A cosmetic surgery consultation in Sydney is not a sales meeting. Under AHPRA's 2023 reforms it is a structured clinical assessment, governed by specific rules about referral, number of consultations, cooling-off periods, and informed consent. This page explains what to expect at a consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat (MBBS, FACCSM) at her Bondi Junction practice, what the AHPRA framework requires, and how to prepare so that you get the most out of each appointment.
Before the First Consultation
Before booking your first consultation, you need a current GP referral. Your GP is the right person to:
- Discuss whether cosmetic surgery is a reasonable step given your medical history and current health
- Flag any medications or conditions that may affect your suitability for anaesthetic or surgery
- Provide an independent check before you commit to a surgical consultation
- Issue the referral, which must be dated within the last 12 months
The GP does not need to approve or endorse the procedure — AHPRA does not ask them to. The referral is a safety mechanism, not a gatekeeping step. Most GPs in Sydney are familiar with the AHPRA cosmetic referral process and can complete it during a standard appointment.
The First Consultation
At the first consultation with Dr Konrat, the visit typically covers:
- Your goals and concerns — what you are hoping to address, how long you have been thinking about it, and what you would like to understand before making a decision
- Medical history — past surgeries, medical conditions, medications, allergies, smoking status, alcohol use, family history, and any prior consultations on the same topic
- Examination — relevant to the procedure being discussed, with the patient's consent and a chaperone available on request
- Procedure options — what the procedure involves, what variations may be appropriate, what alternatives exist, including non-surgical options where relevant
- Realistic risks and recovery — the specific risks that apply in your case, the typical recovery timeline, and the time off work you should plan for
- Next steps — what a written quote will cover and when the second consultation would take place
No booking is made at the first consultation. That is by design — AHPRA rules require two consultations before any surgery can be booked, and the first consultation is never about committing.
Between the First and Second Consultation
Between the two appointments, you'll receive an itemised written quote covering the doctor's fee, anaesthetist fee, and facility fee. You'll also receive written information about the procedure itself — the operative approach, the risks in detail, the post-operative instructions, and the cooling-off period that will apply. This is the time to:
- Read the written material in full
- Write down any questions that come up
- Consider a second opinion if you have any uncertainty
- Talk with family, a partner, or trusted friends if that would help you think it through
- Check the doctor's AHPRA registration at ahpra.gov.au if you haven't already
There is no expectation of how long to spend between the two consultations. Some patients schedule them close together once they're comfortable with the first discussion; others take weeks or months. The practice does not pressure patients on timing.
The Second Consultation
The second consultation is focused on informed consent and final confirmation. Dr Konrat will:
- Answer any questions you have prepared from the written material
- Review the plan for your specific case one more time
- Confirm the risks, alternatives, and recovery in detail, with your consent that you have understood them
- Confirm the written quote and deposit terms
- Complete the written informed-consent documentation
- Set the start of the AHPRA-required cooling-off period — at least seven days before any surgery can be booked
No booking is made at the second consultation either. The seven-day cooling-off period starts from the second consultation date.
The Seven-Day Cooling-Off Period
The cooling-off period is a mandatory feature of Australian cosmetic surgery practice. It exists because serious decisions should not be made under pressure, and because the doctor who performs the surgery is not the right person to pressure-test the decision. During the cooling-off period:
- You can raise further questions with the practice at any time
- You can seek a second opinion from another cosmetic doctor
- You can change your mind at no cost
- Any booking deposit paid during or before the cooling-off period is fully refundable if you decide not to proceed
The practice treats the cooling-off period as a genuine safety measure, not an administrative formality. If you decide to proceed after the seven days, the booking is confirmed and theatre time is reserved for your procedure.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- GP referral dated within the last 12 months
- Photo ID (Medicare card, driver licence, or passport)
- A written list of your current medications, including over-the-counter and herbal preparations
- Any relevant medical records, imaging, or pathology from recent assessments
- A written list of questions you want to cover — it's easy to forget in the moment, and the list helps you stay on track
- A support person if you would find that helpful — family member, partner, or trusted friend
Red Flags Worth Noticing
A consultation that feels rushed, pressured, or focused primarily on closing a sale is a warning sign — not necessarily of bad practice, but of a clinic that may not be giving you the time AHPRA rules intend. Specific red flags include:
- Being asked to commit or pay on the day of the first consultation
- "Limited-time" discounts that expire if you don't book immediately
- Vague answers about risks, or risks described in generic language rather than with specific likelihoods for your case
- Reluctance to provide an itemised written quote
- Difficulty verifying the doctor on the AHPRA register, or undisclosed conditions on their registration
- Staff who discourage you from asking questions or seeking a second opinion
For a fuller framework on evaluating cosmetic doctors in Sydney, see how to choose a cosmetic doctor in Sydney.
Booking a Consultation with Dr Konrat
Once you have a current GP referral in hand, you can contact the practice by phone on 02 9188 1949, through the online booking page, or through the contact page. The practice will confirm availability, the consultation fee, and what documentation to bring. A consultation is the first step — not a commitment — and you are welcome to change your mind at any point before or during the AHPRA cooling-off period.