How to Prepare for Your First Aesthetic Consultation

Your first aesthetic consultation is the most important appointment in the whole process — it determines what treatment you have, how it's done, and whether it will deliver what you want. Here's how to prepare properly.

Before the Consultation

### 1. Take photos of yourself in good light

Look at your face in natural daylight (window light, not bathroom mirror lighting). Take photos of: - Your face at rest, straight on - Your face while smiling - Your face showing any expression that bothers you

Having these to show Dr Niru is far more useful than trying to describe the concern in words.

### 2. Make a list of what bothers you (not what you want)

Write down what you see that you don't love — "I look tired even when I'm not", "my frown lines make me look cross", "my cheeks look flat" — rather than naming treatments you think you want.

This matters because the treatment that solves your concern might not be the one you'd guessed.

### 3. Write down your medical history

Dr Niru will ask about: - Any medications you take (including the pill and HRT) - Allergies and sensitivities - Previous aesthetic treatments (what, when, who) - Cold sore history (relevant for lip treatments) - Autoimmune conditions - Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive

Having this ready saves time.

### 4. Think about your timeline

When do you want to look your best? If you have a wedding, photoshoot, or event coming up, treatments need to be done 2-4 weeks prior, not 2-4 days. Mention any upcoming events so Dr Niru can plan accordingly.

### 5. Research, but don't fixate

It's good to know what treatments exist (browse our treatment pages). But don't walk in saying "I want 2ml of filler in my cheeks." Leave the clinical decisions to Dr Niru — she'll often recommend less than you'd expect, or a different approach entirely.

What to Bring

• The photos you took
• Your notes/concerns list
• A list of your medications
• A makeup wipe (you may want to remove makeup for the assessment)
• Questions you want answered

What NOT to Do Before Your Consultation

• Don't wear heavy makeup — it's harder to assess your skin
• Don't use new skincare in the 24 hours before (in case of irritation)
• Don't have other treatments scheduled — you may want same-day treatment, which may not be possible if you've just had a facial elsewhere

What to Expect During the Consultation

1. Listening phase — Dr Niru will ask what brings you in and what you'd like to achieve 2. Medical history — thorough health screening 3. Facial assessment — she'll examine your face in detail, often with good lighting 4. Treatment options — she'll explain what's suitable and realistic 5. Pricing — transparent breakdown, no hidden costs 6. Decision time — no pressure. You can book treatment for another day (or never).

Questions to Ask

Good questions show you're engaged and will lead to a better outcome:

• What do you think is my biggest concern?
• Would you recommend doing nothing?
• What's the minimum treatment that would make a difference?
• What could go wrong, and what do you do about it?
• Can I see before/after examples?
• What do you use? What brand?
• What's the follow-up plan?

After the Consultation

You may decide to book treatment for the same day, a future date, or not at all. All are valid. A good consultation gives you the information to make an informed decision — not pressure to commit.

Book your free consultation with Dr Niru — the first step is always just a conversation.