What a consultation involves

This page sits where a patient story used to. We do not publish patient stories - testimonials about regulated health services are prohibited under section 133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. See patient stories.

More useful: knowing what actually happens when you walk in, so the appointment is not spent finding out.

Before you come

For cosmetic surgery you need a referral - from your GP or another appropriate practitioner. This has been a requirement across Australia since 1 July 2023. It is not a formality: your GP knows your medical history and can raise things that matter.

Bring:

In the room

What you want

You will be asked what bothers you and what you hope will change. Be specific - "this area, when I do this" is more useful than a general dissatisfaction. Photographs of results you like are helpful as a way of showing preference, not as a target to copy.

History and health

A full medical history, because it changes what is safe. Smoking will be asked about directly, and the answer matters - nicotine constricts the vessels that keep tissue alive, and some procedures are not offered to current smokers.

Examination

A physical examination of the relevant area. You will be asked to undress only as far as needed, in private, with a gown, and you may ask for a chaperone at any point. If you would prefer not to be examined that day, say so - but an assessment cannot be completed without it.

Photographs

Clinical photographs form part of your medical record and are how your result is assessed later. They are taken under standardised conditions and stored securely under the Privacy Act 1988. Separate, specific, written consent is needed before any image is used anywhere else, and you may withdraw that consent. See patient privacy.

Psychological screening

A mandatory part of a cosmetic surgery assessment since 1 July 2023. It screens for underlying conditions, including body dysmorphic disorder, that make a poor outcome much more likely. If something is identified, you will be referred for assessment - that is not a rejection, and it is not a judgement about you.

The discussion

What is realistically achievable for your anatomy, including the less-good end of the range. The alternatives, including non-surgical options and doing nothing. Where scars will sit. The specific risks for you. Recovery and time off. And the full cost, in writing.

Two consultations, and a cooling-off period

You must have at least two consultations before cosmetic surgery is booked; one may be by video. There is then a cooling-off period of at least seven days for adults before the procedure. For anyone under 18, the cooling-off period is three months and an independent psychological assessment is mandatory.

These exist because people make different decisions with a week's distance than they do in the room. Use the time.

Costs

Consultation fees as at September 2024, including GST:

A written, itemised quote follows the consultation. Cosmetic procedures do not attract a Medicare rebate; some functionally indicated procedures have an MBS item number - ask for it, and check with your fund directly. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider. See prices.

You are allowed to leave without booking

A consultation is an assessment, not a commitment. You may take the quote away, get a second opinion, think for a month, or decide against it. Nobody here should ask you to decide on the day, and a discount that expires if you do not book immediately is a reason to walk out of any clinic. See deciding not to proceed.

Booking

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the consultation form. Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-2pm.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual results may vary.

Images on This Page