Informed consent in aesthetic surgery: patient information and rights at KEIT Day Hospital

1 What information does the informed consent at KEIT Day Hospital include?

The informed consent documentation used at KEIT Day Hospital outlines the clinical and practical aspects patients need to understand before surgery. Its purpose is to provide a balanced overview of the procedure, going beyond the aesthetic improvements that the operation aims to achieve.

Depending on the type of procedure, the information includes:

• Surgical objectives: The features the procedure aims to correct or modify and the results that can realistically be achieved.

• Preoperative preparation: Required examinations and instructions regarding medication, smoking, nutrition and precautions to follow before surgery.

• Surgical techniques: How the procedure is performed and the factors that may influence the choice of the most appropriate technique.

• Anaesthesia: Relevant information about the anaesthetic treatment, explained further through a separate informed consent document and a consultation with the anaesthetist.

• Risks and complications: Potential adverse events associated with the procedure, including those that are less common but clinically relevant.

• Postoperative recovery: Expected recovery times, temporary limitations and precautions to follow after surgery.

• Limitations of the results: Anatomical and individual factors that may influence the outcome, as well as aspects that cannot be guaranteed with absolute certainty.

• Patient instructions: Health information that should be communicated to the medical team and recommendations to follow before and after surgery.

Where relevant, the alternatives to the proposed procedure are also explained, including the option of not undergoing surgery. The information contained in these documents provides a basis for individual assessment, as results, risks and recovery times may vary depending on each patient's circumstances.

2 A separate informed consent document for every surgical procedure

KEIT Day Hospital uses dedicated informed consent documents for different surgical procedures rather than relying on a single general form for all operations. For example, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty and hair transplantation involve different techniques, risks, recovery times and potential outcomes. Procedure-specific documentation makes it possible to address the aspects relevant to each treatment, avoiding overly general explanations.

The information is provided with reference to the protocols of the Italian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SICPRE). This process takes place within the framework of the regulations applicable to the clinic and the medical information required before surgery. Having separate documents allows patients to focus on the specific characteristics of their planned procedure and review the most relevant information before their consultation and signature.

3 How is informed consent managed at KEIT Day Hospital?

The informed consent process at KEIT Day Hospital takes place in several stages, allowing patients to review the documentation before signing and receive explanations relevant to their individual medical circumstances.

1. Sending the documentation before surgery

The informed consent form relating to the planned procedure is sent in advance by email. Patients can read it at their own pace, review the information provided and identify any questions they wish to discuss during their medical consultation.

2. Reviewing the documentation and receiving explanations at the clinic

Upon arrival at KEIT Day Hospital, the documentation is also provided in printed form. The surgeon explains the specific aspects of the operation in greater detail and clarifies how the information in the form applies to the individual patient's case.

3. Medical assessment and signing

The document is signed after completion of the required preoperative assessment process, which includes specialist consultations and the necessary examinations. The documentation is made available in a language the patient understands, allowing them to review its contents before giving consent.

4 Informed consent for anaesthesia at KEIT Day Hospital

At KEIT Day Hospital, anaesthesia requires a specific informed consent document, separate from the one relating to the surgical procedure. This distinction allows anaesthetic considerations to be addressed through a dedicated specialist assessment.

During the pre-anaesthetic consultation, the anaesthetist evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, any existing medical conditions, allergies and current medications. These factors, together with the type of surgery planned, help determine the most appropriate anaesthetic technique and identify any necessary precautions.

The document dedicated to anaesthesia explains the proposed technique, potential side effects, associated risks and complications. Where clinically appropriate, alternative anaesthetic approaches are also considered.

Anaesthetic consent therefore represents a specific component of surgical preparation, through which KEIT Day Hospital gives particular attention to assessing and managing the risks associated with anaesthesia.

5 The patient's right to make decisions, ask questions and withdraw consent

Informed consent is based on respect for patient autonomy. Receiving and signing a document does not mean giving up the right to ask questions or reconsider a decision.

Before surgery, patients have the right to:

• Receive clear information appropriate to the proposed procedure and their individual medical circumstances.

• Ask the surgeon and anaesthetist questions, requesting explanations about risks, alternatives and realistically achievable results.

• Take the time they need to decide, without being pressured into signing a document they have not understood.

• Accept or refuse the proposed treatment after considering its characteristics and potential consequences.

• Withdraw their consent before surgery, in accordance with applicable regulations, bearing in mind that any financial or organisational matters are governed separately by the service agreement.

• Request a copy of the signed documentation, in accordance with the clinic's procedures.

Signing informed consent does not remove the professional responsibilities of healthcare practitioners or constitute a general waiver of the patient's rights. Its purpose is to document an informed decision reached through appropriate communication between the patient and healthcare professionals.

6 Informed consent forms: view and download the documents

KEIT Day Hospital makes informed consent documents available for its different surgical procedures, allowing patients to review them before surgery and familiarise themselves with the information that will be discussed in greater detail during their medical care.

Reading the documents in advance allows patients to prepare questions and approach their consultation with a better understanding of the procedure. Reviewing or downloading the forms does not replace a consultation with the doctor or the formal process of obtaining consent before surgery.

Select the procedure you are interested in to view or download the corresponding document.