Patient Care
Initial Consultation
An essential first appointment before any medical aesthetic treatment — confirming suitability, safety and your goals, taking a full medical history, and covering informed consent, aftercare and when to seek help.
Authored by Kelly Rafique, published 13 August 2026.
Clinically reviewed by Kelly Rafique, last reviewed 1 September 2026.
A consultation is an essential first step before any medical aesthetic treatment, because it allows us to make sure your chosen treatment is suitable, safe, and tailored to your goals. During your appointment we'll talk through what you'd like to achieve, answer your questions, and explain what results are realistic for your face and skin. We'll also take a medical history, including any allergies, medications, previous aesthetic treatments, and any past reactions, so we can check for contraindications and reduce the risk of complications.
Your consultation is also where we guide you through informed consent — outlining the expected benefits, likely downtime, possible side effects, and the important risks you need to be aware of, as well as aftercare and when to seek urgent help. If your treatment involves a prescription-only medicine (such as botulinum toxin), a consultation with an appropriate prescriber is required before treatment can go ahead.
Performed by
Kelly Rafique
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
Why Choose a Registered Nurse Prescriber?
Because your safety means everything to me.
- Over 17 years of NHS experience
- A degree in adult nursing
- A Master's in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Registered as a non-medical prescriber with a V300 qualification
- Level 7 qualification in History Taking and Physical Examination for Advancing Practice
What Happens During Treatment
- Welcome & goals – confirm details/age; discuss what they want to achieve (ICE: ideas, concerns, expectations).
- History – concern timeline; relevant symptoms/triggers; previous aesthetic treatments and any complications.
- Medical screening – PMH, pregnancy/breastfeeding, autoimmune/bleeding risks, cold sores (if relevant), infection risk.
- Medicines & allergies – prescribed/OTC meds, supplements (bruising risk), allergies (incl. lidocaine/latex where relevant).
- Assessment – skin type/condition (incl. Fitzpatrick); facial assessment at rest and in animation; palpation with consent.
- Options & plan – suitable treatments and alternatives; realistic outcomes, downtime, number of sessions/maintenance, costs.
- Risks & consent – side effects, material risks, rare serious risks, red flags and when to seek urgent help; questions answered.
- Aftercare & follow-up – pre/aftercare instructions; book review; provide contact and safety-net advice.
Expected Results
After your consultation, you should leave feeling clear, confident, and fully informed — never rushed. We'll take time to understand your goals, talk through what's realistically achievable, and recommend the most suitable options for you (including alternatives), or advise if treatment isn't appropriate right now. Safety is always our priority, so you'll receive a clear explanation of what to expect in terms of results and downtime, an honest discussion of the key risks and side effects, and guidance on what's normal versus what would need a prompt review. We'll also provide straightforward pre-care and aftercare advice, transparent pricing with no surprises, and plenty of time for questions. There's absolutely no pressure to book on the day — we want you to make a decision you feel comfortable with, in your own time.
Downtime & Recovery
There is no downtime associated with the consultation itself.
Side Effects, Risks & Contraindications
Risks
- There are no specific clinical risks associated with the consultation itself — no treatment is carried out during this appointment.
Aftercare
There is no specific aftercare required following the consultation itself.
Pricing
| Initial ConsultationDeposit redeemable against any treatment booked | £30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any downtime after Initial Consultation?
There is no downtime associated with the consultation itself.
What results can I expect from Initial Consultation?
After your consultation, you should leave feeling clear, confident, and fully informed — never rushed. We'll take time to understand your goals, talk through what's realistically achievable, and recommend the most suitable options for you (including alternatives), or advise if treatment isn't appropriate right now. Safety is always our priority, so you'll receive a clear explanation of what to expect in terms of results and downtime, an honest discussion of the key risks and side effects, and guidance on what's normal versus what would need a prompt review. We'll also provide straightforward pre-care and aftercare advice, transparent pricing with no surprises, and plenty of time for questions. There's absolutely no pressure to book on the day — we want you to make a decision you feel comfortable with, in your own time.
We recommend a full, face-to-face consultation before any medical aesthetics treatment to ensure suitability, discuss risks and expected outcomes, and agree a safe treatment plan. Where a treatment involves a Prescription Only Medicine (POM), a consultation is a legal requirement before any medicine can be prescribed or supplied. This includes (but is not limited to) botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments and GLP1 weight loss medications.