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Start with the verification badge on each Allura listing — that confirms a register entry (GMC, GDC, CQC, NMC, GPhC, HCPC) plus voluntary registers like Save Face or JCCP where relevant. Cross-check the practitioner name against the public register, and favour providers with aggregated reviews from multiple sources (Trustpilot, Google, Doctify) rather than only their own website testimonials.
Prices for cosmetic surgery in 2026 vary by clinic, location, and individual practitioner experience. The provider profile on Allura shows a realistic price range based on what each clinic publishes. Always ask for a fully itemised quote at consultation — including the consultation fee itself, the procedure, any review appointments, and follow-up care. Be wary of headline prices that exclude follow-ups or imply same-day treatment without consultation.
For most private cosmetic surgery you can self-refer. For NHS-style follow-on care (e.g. shared-care prescribing or onward referral to a private specialist), a written letter from a GMC-registered GP makes the pathway smoother. Ask the clinic in advance whether they accept self-referrals and whether they communicate with NHS GPs.
Most private cosmetic surgery clinics in Essex can offer a consultation within 1-2 weeks. Reputable providers do not offer same-day treatment without a separate consultation appointment — the cooling-off period is for your protection. If a clinic pushes you to book treatment on the same day as the consultation, treat that as a red flag.
Ask about the practitioner's specific experience with your concern (years and case volume, not just years qualified), what's included in the quoted price, what aftercare looks like and how to reach the clinic if something goes wrong, what the consent form covers, and whether they document outcomes with before-and-after photos. Bring a notepad — anything important should be in writing on the consent form, not verbal.