If you have never had a cosmetic consultation before, it is normal to feel unsure about what to expect. Some people worry they will be pushed into something on the day. A good consultation should feel like the opposite: a calm, private conversation where you get clear information and leave with time to think.

Here is what a consultation at a responsible clinic usually involves, and the questions worth asking while you are there.

1. A conversation about your goals

Your practitioner should start by listening. What have you noticed? When did it start bothering you? Is there an event coming up, or has it been on your mind for a while? It also helps to talk about what you do not want. Many people say they want to look fresher, not different, and that is a useful thing for your practitioner to hear.

2. Your health history

Expect questions about your medical history, medications, supplements, allergies, and any previous cosmetic procedures. This is not a formality. Some conditions and medications affect whether a procedure is suitable or safe for you, so answer as fully as you can.

3. An assessment of your face

Your practitioner will look at your face as a whole: at rest, when you talk and when you smile. The area that bothers you is not always where a change began, so a careful assessment often looks beyond one spot.

4. An honest discussion of options

If anything may be suitable, it should be explained in plain language, including what it involves, the risks and possible side effects, realistic outcomes, recovery, cost and alternatives. Doing nothing is always one of the alternatives, and a good practitioner will tell you if they do not think you need anything.

Questions worth asking

• What are your qualifications, and what is your Ahpra registration?
• What are the most common side effects, and what are the rare but serious ones?
• What would happen if I had a complication, and who would I contact?
• What results are realistic for my face, and how long might they last?
• What are the alternatives, including doing nothing?
• What is the total cost, including any follow-up?

You do not have to decide on the day

A consultation is not a commitment. You are entitled to take the information home, think it over, talk to people you trust and get a second opinion. If you ever feel rushed or pressured, that is a reason to pause.

What to bring

• A list of your medications and supplements
• Details of any previous cosmetic procedures
• Your questions, written down so you do not forget them

Want to know more about how consultations work at Cosmetica Blanc? Read about our consultations or book a time to talk it through.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Whether any procedure is suitable for you can only be decided after an individual consultation and assessment with a registered health practitioner. All procedures carry risk.