What to Expect at Your First Medical Aesthetics Appointment

The sentence I hear most often from people attending a medical aesthetics appointment for the first time is: "I'm not really sure what happens." This article sets out the process from beginning to end so that you can come prepared.

Preparing for the appointment

A few simple steps improve both the assessment and your comfort:

• Bring a list of all medication and supplements you take.
• Note any diagnosed conditions and previous operations.
• Find out the dates and, if possible, the product names of any earlier treatments.
• Come without make-up if you can; if not, we will take a few minutes to cleanse.
• Do not stop blood-thinning medication such as aspirin on your own — simply tell us about it.

How the consultation begins

The first part is conversation. I ask you to describe in your own words what bothers you, because behind "I look tired" there may be under-eye hollowing, a descending brow, or simply disrupted sleep. Then the medical history is taken: chronic conditions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, smoking and previous treatments.

The examination

The face is assessed both in movement and at rest. Facial expressions are observed, and skin quality, tissue thickness and symmetry are examined. Where useful, photographs are taken under standard angle and lighting; these are kept for comparison at follow-up visits and are never shared anywhere without your permission.

Talking about expectations

This is the most important part of the visit. We discuss openly whether what you want matches what is medically achievable. Sometimes it is necessary to say that the desired result cannot be reached with the requested method. Sometimes no procedure is advised at all — a skincare routine and sun protection may be enough. Saying no is part of this work too.

Plan and consent

Suitable options are explained together with their advantages and possible side effects. We cover the product to be used, the likely number of sessions, the recovery period and the review schedule. You then read and sign an informed consent form. That form is not a formality; please take the time to read it and ask about anything that is unclear.

Is the procedure done the same day?

If suitability is clear and you feel ready, yes. But there is no need to rush. Asking for time to think is entirely normal and never a problem. A setting in which you feel pressured to decide is not the right setting to begin with.

After the appointment

If a procedure has been carried out, you receive written aftercare instructions and a review appointment. For botulinum toxin the review is usually at two weeks, for fillers and collagen stimulators at two to four weeks, and for course-based treatments at the end of the course. If you notice anything unexpected, call the clinic rather than waiting for the review.

Choosing the right time for the appointment

Timing is something most people do not think about, yet it makes the process noticeably easier. If you have an important event — a wedding, a presentation, travel — planning treatment at least two to three weeks beforehand gives a more comfortable experience, because swelling and any bruising need time to settle and the result needs time to establish itself.

During menstruation the pain threshold is lower, so a procedure can feel more uncomfortable; this is not a medical obstacle but it can affect comfort. Do not stop blood-thinning medication or supplements on your own — simply tell us about them. Avoiding alcohol beforehand also reduces the likelihood of bruising.

In summer, sun exposure directly affects the planning of light-based treatments such as laser; in that case the schedule is agreed together.

Questions worth bringing

Which product will be used? How long does it last? What are the side effects? When can I go back to work? What can be done if I am not happy with the result? All of these are appropriate and expected. A good consultation is spent more on exchanging information than on the procedure itself.