Your First Consultation: What Actually Happens

People are often unsure what a first aesthetic consultation involves — whether it is a sales conversation, whether they will be treated on the day, whether their questions will sound naive. Here is exactly what happens.

It is a conversation first

Your first appointment is an assessment, not a treatment. Nothing is done to your skin on the day unless it has been discussed, explained and agreed — and frequently nothing is done at all, because preparation is needed or because we want you to think it over.

What we will ask you

Expect questions about your primary concern and when it began, what has changed over time, and what you have already tried. We will ask about your medical history, current medications and supplements, allergies and sensitivities, previous aesthetic treatments, your typical sun exposure, and your current skincare routine.

Some of these questions may seem tangential — medications in particular. They are not. A number of common medications affect whether certain treatments are safe or appropriate, and some require treatment to be deferred entirely.

What we will look at

We examine the area of concern directly, in good light. Where relevant and with your consent, we may photograph it, so that progress across a course can be compared objectively later rather than relying on recollection — which is notoriously unreliable when it comes to gradual change in one’s own face.

What you will leave with

A clear explanation of what we would suggest and why, roughly how many sessions may be appropriate, what each session involves, what preparation is needed, what recovery looks like, and what the treatment can and cannot address.

You may also leave being told that a treatment you asked about is not right for you, or that the timing is not right. That happens, and it is a legitimate outcome of an honest consultation.

How to prepare

Bring your skincare products if you can — it is easier than describing them. Note down medications and supplements. Think about when your concern started and what changed. Arrive without makeup on the area if possible, or allow a few extra minutes.

And bring your questions. There is no such thing as one too basic. Understanding your own skin is genuinely useful, and the consultation is the right place for it.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Book a consultation to discuss your own skin.