THE CONSULTATION CHECKLIST: What You Need To Do, Know, And Ask Before Your Aesthetics Appointment

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DO A DIGITAL DEEP DIVE: Look beyond the curated grid. Do their featured results showcase the look you’re after? Scrutinise whether their definition of ‘enhancement’ aligns with yours. Read reviews to understand other patients’ experiences. The same applies for the doctor or aesthetician you’re booked in with.

KNOW YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES: Walk in with three clear phrases that define your goal, be that ‘more luminous’, ‘stronger jawline’, or ‘enhanced lips’. This prevents you from being swayed by technical jargon or treatments you don’t need.

TAKE VISUAL REFERENCES: Collect a few photos of yourself from 5-10 years ago. This helps the practitioner understand your unique ageing pattern and natural architecture far more effectively than a photo of a celebrity.

GO BARE-FACED: Attend your consultation with a completely clean, makeup-free face. This allows for a more accurate assessment of your skin’s texture, tone, and underlying structure.

MAKE A LIST: Create a comprehensive list of all medications, supplements, and even your regular skincare actives (like retinol or AHAs) to discuss potential impacts on bleeding, bruising, or treatment efficacy.

KNOW YOUR LIMIT: Set your beauty budget beforehand. Walk in with a clear understanding of what you’re comfortable spending to ensure the proposed plan aligns with your financial reality. This will also help you not to feel pressured into paying out for extra services or treatments.

ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS: Your goal is to leave the consultation more educated than when you arrived. Ask about your practitioner’s experience, credentials, ethos, and techniques, and – of course – for before-and-after photos. If you’re interested in a new treatment, ask everything: how it will feel, how many sessions you’ll need, the aftercare process, and the realistic downtime.

TAKE A MINUTE: Give yourself time to reflect on the proposed plan. A reputable practitioner will respect, not rush, your decision-making process.

TRUST YOUR GUT: The right practitioner will make you feel heard, respected, and like a collaborative partner. If you feel dismissed or pressured, that’s your most valuable data point. Your comfort and trust in the expert are as crucial as their technical skill. If something feels off about a place, person, or protocol, it probably is.