What a consent form should tell you before you sign

Signing a consent form means you agree to a treatment after being told what it involves. A form you sign without reading is only paper. General information, not medical advice.

NHS guidance on cosmetic procedures lists what a practitioner should tell you: how the procedure is done, how long it takes, whether anaesthetic is needed, what pain and recovery to expect, the potential risks and complications and what to do if something goes wrong. It also says you should be given time after a consultation to decide, and that you can ask for information to take away. A consent form is a good place to see whether those points were covered.

What to look for

• The name of the clinic and the person treating you.
• A plain description of the treatment and any product used.
• The main risks and side effects, in words you understand.
• Alternatives, including doing nothing.
• Aftercare and who to contact.
• What the quote includes.

Questions to ask your clinic

1. Can I take this form home and read it?
2. Can you explain this line in plain words?
3. What happens if I change my mind after signing?
4. Will I get a signed copy?

The exception

If you are in pain or need urgent care, the process may be shorter. For planned dental, skin and aesthetic treatments there is rarely a reason to sign on the spot. Pressure to sign today is a red flag, covered in our guide on how to check a clinic before you book. For quotes, see why a quote can differ between two clinics.