You may have wondered why when looking at and then deciding to proceed with a particular Aesthetic Beauty Treatment that you will be asked to complete a consultation process with your practitioner before having the treatment.

This essentially is to ensure that the procedure is the best option and will result in optimum results (achieving your desired outcome) but also to ensure that your health and safety are paramount prior too and during the procedure.

The consultation process may take an hour or more as the procedure involves taking relevant details for contact etc but also your medical history.  

What should you expect from the process?

Practitioners understand that potential clients may feel uncomfortable and possibly nervous about having a treatment (particularly if this is their first treatment) so it is paramount that they make you feel comfortable and relaxed and confident in their ability to explain the procedure in a manner that is clear and concise also that they are able to answer and respond to questions and concerns that you may have.

The Consultation process can also feel intimidating as the practitioner has to ask questions that a potential client may feel that their privacy is being invaded the practitioner of course should explain why the questions are necessary and put the client at ease with regard to the process.  The client should also be made aware that the consultation is subject to client confidentiality and will not be discussed with anyone else.

What the practitioner may ask during the consultation process.

• Your contact details – this will mean your address, phone number (contact or landline), email address, your full name, age, and gender.
• Your medical history.
• The above will include asking you about allergies, medication that you currently taking (this will also include aspirin, paracetamol, or ibuprofen)
• Any recent surgical procedures or scheduled operations in the future.
• Whether you are pregnant or recently gave birth.
• Whether you are lactating
• Are you currently under the supervision of a medical practitioner and if so, what treatment are you receiving? 

These are all standard questions and are not meant to be intimidating or invasive!  

Why are these questions necessary?

Your health and safety are paramount so this information will provide information as to whether the client has selected an option which may not suitable due to an existing medical condition or medication they may be taking.

Also, the Practitioner is during this process able to complete a risk assessment and provide the client with any side effects that may be experienced.  Most treatments will not produce any significant side effects, but the client may experience some minor indications of redness, swelling or bruising.   Generally, the procedures take place without any cause for concern.

This information will also ensure that if the client for any reason does experience any difficulty then the practitioner will know how to proceed to assist in the clients’ quick recovery.

You will also be asked if you have had any other Aesthetic treatments (at another salon) and what it or they were and whether you experienced any side effects to the treatment and what they were.   If you have any known allergies to specific substances this should be made known to the practitioner as some treatments may contain that particular substance, but an alternative may be available.

Below is a standard form (generic) that provides the information required.

Client Notes                                                                                                                   Date:

On completion of this you would be required to sign a consent form so that the treatment can proceed.

What else should you expect?  

The Practitioner will ask the client exactly what the desired outcome is in regard to the treatment selected.  They might then show examples from their portfolio (photographs) much like a hair salon when choosing a particular style.   The practitioner can then discuss this with the client in order to devise a treatment plan.   The practitioner may ask permission to take a photograph at this stage and also on completion of the treatment to show the before and after results of the procedure.

The practitioner may also explain by means of illustration what happens during the procedure to help the client what to expect.  Below is a guide (illustrated) to indicate the forms / diagrams used during the consultation process.

Treatment Plan  

The above is an example of an illustration of the face that can be marked appropriately showing the treatment area and can be accompanied with any relevant notes regarding the treatment.

This is an example of the record sheet indicating the products used during the treatment which includes expiry dates and lot numbers showing the care and professionalism of the salon and practitioner keeping accurate and precise information regarding the clients’ treatment.

In conclusion when deciding on having a particular treatment make sure that you select a salon that has qualified practitioners and is accredited to practice (there will be certificates available to ensure that you can proceed with confidence).

Do understand that the consultation process is a necessity as it provides a platform for both the client and practitioner to explain and discuss the procedure and treatment to ensure the optimum results.  Often a client will attend a salon as it has been recommended by a friend and this is often the best choice as they know they can rely on a professional service.

Ensure that you provide all the correct information in relation to your medical history as forgetting even a minor detail may cause problems in relation to your selected treatment or procedure.   Also be aware that if you suffer from certain conditions (for example an infection) that you will have to notify the salon and re-schedule your treatment)

In the first instance please also remember to advise the practitioner if you have specific allergies prior to treatment – for example latex.  The practitioner may need to complete a physical examination of the area to be treated and will by necessity be wearing gloves and these invariably are latex (unless otherwise indicated) the Practitioner will ask before assessment but if you advise in advance this will eliminate any possible reactions.

Finally, we hope this BLOG has been helpful in explaining the consultation process and what to expect.  We trust that you will be able what treatment or procedure is best suited to your needs and your experience will be positive and you achieve the desired outcome.