What to Expect at Your First Aesthetic Consultation

A step-by-step guide to your first aesthetic clinic consultation. Learn what happens, what questions to ask, and how to choose a safe clinic in London.

lastmod: 2026-03-29

Your first visit to an aesthetic clinic can feel daunting. What will they ask? Will they try to sell you things you do not need? How do you know if the clinic is reputable?

This guide walks you through exactly what happens during a consultation at our Knightsbridge clinic, so you arrive prepared and confident.

Before Your Appointment

You do not need to do anything special before a consultation. However, it helps to:

  • Think about your goals – What bothers you? What would you like to change? You do not need clinical terms – just describe what you see in the mirror
  • List your medications – Some treatments interact with blood thinners or certain medications
  • Note any allergies – Especially to lidocaine (a common numbing agent in fillers)
  • Avoid wearing heavy makeup – Your practitioner needs to see your skin clearly
  • Bring questions – Write them down if you tend to forget in the moment

What Happens During the Consultation

A consultation at our Knightsbridge clinic typically takes 20-30 minutes and follows a clear structure.

1. Your Goals Discussion

Your practitioner asks what concerns you and what you hope to achieve. This is not a sales pitch – it is a conversation. Be honest about what bothers you. There are no silly concerns.

2. Medical History

You will complete a medical history form covering:

  • Current medications and supplements
  • Allergies (especially to lidocaine, hyaluronic acid, or previous fillers)
  • Previous aesthetic treatments
  • Autoimmune conditions or bleeding disorders
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding status

This is not optional – any reputable clinic requires this before treatment.

3. Facial Assessment

Your practitioner examines your face, skin quality, facial structure, and symmetry. They may take clinical photographs (with your consent) for treatment planning and before/after comparison.

4. Treatment Recommendations

Based on your goals and assessment, your practitioner explains:

  • Which treatments are suitable for your concerns
  • Which treatments are NOT suitable (a good practitioner says no when appropriate)
  • Expected results and realistic timelines
  • How many sessions you may need
  • Potential risks and side effects
  • Pricing

5. Your Questions

This is your time. A good consultation feels like a conversation, not a lecture.

Questions to Ask Your Practitioner

Not all clinics are equal. These questions help you assess whether a clinic is right for you:

About qualifications:

  • What are your medical qualifications?
  • Are you registered with the GMC (General Medical Council)?
  • How long have you been performing aesthetic treatments?

About the treatment:

  • What product/brand do you use?
  • How many treatments like this have you performed?
  • What are the risks specific to me?
  • What happens if something goes wrong?

About the clinic:

  • Is this a CQC-registered premises?
  • What is your complication rate?
  • Do you have emergency protocols in place?
  • Can I see before/after photos of your patients?

Red flags to watch for:

  • Pressure to decide immediately
  • Dismissal of your concerns or questions
  • No medical history taken
  • Prices that seem too good to be true
  • No discussion of risks or side effects

After the Consultation

You are never obligated to book treatment on the day. A reputable clinic gives you time to think. Common next steps:

  • Book treatment – if you feel comfortable and informed
  • Take time to decide – go home, research, compare
  • Decline – no treatment is better than a rushed decision

If you do proceed with treatment, your practitioner will explain preparation steps and aftercare instructions before your appointment.

Book Your Consultation

At Lux Clinic, every consultation is conducted by a qualified medical practitioner. There is no pressure, no hard sell – just honest advice tailored to your skin and goals.

Book a consultation at our Knightsbridge clinic.

Ready to Book?

Contact our Knightsbridge clinic to arrange a consultation.

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