lower from £7,500 and upper and lower together from £9,500.
Ask what happens if the result is uneven or a further procedure is advised, what the policy is, and when any adjustment would be considered. A good answer is clear, written and not dependent on pressure to book quickly. See the blepharoplasty cost guide for more detail.
Red flags during a consultation
Be cautious if you meet only a salesperson, if the surgeon is not on the specialist register, if you are offered a discount for booking on the day, or if risks are brushed aside. A consultation should leave you feeling informed, not hurried. Mr Nassab welcomes a list of questions and encourages a second consultation if you need more time.
It is also worth being wary of prices that seem far lower than elsewhere, packages that bundle travel with surgery abroad, and any clinic that cannot explain who will see you if a problem arises after you return home. Continuity of care matters as much as the operation itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it acceptable to bring a list of questions?
Yes. Writing questions down beforehand helps you remember everything, and a good surgeon will welcome it.
Can a friend or relative come to the consultation?
Yes. A second person can help you remember what was discussed and ask questions you might not think of.
How can a surgeon’s registration be checked?
Search the GMC’s online register by name or GMC number to see whether they are on the Specialist Register and in which specialty.
Should a second consultation be booked before deciding?
It is often helpful, particularly if you have further questions or want to review your options after reflecting.
What should the written quote include?
It should list surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre fees and follow-up, and state clearly what is not included.
