Frequently asked questions

How do I book a consultation?

Simply telephone my office on 01527 577675 between 9am and 5pm or email on info@paullevick.co.uk and Gail, Julie or Lesley will be pleased to answer any of your queries. The initial consultation fee is £100 and there is no charge for post-operative consultations. My consultation days are Monday and Tuesday.

Where do I go?

The Outpatient Department or Consulting Suite is a separate building behind the Main Priory Hospital. (See map on Hospital Page) Drive into the main entrance and follow the signs for ‘Consulting Suites’ (the road goes straight on, along the left side of the Hospital and there is ample free parking).  The Outpatients Receptionists will be expecting you and direct you to the waiting room (which has a hot drinks machine).  I am usually on time but sometimes  consultations take longer than expected (just like the dentist or vets!),  so please accept my apologies if we are running late.

What happens at the consultation?

We know you may be shy and nervous, but don’t worry, we are there to help you. Always feel free to bring a friend or relative. Firstly you meet Mrs Gail Levick, my wife and Practice Manager, who has a chat, gets you to fill out a Medical History form and gives you a ‘Fact Sheet’ to read while you wait for me. We then meet and go through the history, examination and explanation of the procedure and possible problems. We then return to Gail who shows you photos and tells you about the administrative details.  There is no pressure or persuasion at any stage - because we know you must make the correct decision for yourself in your own time - there is no place for pressure sales in ethical surgery.

What is the consultation for?

The main purpose of the Consultation is to fully inform you about the nature, consequences and possible problems of the surgery. Full communication is therefore essential so it is a good idea for you to jot down a list of questions to bring along, because it is easy to forget things on the day. Bringing a friend or relative will also help to fill in the inevitable blanks later, no one can remember everything that is discussed! The whole process can take an hour or more.

Are the Priory and Dolan Park safe?

You must be entirely comfortable about the safety of the Surgeon, Anaesthetist and the Hospital and it is a good idea to have a look around the Main Hospital where you may visit a room if you wish.   

The BMI Priory and Dolan Park Hospitals have the highest of standards, the equipment is first class, Resident Medical Officers are always present and the Surgeons and Anaesthetists are all Fully Qualified Consultants. In short there is no safer place to have surgery.

What about booking and deposits?

Some patients make a surgery booking on consultation day, but it is not necessary to do this and a ‘cooling off’ period for a few days is actually both desirable and proper. You can always change your mind at any stage, deposits are not required; and if you do change your mind, all we ask is please give as much notice as possible so someone else can use your booking.

What does fixed cost surgery mean?

Exactly that,- you pay a fee which covers the Hospital Charge and the Surgeon and Anaesthetist fees. There are no hidden or unexpected costs and the Hospital provides the price list and expects all surgeons to abide by it.  At the Priory Hospital you may be asked for a credit card imprint by the outpatient receptionist.  This is a new company policy which has been introduced to reduce bad debt from patients forgetting to pay their telephone bills, insurance excess etc.  It does not really apply to my patients (who usually have a fixed cost package), but unfortunately the management are not prepared to make an exception for me. 

What about consultation fees?

A Consultation Fee is charged at the Priory because this Hospital charges an hourly consultation room rental which is paid by the surgeon. Consultations at Dolan Park Hospital are free because they do not charge the surgeons.

What about follow-up consultations?

Follow-up Consultations are unlimited and I never charge further fees if you have fixed cost surgery. (Medical Insurance Patients receive a fee request at each attendance). Remember to discuss the guarantees and possibilities of further charges with Gail. Insurance policies will be available soon and I will post details as soon as we have more information.

Summary

I have two rules of Cosmetic Surgery

1. - If in doubt – don’t!.

2.- Always talk to real experts.

In other words, be sure that you want to undergo surgery for your own reasons and talk to people who really know about the surgery, that is other patients or an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Many think they know all about Cosmetic Surgery but in reality don’t;  and may well say inaccurate and misleading  things. Everyone loves you as you are, but it’s how you feel about yourself that matters to you. Cosmetic Surgery changes many lives for the better when carried out for the right reasons but can have the opposite effect on rare occasions, so make sure you are an expert yourself before you decide.