When I'd advise against it

Some of my conversations end with me suggesting you wait, or advising against surgery altogether. That costs me referrals. It's still the most important part of what I do, because a woman I wrongly encouraged is the biggest harm I could cause.

1. If price is the main reason

“It would be too expensive at home, so Turkey”, that's a reason for the place, not a reason for the operation. If you couldn't afford the surgery at home, ask whether you could afford the consequences of a complication. Those you pay in every case yourself, the NHS won't.

2. If you don't have time

Two weeks away, then two to four weeks of rest, six weeks without exercise, help at home. If you can't arrange that, wait. The operation won't run away.

3. If you smoke and won't stop

Nicotine narrows blood vessels and disrupts healing. With tummy tucks, facelifts and breast lifts the risk of skin necrosis is much higher. No reputable surgeon operates on smokers without a stop of several weeks. If you can't manage that, it isn't the right time.

4. If your body is still changing

Breastfeeding, planned pregnancy, ongoing weight loss, fluctuating weight: any of these can undo a result. Wait until your body is where it's going to stay.

5. If nobody knows

Not because it's anyone's business. But because in week two you'll need someone, and because secrecy often means part of you doesn't stand behind the decision. We'll talk about that.

6. If you want a picture from Instagram

An operation can change your body. It can't make you someone else. If you want a particular image rather than a change in yourself, you'll be disappointed, however good the surgeon. A reputable surgeon raises this. So do I.

What that means for our conversation

I ask about these six things. Not to put you off, but so that you decide, not the advertising.

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This text does not replace a surgeon’s consent conversation. Timings are typical courses, not promises; yours may differ. Ivy Beside deliberately gives no prices and names no surgeons.