Your first aesthetic consultation: seven questions worth asking

An aesthetic consultation is not simply the step before a procedure. It is the point at which you decide whether the proposed treatment, practitioner and timing feel right for you, or whether doing nothing is the better choice.

The most useful consultations leave you with a clear picture of likely benefits, limitations and practical realities. Take these seven questions with you.

1. What exactly are we trying to change?

Start with your concern in your own words. Is it skin texture, a dark mark, lip definition, facial movement or something else? Ask whether the treatment you had in mind addresses the same thing.

A careful assessment may suggest another route, a staged plan, medical advice or no treatment.

2. Why is this option suitable for me?

Ask what makes the proposed option appropriate for your skin, facial proportions, health history and desired level of change. Share allergies, medicines and supplements, pregnancy or breastfeeding, previous procedures, reactions, active skin problems and any tendency to scar or develop pigment changes.

3. Who will carry out the procedure?

Ask about treatment-specific training, experience, insurance and any relevant professional registration. A broad qualification does not automatically show competence in every procedure.

Where a prescription-only option may be relevant, ask who the prescriber is, how the prescribing consultation works and who will administer the treatment.

4. Which product or device will be used?

For an injectable, ask for the product name, manufacturer and source. For a laser or energy device, ask for the model or treatment type and why the proposed approach suits you.

This is also a good time to ask whether alternatives offer less downtime, a different risk profile or a more gradual result.

5. What can this realistically achieve?

Look for a measured answer. Words such as “remove”, “permanent”, “instant” and “guaranteed” deserve further questions. Results depend on anatomy, skin characteristics, the nature of the concern and individual healing.

Before-and-after images are individual cases, not forecasts. Lighting, angle and timing matter.

6. What does recovery involve?

Ask what is common immediately afterwards, how the area may change, what activities or products to avoid and when you can return to your routine. Most importantly, ask which symptoms are not expected and who you should contact if you are concerned.

7. Do I need to decide today?

You should have enough information and time to make a considered choice. A limited appointment diary is not a reason to rush a cosmetic decision.

Bring your questions. Keep your choice. To request current consultation information from La Derma in Gateshead, send a private Instagram message.

This article is general educational information, not medical advice. It does not replace an individual consultation or diagnosis. For urgent medical advice in England use NHS 111; call 999 in an emergency.