Do I need a referral from my family doctor?

For purely cosmetic procedures, usually not. For anything that might qualify for OHIP coverage on medical grounds, such as a functional eyelid or breast reduction, a referral often strengthens the case and some surgeons require one before booking.

How long does a first consultation usually take?

Most run 30 to 60 minutes. A rushed 10-minute meeting, especially for a surgical procedure, is worth treating as a signal to seek a second opinion.

Should I get more than one consultation before deciding?

For any surgical procedure, yes. Two or three consultations give you a basis for comparison on approach, communication style, and cost, and a confident surgeon will not discourage you from getting a second opinion.

Is the consultation fee refunded if I don't proceed?

It depends on the clinic. Some apply the fee toward your procedure only if you book; others charge it as a standalone assessment fee regardless. Ask before you schedule.

What to expect at your first plastic surgery consultation in Ontario

By Elena Moreau · Updated 2026-07-08

A first consultation is where you find out whether a surgeon and a procedure are actually right for you, not just whether you like the photos on their website. Knowing what a thorough one looks like makes it much easier to spot a rushed one.

Before you go

Write down what specifically bothers you and what result you are hoping for, in your own words rather than a procedure name you found online. Bring a list of current medications, past surgeries, and any relevant medical history. If you have reference photos of results you like, or dislike, bring those too; they help a surgeon understand your goals more precisely than a verbal description alone.

What a thorough consultation covers

A good consultation is a conversation, not a sales pitch. Expect the surgeon to examine the relevant area, ask about your medical history and goals in detail, and explain realistic outcomes, including limitations specific to your anatomy. They should walk you through the procedure itself, recovery expectations, risks, and alternatives, including the option of not having surgery at all if that is genuinely reasonable for your situation.

A surgeon and patient sitting together during a calm, unhurried consultation, reviewing options at a desk in a bright clinic room

You should leave with a clear sense of cost breakdown, a realistic timeline, and what results are and are not likely for someone with your specific body or face, not just a general promise that you will love the outcome. For a real example of how that timeline plays out day by day, the breast augmentation recovery timeline walks through one common procedure in detail.

Questions worth bringing with you

“What are the realistic risks and possible complications for someone with my specific health history?”
“How many of this procedure have you performed, and can I see recent results from patients with a similar starting point to mine?”
“What does recovery actually look like week by week, and what does it mean for my work and family commitments?”
“What is included in the quoted price, and what would cost extra?”
“What happens if I need a revision?”

Writing these down beforehand means you will not forget them once you are in the room, and a surgeon’s willingness to answer directly tells you a lot about how they will communicate with you after surgery too.

Red flags versus reassuring signs

A consultation that feels rushed, pressures you to book before you leave, or skips past risks and complications is worth pausing on. So is a surgeon who cannot clearly explain why a specific approach fits your anatomy. On the reassuring side: a surgeon who takes time to examine you properly, gives you a written quote rather than a verbal estimate, and is comfortable with you seeking a second opinion is generally signalling confidence rather than pressure.

If your first consultation is virtual

Many clinics now offer an initial virtual consultation before an in-person visit, useful for narrowing down whether a surgeon and procedure are worth pursuing further before you travel or take time off. A virtual consultation can cover goals, general approach, and rough cost expectations, but a physical examination in person is still typically needed before any surgical procedure is actually booked. Treat a virtual session as a first filter, not a substitute for the in-person visit where the real assessment happens.

After the consultation

Give yourself time before deciding, especially for anything surgical. A good clinic will not push you to book on the spot. If something about the conversation did not sit right, whether that was pacing, communication, or a vague answer to a direct question, it is worth booking a second consultation elsewhere before committing.

You can browse and compare surgeons across Ontario on the directory home page, where every listing is assessed using the same scoring methodology, so you can shortlist a few consultations to book rather than starting from a single name.

However many consultations you attend, trust your own read of the room alongside the credentials and the quote. Comfort and clear communication matter for a relationship that continues well past the day of surgery itself.

This guide describes a typical consultation process and is not medical advice. Your specific procedure and health history will shape what your own consultation covers.

FAQ

Do I need a referral from my family doctor?: For purely cosmetic procedures, usually not. For anything that might qualify for OHIP coverage on medical grounds, such as a functional eyelid or breast reduction, a referral often strengthens the case and some surgeons require one before booking.
How long does a first consultation usually take?: Most run 30 to 60 minutes. A rushed 10-minute meeting, especially for a surgical procedure, is worth treating as a signal to seek a second opinion.
Should I get more than one consultation before deciding?: For any surgical procedure, yes. Two or three consultations give you a basis for comparison on approach, communication style, and cost, and a confident surgeon will not discourage you from getting a second opinion.
Is the consultation fee refunded if I don't proceed?: It depends on the clinic. Some apply the fee toward your procedure only if you book; others charge it as a standalone assessment fee regardless. Ask before you schedule.