Your Guide to Choosing a Qualified Aesthetic Practitioner

2. Initial Face-to-Face Consultations

For all injectable treatments, including Botox, it is essential to have an initial face-to-face consultation. This is especially important because Botox is a prescription-only medicine, which can only be prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or nurse who holds the necessary prescribing qualification.

During this meeting your practitioner should discuss your goals, assess your overall health and consider the nuances of your facial anatomy to ensure the treatment is tailored specifically to you. They will carry out a physical assessment and evaluate whether the treatment is suitable for you.

3. Informed Consent Throughout

Informed consent is imperative, but it includes so much more than just signing a form. 

A qualified practitioner will want you to fully understand your treatment by:

• Discussing the anatomy and ageing processes related to your concern.
• Offering other treatment options for consideration.
• Outlining what the procedure involves, including short-term effects.
• Explaining potential side effects and how they will be managed.
• Informing you of how long results last, when repeat treatments may be needed, and their costs.
• Giving you written aftercare instructions and an emergency contact number. At AB Med, all our patients are given a number to contact Clare McLoughlin directly. 

For more detailed information on what to expect during your consultation, This process ensures you make an informed decision—something that can’t be covered in a brief chat before treatment.

4. The Clinic Should Have a Prescriber Onsite

Safety is always the top priority and having a prescriber onsite is a key green flag for any clinic offering aesthetic treatments. In rare cases, complications such as a dermal filler occlusion may occur, requiring a prescription-only treatment like Hylase to dissolve the filler. Having an experienced prescriber in the clinic ensures that emergencies can be handled immediately.

5. Professional Clinic Environment

The atmosphere of the clinic should make you feel confident in the level of care you’ll receive. When you visit, check that the clinic feels clean, organised and professional. You can take a look around the AB Med Clinic based in Marlow here. During treatments, products such as dermal fillers and Botox should always be opened in front of you to ensure they are sterile and single-use. 

6. Cooling-Off Period

A reputable practitioner will offer a cooling-off period after your consultation. This gives you some time to consider the treatment without any pressure. You should also be provided with written information about the procedures, products and suggested aftercare. This is a hallmark of a clinic that prioritises patient education and safety.

7. Transparent Reviews and Feedback

Before choosing a clinic, take the time to read reviews from other patients. Reputable clinics will have a wealth of positive reviews that speak to their professionalism, the quality of their treatments and their customer care. At AB Med, we encourage potential patients to check out our reviews and read about the first-hand experiences of others before making a decision. Trustworthy feedback is a great indicator of the level of care you can expect. 

8. Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

A good practitioner doesn’t stop at the treatment. They will offer a review after your procedure to ensure everything is healing well and to make any necessary adjustments. This follow-up care is essential for maintaining long-term results and looking after your health.

3. Lack of Information

If the practitioner doesn’t provide enough information about the treatment or doesn’t answer your questions thoroughly, it may indicate that they are not prioritising patient safety and education.

4. Pressuring for Immediate Treatment

If you feel rushed into making a decision or pressured to undergo a treatment immediately after the consultation without a cooling-off period, this is a sign that the practitioner may not have your best interests in mind.

Questions to Ask Your Practitioner

When booking your initial consultation, ask these important questions to ensure you’re making an informed decision:

1. Are you accredited by Save Face or another reputable body?
   2. Will I have a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber before my treatment?
   3. What qualifications and training do you have in administering aesthetic treatments?
   4. Will you provide me with a cooling-off period and written information on the treatment?
   5. Do you offer follow-up appointments to assess the results?

By taking the time to find a practitioner who is accredited, experienced and transparent, you’ll be protecting your health whilst also having peace of mind in knowing that you’re in safe hands.