5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOUR FIRST AESTHETIC TREATMENT (AND THE ANSWERS THAT MATTER)

Walking into a clinic for the first time can feel overwhelming. There's the excitement of finally doing something for yourself — mixed with the worry of choosing the wrong treatment or practitioner.

The difference between loving your results and regretting them often comes down to the questions you ask before anything touches your face or body. These five questions will help you set clear expectations, spot red flags, and make informed decisions.

1. WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS, AND HOW MANY OF THESE TREATMENTS HAVE YOU DONE?

Why it matters

In the UK, anyone can legally inject dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle treatments. Asking about qualifications is essential for safety.

What good looks like

Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, or pharmacists) with specific aesthetic training, registration with a professional body, and transparent proof of experience. They should be comfortable sharing how many procedures they've performed and showing their own before/after results.

Red flag

Vague answers like "I've been doing this for years" without specifics, defensiveness when you ask, or reluctance to share evidence of training and outcomes.

2. IS THIS THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR WHAT I ACTUALLY WANT TO ACHIEVE?

Why it matters

You might arrive asking for lip fillers, but hydration issues could be better addressed with skin boosters. Fine lines might need anti-wrinkle injections, Profhilo, or polynucleotides.

What good looks like

A thorough consultation where the practitioner listens to your goals, assesses your face or body, and explains why a specific plan makes sense — even if that means starting with something less invasive.

Unsure where to start? Browse our treatment guides for everything from chemical peels to Morpheus8.

Red flag

Agreeing to everything you request without assessment, or steering you toward the most expensive option without justification.

3. WHAT RESULTS CAN I REALISTICALLY EXPECT — AND WHAT WON'T THIS TREATMENT DO?

Why it matters

Treatments have limits. Microneedling can improve texture and scars but won't lift like HIFU or thread lifts. Fat dissolving injections can reduce small pockets but aren't a weight-loss tool.

What good looks like

Specific, honest expectations: percentage improvements, likely session counts, and before/after photos of similar patients. Clarity on what the treatment cannot fix.

Red flag

Guarantees of perfect results, promises that sound too good to be true, or only showing dramatic transformations without context.

4. WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS — AND HOW DO YOU HANDLE COMPLICATIONS?

Why it matters

Every procedure has risks. Even non-surgical options like HydraFacial or LED light therapy can trigger reactions. More invasive treatments like laser resurfacing or dermal fillers carry higher stakes.

What good looks like

A practitioner who proactively discusses common and rare risks, has emergency protocols, access to reversal agents (like hyaluronidase for fillers), and provides direct contact details for aftercare. They will also take a thorough medical history.

Red flag

Dismissing risks as "basically zero," rushing consent, or skipping aftercare instructions and follow-up.

5. HOW LONG WILL RESULTS LAST, AND WHAT'S THE ONGOING COST AND MAINTENANCE?

Why it matters

Some treatments are one-and-done; others need upkeep. Anti-wrinkle injections typically last 3–4 months. Dermal fillers often last 6–18 months depending on the area. Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions for long-term reduction.

What good looks like

Clear timelines, honest cost breakdowns, and a plan for maintenance — including when top-ups are likely. Gradual treatments like collagen stimulators or exosomes should include an explanation of how results build over time.

Red flag

Vague answers about longevity or pushing expensive packages without explaining why you need them.

THE BOTTOM LINE

A great practitioner will welcome these questions, give you space to decide, and be honest about what's possible. If something feels off, trust your instinct — the right practitioner can save you from the wrong treatment.

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