What to Know Before an Aesthetic Treatment and Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Cosmetician at Consultations

What to Know Before an Aesthetic Treatment and Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Cosmetician at Consultations

Aesthetic medicine and surgery are becoming increasingly popular ways to enhance physical appearance, self-confidence, and quality of life. From non-invasive treatments like fillers and Botox, to more invasive procedures such as liposuction and rhinoplasty, the range of available procedures is indeed vast.

When the time comes that you’ve decided to treat your face or body to one of the many aesthetic and anti-aging treatments on offer, besides the obvious question of which treatment to choose, it is equally important to decide which aesthetic clinic to opt for.

Finding answers to these questions requires time, energy, and expert advice. It often happens that after much inquiry and deliberation, patients still do not know or are not sure what is the right and best solution for their issues, or where the best place to go is. And this is not too surprising because at first glance, nearly every aesthetic clinic offers similar or the same services and there seems to be little difference. But, this is only an illusion.

For this reason, we have highlighted a few of the most important factors that you must consider when choosing an aesthetic treatment and the clinic where you will undergo it.

Consultations with a Professional

Before deciding on any aesthetic treatment or surgery, the first and most important step is a consultation with a qualified cosmetician, doctor, or aesthetic surgeon. This initial visit serves not only for the professional to assess your condition and recommend a treatment but also to answer any questions you may have, and to ensure that you are in safe hands.

In the following text, we will consider the key questions you should ask during the first consultation, as well as the information you should gather before undergoing any aesthetic procedure. These guidelines will help you make informed decisions and ensure the process is as simple and safe as possible.

1. Qualifications and Experience

Nobody wants to endure horror stories where unqualified staff perform procedures on your face and body. Ensure that the staff at the clinic you choose have the appropriate degrees and certifications, as well as expertise in the field of aesthetic medicine.

A degree alone is not sufficient. You probably wouldn’t want someone with a degree but without a single day of experience to perform a procedure on your face. And that is completely understandable. Therefore, always choose clinics whose staff have extensive experience and knowledge in aesthetic medicine and whose work supports this.

Plus tip! Pay attention that the products used in the clinic are registered and approved by the relevant authorities and institutions.

2. Portfolio of Previous Work and References

The results of previous patients can give you a clear insight into what you can expect. Ask your doctor or cosmetician to show you before and after photos of patients (of course, respecting privacy and anonymity). This will allow you to realistically assess whether the aesthetic style and achieved results match your desires.

3. Honesty – Realistic Expectations and Potential Results

If someone promises you the world during a consultation with a treatment that supposedly solves every problem you have, they are most likely exaggerating. And the motive for such stories is not your health but money. It is the duty of the doctor or cosmetician to clearly present and explain what a particular procedure can achieve and what it cannot. Another obligation of the professional is to advise you on what is actually needed for your face or body, even if it contradicts your initial plans and desires.

Many patients come to consultations with certain idealized images of the final outcome. It is important for the doctor to be honest and open about what can realistically be achieved. A good professional will explain the possibilities and limitations of each procedure, as well as the risks, recovery period, and final appearance.

In some cases, the desired treatment may not be the best option and they should encourage you to think, postpone, or even abandon the treatment or procedure if it is not in your best interest. They should also present whether there are alternative procedures or treatments that might be a better choice for you.

4. Atmosphere

The way someone treats you is extremely important. Someone may be a top expert in their field, but if the atmosphere and their behavior towards you are not suitable and if that person does not inspire the necessary trust, look for an alternative.

5. Risks and Complications

Every medical procedure, including aesthetic ones, carries certain risks. It is crucial that you understand the possible complications, adverse effects, and know how the situation will be handled if something does not go according to plan. A well-informed patient will be more prepared to make a conscious decision and handle potential challenges. Do not forget to ask:

• What are the most common complications that can occur during or after this procedure?
• How are unwanted effects or complications handled?
• Does the clinic provide medical support and follow-up checks after the procedure?

6. Preparation for the Procedure

Whether it is a minor aesthetic treatment or a serious surgical intervention, proper preparation is key. This may include avoiding certain medications, supplements, or habits (such as smoking), maintaining a stable body weight, or preparing the skin before the treatment. Questions about preparation will help you mentally and physically prepare in the best way.

7. Recovery Period

For most aesthetic procedures, especially surgical ones, a certain recovery time is needed. You need to know whether and how long you will be away from work, whether you will be able to return to regular activities immediately or only after several days or weeks, and what kind of care and protection measures are needed.

8. Maintaining Results

Some aesthetic procedures provide permanent results, while the effects of other treatments diminish over time and require regular maintenance. Be sure to find out if the treatment needs to be repeated and at what intervals, and whether the chosen professional is available for follow-up checks and potential corrections.

9. Anesthesia and Pain

If you opt for a more invasive procedure, it is important to understand what type of anesthesia will be used and what that entails. There are differences between local, regional, and general anesthesia, each carrying certain benefits and risks. Also, ask how painful the procedure is and what measures are taken to ensure your comfort. Questions to ask:

• What type of anesthesia is used and why was that particular type chosen?
• How painful is the procedure and how is pain managed during and after the operation?
• Are pain medications provided after the procedure and how are they administered?

10. Your Health Status and History

The doctor or cosmetician needs to be aware of your general health condition, medical history, medications you are taking, and any allergies. Honesty in this area is crucial, as a lack of information can increase the risk of complications.

11. Costs and Payment Methods

Aesthetic procedures are usually not covered by health insurance, so it is important to know what the costs are, what exactly the price includes, if there are additional costs, and what payment methods are available. Some clinics offer packages that include consultations, the procedure itself, and a certain number of follow-up visits, while others charge separately for each service.

12. Communication and Support

Good communication with the clinic staff is key. Besides feeling free to ask questions, it is important to know whom you can contact in case of unexpected situations.

We recommend finding out how you can get in touch with your chosen professional in case you have urgent questions before or after the procedure, and what the procedure is if complications arise. Also, inquire whether there is 24-hour support or a patient hotline available, and what to do if you notice anything unusual after the procedure.

13. Second Opinion

If you are not completely sure or do not feel comfortable after the first consultation, seek a second opinion. A serious and responsible professional will not mind if you consider the opinions of other experts. It is about your appearance, your health, and your body, and you have the right to feel fully informed before making a decision.

Do not hesitate to ask detailed questions, seek additional explanations, and demand transparent answers. Your health, safety, and satisfaction are the top priorities, and quality communication with a professional is the foundation of a successful and safe aesthetic procedure.