**10 Questions to Ask Before undertaking a Cosmetic Procedure**

Asking the following questions before having a cosmetic procedure can help you find a qualified practitioner and avoid complications and disappointment.

Who will perform the procedure? The success of any cosmetic procedure is highly dependent on the knowledge, skill and training of the person performing it. For this reason Q aesthetics urges everyone considering a cosmetic procedure to select a doctor or nurse who is certified in the use of Botulinum toxin A or Dermal Fillers and carries appropriate medial insurance or cosmetic insurance from a recognized insurance company relating to this type of work.
How many times has the doctor or nurse performed the procedure?
Don’t be afraid to ask this question. The procedure should be one that the doctor or nurse performs regularly. When a doctor or nurse has specialized training in performing a procedure and has successfully performed the procedure on many clients, they usually want others to know.
What results can I expect? While results will depend largely on the skill and experience of the person performing the procedure your expectations should be discussed with the practitioner beforehand. Sometimes the result is not what you wanted and this may have nothing to do with the skill of the practitioner but more to do with being unrealistic in what you expect. Take plenty of time to discuss treatments with your practitioner and maybe postpone your treatment till you are sure what it is you want to achieve.

Tip: To help the practitioner understand the results you want, find pictures to show what you want to look like. For example, if you want fuller, more youthful lips, find a photograph that shows the lips you desire. Perhaps it’s a wrinkle free forehead you desire? Photographs help communicate expectations and minimize confusion and misunderstandings. They are a good talking point as well.

May I see examples of the practitioners work : the “before” and “after” photographs of clients or speak with clients whom the doctor has treated with this procedure(s)? Practitioners should be willing to share their results through photographs provided clients have given permission. Most will have some photographs they can show. If a practitioner is hesitant to do so, find one who will. Please remember client confidentiality may preclude divulging any information. Also remember that the results only show what the practitioner has achieved on that individual, everyone is different and therefore you cannot relate another clients treatment outcome to yours, but it will give you some confidence in the practitioners ability.
What is the recovery time? While cosmetic procedures have become less invasive and require less downtime, clients should know what to expect after the procedure. For example, after botulinum treatment clients can have temporary swelling, redness or bruising but this usually settles in 24hrs. Your practitioner should spend time explaining all the pro’s and con’s of the procedure.
What are the risks and side effects of the procedure? While the risks involved in most cosmetic procedures are minimal, there are risks. Potential complications should be discussed before the cosmetic procedure is scheduled.
How long will the results last? Most treatments are not permanent. While a client’s lifestyle and overall health can shorten the length of time that a client sees the results, there are general guidelines. For example, botulinum treatment tends to last about 3 to 4 months , dermal fillers 6-12 months.
How long will it take? Most cosmetic procedures do not take long. Most of the time is spent in consultation making sure it is safe for you to undertake the treatment and that you fully appreciate the implications of the treatment. Generally treatment time is 5 to 30 minutes.
What follow-up care is included? Follow-up care is an important part of cosmetic treatments. Be wary of undergoing any cosmetic treatment that does not include follow-up care. Q aesthetics offers full medical follow up care.
What is the cost of the treatment? Medical Insurance does not cover the cost of a non surgical cosmetic procedure. Before scheduling the treatment, find out the costs and how payment will be required.

Finally, before having a cosmetic procedure, it is good practice to check out several companies to discuss treatments, anaesthetics, costs and follow up arrangements. Then you can make a more informed choice. We hope after you have done this you will choose Q aesthetics as your preferred practitioner as we put clients wishes and safety first and foremost and strive to make the experience as pleasant and as comfortable as possible.

See our authorised outlets page for further information.