Consultation Guidance
What to Expect at an Aesthetic Consultation
An aesthetic consultation is a private conversation with a doctor about a concern you would like to discuss. It is an opportunity for assessment, questions and information — not a commitment to any treatment. What happens will depend on the concern and on your individual circumstances.
Published 24 July 2026· 2 min read
Why consultation matters
A consultation gives a doctor the opportunity to understand your concerns, relevant background and priorities before any option is discussed. Aesthetic concerns can have different underlying causes, and something that appears similar from person to person may be assessed and considered quite differently on an individual basis.
Discussing your concerns
You may be asked what you have noticed, when it began, how it changes over time and what you would like to understand better. There is no requirement to describe things in a particular way — plain language is welcome, and it is often helpful to describe the concern in your own words.
Medical and treatment history
Relevant background may include:
- current and past medical conditions
- current medicines and supplements
- known allergies or previous reactions
- previous aesthetic or surgical procedures
Sharing complete information helps the doctor provide an accurate and safe assessment.
Assessment of suitability
Suitability is considered individually. The doctor may discuss factors specific to you rather than applying a generic pattern. In some cases, examination of the area may be appropriate; in others, discussion alone may be sufficient at that stage.
Understanding possible options
Where an option is discussed, its potential benefits, limitations and risks are also explained. General information alone cannot determine whether a specific option is appropriate for you.
Questions you may wish to ask
- What appears to be contributing to the concern I have described?
- What options, if any, would you consider appropriate — and what are their limits?
- What risks and side effects should I be aware of?
- What would be involved if I decided not to proceed?
- What follow-up may be appropriate?
Deciding whether to proceed
You are under no obligation to make a decision during the appointment. A cooling-off period is encouraged so that any decision is made with full information and without pressure.
What happens if treatment is unsuitable?
The doctor may conclude that no treatment is appropriate for your circumstances, or that another course of action — such as further investigation, skincare, or referral — should be considered instead. This is a valid outcome of a thorough consultation.