First Aesthetic Appointment: Questions to Ask Before Booking
Booking your first aesthetic appointment can feel daunting, especially with so many clinics and treatment options across the UK. A little preparation goes a long way. Knowing which questions to ask about qualifications, safety measures, expected results, aftercare, and total costs helps you make an informed, confident decision that suits your goals and circumstances.
Your first consultation for an aesthetic treatment is an opportunity to gather clear, practical information. Instead of focusing on glossy results, use it to understand who will treat you, how safe the procedure is, what outcome to expect, the likely downtime, and how much the full course may cost in your area. The right questions help you avoid misunderstandings and set realistic expectations about maintenance, risks, and follow-up support.
Beauty clinic guide: how to choose a specialist?
A reputable clinic should be transparent about who performs your treatment. Ask for the practitioner’s full name and professional registration: doctors should be on the General Medical Council (GMC) register, nurses on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and dentists on the General Dental Council (GDC). For non-surgical cosmetic procedures, check whether the practitioner or clinic is listed on accredited registers such as Save Face or the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP). These checks help confirm training standards and accountability.
Confirm the clinic’s governance and safety systems. In England, some services may fall under the Care Quality Commission (CQC); in Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) oversees certain providers, with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) doing so in Wales and Northern Ireland respectively. Ask about infection control, sterilisation, sharps disposal, incident reporting, and insurance. For injectables, ensure a prescriber is involved when required; for lasers and peels, enquire about patch testing and contraindications.
Exploring aesthetic clinics: what matters before booking?
Use your consultation to build a factual picture of what the journey entails. Request a personalised assessment, not a one-size-fits-all plan. Ask about product brands, device models, CE/UKCA marking, and evidence for their use. Review before-and-after images that match your skin type and concerns, and discuss likely variability. Understand the treatment plan, including number of sessions, spacing, expected downtime, and when you can judge results. Clarify what aftercare looks like, how to reach the clinic if you’re worried, and whether a review appointment is included.
Discuss risk management. For fillers, confirm availability of hyaluronidase and the clinic’s pathway for complications. For energy-based devices (e.g., laser or radiofrequency), ask about eye protection, skin typing, and burn prevention. Make sure you receive written consent information, a cooling-off period, and a copy of your treatment plan with itemised costs. Clinics offering local services should explain their cancellation policy, deposits, and whether consultation fees are redeemable against treatment.
Beyond the price: essential questions to ask first
Price is only one part of value. Ask what is included in the quote: consultation, test patch, numbing, aftercare products, and review visits. Enquire about the experience level of the practitioner administering your treatment and whether you can see them consistently for follow-ups. If a course is recommended, request a breakdown by session and an estimate of maintenance frequency so you can budget realistically over time.
A quick pricing snapshot can help set expectations. The figures below reflect typical UK ranges for popular services offered by real providers; exact fees vary by location, practitioner seniority, and product volumes.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-wrinkle injections (1–3 areas) | sk:n Clinics | £150–£400+ |
| Dermal filler (per 1 ml, area-dependent) | Harley Medical Group | £250–£450+ |
| Chemical peel (superficial to medium) | Courthouse Clinics | £80–£300+ |
| Laser hair removal (small area, per session) | Laser Clinics United Kingdom | £40–£120+ |
| Skin consultation (may be redeemable) | Thérapie Clinic | Free–£50+ |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Beyond headline fees, ask about package discounts, seasonal promotions, and what happens if you need extra product or sessions to reach your goal. Clarify whether top-ups are included, if follow-up reviews incur charges, and how cancellations or rescheduling affect deposits. For treatments like laser hair removal or skin resurfacing, ask about total course cost versus pay-as-you-go, and whether maintenance sessions are likely in 6–12 months.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
A thoughtful, question-led consultation helps you compare clinics on more than price alone. By checking credentials, safety standards, evidence-based devices and products, realistic treatment plans, and full cost transparency, you can make a decision that fits your needs, budget, and comfort level. Focus on consistent care, clear communication, and structured follow-up to support safe outcomes and satisfactory results over time.
