Navigating Your Aesthetic Consultation: 15 Questions to Ask
At the first point of contact with an aesthetic clinic, you will be offered a consultation with a practitioner. As a patient, one of your main aims is to understand as much as you can about the proposed treatment. Being well-informed about the procedure can greatly impact your results and the whole experience. You may be one of those patients who wish to discuss a certain desired treatment at your consultation. In this case, the discussion will be around that treatment, the potential results, your suitability, reasons for and against, and alternatives that might be a better fit, and so on. If not, consultations will usually start with your concern before being followed by some questions back and forth. At some point, a treatment fitting your concerns will be put forward as a potential good candidate. The thing is, you might know nothing about it. Over to you.
Here are 15 essential subjects for questions to guide your discussion and allow you to get the absolute most out of your visit, and subsequent treatments.
Treatment Details
Which Technology and Equipment Are Being Used?
Gain a clear understanding of how the treatment is performed, including the devices, technology, and materials used. Knowing the duration of the treatment and whether multiple sessions are required will allow you to plan accordingly.
What Are The Anticipated Results?
Ask what results you can realistically expect and the timeframe for them. If available, request before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar conditions. This will help to set realistic expectations for your treatment’s effectiveness.
What Are My Treatment Alternatives?
Discuss all available treatment options for your concern. A reputable clinic will recommend the most effective treatment for you, not just the services they promote. This conversation should include the pros and cons of each option, including side-effects and prices.
Are There Long-Term Efficacy and Studies?
Are there any long-term studies or evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of this treatment, particularly for cases similar to mine? All treatments are backed by evidence of efficacy and safety, and practitioners will know what this is.
Does My Plan Allow For the Customisation of My Treatment?
Confirm how the treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs. It’s important that the proposed plan addresses all your concerns, with flexibility for adjustments if necessary.
Does The Proposed Treatment Have Downtime Attached?
Is there a period of time when my face may be red after my aesthetic treatment? For example. If you are expecting to work or socialise this may have to be a consideration.
Practitioner and Clinic
What Is the Practitioner’s Credentials and Experience?
Inquire about your aesthetic practitioner’s qualifications, certifications, and experience, particularly in relation to the treatment you’re considering. Ask how many treatments they personally have performed and how long they have been offering that particular treatment at the clinic. Understanding their expertise, especially in treatments for your specific concern, provides reassurance and helps gauge the reliability of the result they promise. Ideally, you will already know this information, but there might be more to know than what you have gleaned pre-appointment.
What Are The Clinic’s Accreditation and Safety Standards?
If not found out from pre-consultation research, ask what accreditations the clinic holds. Ask what safety standards are in place to ensure patient care and treatment quality. Are they CQC regulated, for example.
Costs and Logistics
What Are All Costs and Payment Options?
Request a detailed breakdown of costs, including any potential additional expenses. Knowing the available payment plans or financing options before you visit may help you make a decision when it’s time.
What Is The Clinic’s Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
A handy-to-know is what their policy is on appointment cancellations or rescheduling and are there any fees associated with these changes. Most clinics will have a 24 or 48 policy in place.
Risks and Precautions
Are There Potential Side Effects and Risks?
Discuss the possible side effects and risks associated with the treatment. Understanding the likelihood and management of these risks is essential for your peace of mind.
What Is The Pre-treatment Preparation Guidance?
Learn about any necessary preparations This includes any restrictions or activities you should avoid, medications you should not take, and other aesthetic treatments you should not undertake prior.
Aftercare and Support
What Is The Treatment’s Aftercare Advice?
What is recommended, and when? What can you do to give optimal results and recovery? Give yourself a chance of being fore-armed post-treatment with any creams that will help. Depending on the treatment, this will more often have an SPF 30-50 cream on a list of vital aftercare advice.
What Is The Post-Treatment Support and Accessibility?
How accessible is the practitioner or support team after treatment for any questions or concerns that may arise?
Does This Treatment Require Follow-up and Maintenance?
Discuss the potential need for follow-up appointments and any long-term maintenance treatments to sustain the results. Clarifying these aspects ensures you’re prepared for the ongoing commitment and costs involved.
Your consultation is the perfect opportunity to gather all the information you need to feel confident and informed about your aesthetic treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Remember that the goal is to know all you can and not leave with doubts. For an aesthetic consulation in London please get in touch with us at Derma Revive
Skin Clinic.