What to Expect from a Consultation at SB Aesthetics: A Guide for International Patients

When you are considering plastic surgery in another country, arranging a consultation involves more than choosing an appointment date. You need to know whom you will speak to, what information to share, whether your concerns can be assessed remotely, and how the process will progress if you decide to travel.

At SB Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Hospital in Gurugram, India, international patients can begin with a preliminary video consultation before making the journey. This allows the surgeon to understand their concerns, review relevant medical information and photographs, and discuss possible treatment options.

From there, the process progresses through preliminary treatment planning, estimated costs and scheduling, travel preparation, and an in-person consultation at the hospital. The final treatment decision follows a physical examination and any necessary medical assessments.

This guide takes you through the consultation process at SB Aesthetics, from your first enquiry to the point at which you and your surgeon are ready to make an informed treatment decision.

1. Your First Step: Contacting SB Aesthetics from Your Home Country

Your consultation journey begins by getting in touch with the hospital and explaining what you would like to discuss.

International patients can contact SB Aesthetics directly via WhatsApp at +91 81301 34693 or +91 92892 70096, or through the official appointment enquiry page or email. When getting in touch, mention your country of residence and the concern or treatment you would like to discuss. A member of the international-patient team can guide you through the next steps and help arrange a video consultation with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani.

You can enquire about a particular procedure, such as rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast surgery, a facelift or another aesthetic treatment. However, you do not need to know exactly which procedure you require before making contact. Describing the concern you want addressed is sufficient to begin the conversation.

International-patient enquiries at SB Aesthetics are handled by reception and a dedicated three-member support team. The team assists with consultation arrangements, procedure-related questions, preparation for the hospital visit and practical coordination around treatment.

During your initial enquiry, you can share your country of residence, the nature of your concern, any previous treatment in the same area and your preferred period for visiting India.

Since you will be communicating across international time zones, it is also helpful to mention your availability for a video appointment. The team can then advise you about the consultation arrangements and the information required before speaking with the surgeon.

The first contact is intended to establish what you need and help you reach the appropriate next stage of assessment.

2. Before Your Video Consultation: What Information Should You Prepare?

Once your preliminary consultation is being arranged, the clinical team may ask you to share relevant medical information and photographs.

This preparation helps the surgeon understand your concerns before the appointment and makes the conversation more productive, particularly when you are seeking treatment for a complex concern or have previously undergone surgery.

Depending on the proposed procedure, you may be asked to provide:

• Your medical history: Information about relevant health conditions, previous operations, allergies, current medications and supplements, and any previous problems with anaesthesia or blood clotting.
• Photographs of the area you want treated: Clear, recent images from appropriate angles can help with an initial assessment. The clinical team can explain what photographs are required and how to share them securely.
• Details of previous cosmetic treatments: If you have undergone surgery, received implants or had other procedures in the same area, previous operative records, implant information or relevant imaging may be useful.
• Existing medical reports: If you have a medical condition or have already undergone relevant investigations, the surgeon may want to review those findings.
• Your treatment goals: Think about what concerns you, what kind of improvement you are hoping for, and any questions you would like answered before considering travel.

There is no need to arrange an extensive set of investigations independently before your first consultation. The clinical team can advise which records are relevant and whether any further assessment may be necessary.

You may also wish to prepare reference photographs that illustrate the type of result you prefer. These can help communicate your expectations, although your surgeon will need to consider what is appropriate for your own anatomy.

Any personal medical records and photographs should be shared through the channel recommended by the hospital.

3. What Happens During Your Preliminary Video Consultation?

The video consultation is your first opportunity to discuss your concerns directly with the surgeon and gain a clearer understanding of the possible treatment options.

The conversation generally begins with your reasons for seeking treatment. You can explain what you would like to change, whether you have previously undergone any procedures, and what you hope to achieve.

The surgeon can then discuss the treatment you are considering, review the information and photographs provided, and explain which options may be relevant.

If you have a particular procedure in mind, the discussion can help establish whether it appears appropriate or whether another approach deserves consideration. You can also ask about the proposed procedure, the likely extent of treatment, significant risks, possible alternatives and general recovery expectations.

For international patients, the conversation should also address any medical concerns that could affect whether travelling for further assessment is advisable.

Can the surgeon determine my treatment plan through a video call?

A video consultation can provide useful preliminary information, but it cannot establish every detail needed for surgery.

The surgeon may be able to assess visible features, review your medical history and discuss an initial treatment direction. However, factors such as tissue quality, skin elasticity, underlying anatomical structures and the effects of previous surgery may require direct examination.

At SB Aesthetics, the video consultation supports preliminary treatment planning, while final surgical decisions are made after an in-person assessment.

This means the initial discussion can help you understand the likely options and what remains to be evaluated, without creating an expectation that surgery has already been confirmed.

If you would like to understand the clinical reasoning in greater detail, our published article, Inside an Aesthetic Surgery Consultation: What Is Your Plastic Surgeon Really Assessing?, explains how surgeons evaluate anatomy, expectations and treatment suitability.

Can 3D simulation help during the consultation?

SB Aesthetics currently uses Crisalix 3D simulation for suitable consultations and is preparing to introduce VECTRA 3D imaging.

These technologies can help patients and surgeons visualise possible aesthetic changes and discuss proportions, treatment options and expectations more clearly. The clinical team can explain which imaging options are available and appropriate for your consultation.

Any simulated images are intended to support the consultation process and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of surgical results.

For an international patient, this technology can be particularly useful when discussing expectations about proportions, volume or contour. Depending on the procedure and individual circumstances, you can ask the team whether 3D simulation would be appropriate and how it can be incorporated into your consultation.

The purpose of simulation is to support communication and treatment planning. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that surgery will produce an identical result.

4. What Happens After the Video Consultation?

After the preliminary consultation, the next step depends on the surgeon's initial assessment and the information available.

If the proposed treatment appears potentially suitable, the clinical team can begin discussing the likely procedure, possible treatment dates, and the assessments that will be required when you arrive in India.

You may also be asked to provide additional records or discuss a particular health condition with your regular doctor before travelling.

Some patients may require a further clinical discussion, especially if they have previously undergone multiple procedures, have a complicated medical history or are considering a combination of operations.

The purpose of this stage is to establish whether the proposed visit is reasonable and what needs to be addressed before making travel arrangements.

When will the treatment cost be discussed?

Once a preliminary treatment direction has been established, the SB Aesthetics coordinator can discuss the estimated treatment cost, accepted payment methods and any booking advance required to reserve a proposed surgery date.

You should use this opportunity to understand what is included in the estimate and which expenses may be charged separately.

For example, depending on the procedure, costs may involve the surgeon's fees, anaesthesia, hospital facilities, investigations, medicines, implants or other materials, and postoperative care. It is reasonable to ask whether these are included in the estimate and what additional expenses might arise if your treatment or hospital stay changes.

You should also clarify any applicable booking, payment, cancellation or rescheduling conditions before making a financial commitment.

Since the final surgical plan depends on an in-person assessment, the initial estimate may require adjustment if the recommended procedure changes. Any revised treatment and financial arrangements should be explained before you decide whether to proceed.

Can I schedule my surgery before travelling?

A proposed surgery date may be discussed and provisionally reserved after the preliminary assessment and financial discussion.

The preliminary consultation helps establish the proposed surgical plan before you travel. Once you arrive at SB Aesthetics, the surgeon will conduct an in-person assessment to confirm the details and make any necessary refinements, which may include adjusting the extent of the procedure or adding or removing certain components.

The surgeon must still examine you directly, review any required investigations and confirm that the proposed operation remains appropriate.

For this reason, it is advisable to clarify your expected arrival date, the time required for in-person assessment and the proposed surgery schedule before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

5. Preparing to Travel for Your In-Person Consultation

Once the preliminary treatment and proposed dates are reasonably clear, you can begin making the practical arrangements for your visit.

The hospital's international-patient team can assist with information about the local arrangements associated with treatment. SB Aesthetics can help arrange pick-up and drop services and share nearby hotels and short-stay accommodation options across different budgets.

Most international patients arriving by air travel through Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, located approximately 20 km by road from SB Aesthetics in Gurugram's Sector 27.

It is advisable to stay close enough to the hospital to attend your scheduled consultations, investigations and follow-up appointments without unnecessary travel.

For international surgical patients, SB Aesthetics recommends approximately 14–21 days in India as a practical starting point for planning, although the actual duration depends on the procedure, medical assessments and recovery requirements. Some patients may need considerably longer.

The hospital also asks international surgical patients to travel with an adult attendant or companion who can assist with admission, discharge, transport and early recovery.

What about medical visa documentation?

Once the proposed treatment and travel dates are sufficiently clear, SB Aesthetics can issue the medical invitation letter and relevant hospital documentation required for an applicable Indian Medical Visa application.

You are responsible for completing the visa application through the relevant Government of India system or Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Requirements depend on your nationality and individual circumstances, so always check the current official instructions before travelling.

For more detailed information about travel preparations and documents, read Coming to India for Plastic Surgery at SB Aesthetics: What International Patients Should Prepare.

The central consideration is to ensure that you arrive with sufficient time for your medical assessment rather than arranging your surgery around the shortest possible trip.

6. Your In-Person Consultation at SB Aesthetics in Gurugram

When you arrive at SB Aesthetics, the consultation progresses from a preliminary remote assessment to a direct clinical examination.

The surgeon will review your concerns and the treatment discussed during the video consultation, examine the relevant area and determine whether the proposed approach remains appropriate.

Depending on the procedure, the examination may involve evaluating tissue quality, existing scars, underlying structures, asymmetry or the effects of previous treatment. Measurements, clinical photographs or additional investigations may be required where relevant.

You can also revisit your expectations and ask any questions that arose after the video consultation.

The purpose of this appointment is to confirm whether the preliminary treatment recommendation is suitable and whether any modifications are necessary.

What if the surgeon changes the recommendation after examining me?

Occasionally, the in-person assessment reveals information that was not apparent during the remote consultation.

For example, a patient may have more or less skin laxity than expected, an underlying structural concern, or changes caused by previous surgery. A medical issue may also require further investigation before the operation can be considered.

In such circumstances, the surgeon may recommend modifying the proposed procedure, choosing a less extensive approach, dividing treatment into stages or postponing surgery.

Although this may affect your original plans, the decision should be guided by the findings of the examination rather than the fact that you have already travelled to India.

Travelling for a consultation does not obligate you to undergo surgery. You should proceed only after understanding the final recommendation and agreeing to the proposed treatment.

7. Completing Your Medical Assessment and Finalising the Treatment Plan

If surgery is considered appropriate after the in-person consultation, the next stage is to complete the necessary preoperative assessments.

The investigations required will depend on your medical history, age, existing health conditions and the type and extent of the proposed operation.

These may include blood tests, imaging, anaesthesia assessment or specialist evaluation, where clinically indicated.

SB Aesthetics' published guidance also specifies preoperative cardiac evaluation for patients above 40 years of age undergoing major or prolonged surgery, with additional investigations or specialist clearance where necessary.

Your treating team will explain which assessments apply to you and whether any findings need to be addressed before surgery.

Following these assessments, the surgeon can confirm the proposed procedure and discuss its expected benefits, limitations, significant risks, possible complications and reasonable alternatives.

You should also understand what the operation involves, the type of anaesthesia proposed, where scars may be located if relevant, and what early recovery is likely to require.

If the final recommendation differs from the preliminary plan, the reasons should be explained, along with any implications for the expected cost, hospital stay or treatment schedule.

Once the necessary assessments have been completed, you should have an opportunity to ask questions and review the treatment information before providing informed consent.

The consultation process may lead to a decision to proceed, seek further medical evaluation, reconsider the treatment or postpone surgery. The appropriate decision depends on the clinical findings and your individual circumstances.

8. Discussing Recovery and Follow-Up Before You Proceed

Although recovery begins after treatment, the arrangements for it should be discussed during consultation, especially when you are planning to return to another country.

Before proceeding, ask your surgeon what to expect during the early postoperative period, how many reviews are likely to be required and what restrictions may affect your activities.

Some procedures may involve dressings, compression garments, wound care, medication, restricted movement or a longer period of local recovery.

At SB Aesthetics, postoperative support may also include dietetic guidance, physiotherapy and radiofrequency massage where clinically appropriate, depending on the procedure and the patient's recovery. The treating team will explain whether any of these measures are relevant to your care.

You should also discuss how follow-up will be arranged after returning home. Ask whom to contact with routine postoperative questions, whether remote reviews may be suitable, and what medical support you should arrange locally if a concern arises.

Before departure, make sure you understand the recommended follow-up schedule, the warning signs that require medical attention, and how to obtain the relevant discharge information and medical records.

Your return flight should be planned around your recovery and the treating team's assessment. SB Aesthetics advises patients to obtain a Fit to Fly certificate before their return journey, while checking any separate medical-clearance requirements imposed by their airline.

For more detailed advice on recovery and international travel, our guide, Medical Visa, Consultation, Surgery and Recovery: What to Prepare Before Coming to India, covers these considerations.

About Dr. Shilpi Bhadani and SB Aesthetics

SB Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Hospital is led by Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, Founder-Director and Chief Plastic Surgeon, whose qualifications include MBBS, MS in General Surgery and MCh in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

She also completed a DAFPRS Fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery at Laclinic in Montreux, Switzerland.

Alongside her surgical practice, Dr. Shilpi is involved in the education and training of other plastic surgeons. The Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (IAAPS) lists her as a mentor at an IAAPS-recognised aesthetic surgery fellowship centre.

At SB Aesthetics, international patients can begin their consultation remotely, share relevant clinical information before travelling, and receive assistance with practical arrangements through the hospital's international-patient team.

During your consultation, you can discuss the proposed treatment, understand the reasons behind the surgeon's recommendations, explore alternatives and ask questions before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Consultations at SB Aesthetics

How do I book a video consultation with SB Aesthetics from outside India?

You can contact the hospital through its online appointment enquiry page, email or telephone and explain that you are an international patient requesting a video consultation. Share your country of residence, the concern you want to discuss and your availability. The team can then advise you about scheduling and any information required before the appointment.

Will I speak to the surgeon during the preliminary consultation?

The international-patient pathway includes a remote consultation with the surgeon following the initial conversation with the hospital team. You can confirm the treating surgeon and appointment arrangements when scheduling your consultation.

How much does an international video consultation at SB Aesthetics cost?

You can first speak with a member of the SB Aesthetics international-patient team at no charge to discuss your concerns, understand the consultation process and arrange an appointment. A video consultation with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani is a paid appointment, and the team will explain the consultation fee and payment arrangements before confirming your booking.

Can I get a treatment cost estimate before flying to India?

Yes. Following the preliminary consultation and treatment discussion, the coordinator can explain the estimated cost, accepted payment methods and any required booking advance. The estimate may change if the in-person assessment leads to a different treatment recommendation.

How soon after arriving in India can I undergo surgery?

The appropriate interval depends on the proposed procedure, your medical history, the in-person consultation and any investigations or specialist clearance required. Your treating team will advise how much time to allow before a proposed surgery date. You should not assume that surgery can take place immediately after a long international journey.

What happens if the in-person consultation changes my treatment plan?

The surgeon will discuss the new findings and explain whether the proposed procedure should be modified, replaced, postponed or avoided. You can review the recommendation and any implications for cost or scheduling before deciding whether to proceed.

Begin Your Consultation with SB Aesthetics

For international patients, a well-organised consultation helps make the decision to travel for surgery more informed.

At SB Aesthetics, the process begins with an initial enquiry and preliminary video consultation, allowing the surgeon to understand your concerns and explore possible treatment options before you travel. The team can then help you prepare for the next stage, including discussions about estimated costs, provisional scheduling and the arrangements associated with your hospital visit.

Once you arrive in Gurugram, the in-person consultation and required medical assessments provide the information needed to establish the final treatment recommendation.

Throughout the process, you should have an opportunity to understand the proposed procedure, discuss alternatives, ask questions and consider what treatment and recovery will involve.

To arrange your preliminary video consultation, contact SB Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Hospital.

Telephone: +91 81301 34693 / +91 93154 72650

Email: [email protected]

Online enquiries: Request an Appointment at SB Aesthetics

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shilpi Bhadani

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Plastic Surgery), MRCS(Edin)

Haryana Medical Council Reg. No. HN36204

Founder-Director & Chief Plastic Surgeon, SB Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Hospital, Gurugram

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general patient education and preparation. It does not replace individual medical advice or an in-person clinical assessment. Surgical suitability, treatment recommendations, risks, investigations, recovery and travel requirements vary between patients. Government visa and immigration requirements should always be checked directly through the relevant official authorities.