What Happens at Your Aesthetic Consultation?

A conversation first. Treatment second.

If you've never visited an aesthetic clinic before, booking your first consultation can feel a little daunting.

You might wonder what questions you'll be asked, whether you need to know which treatment you want or whether you'll feel pressured to proceed.

The good news is that you don't need to arrive with all the answers.

An aesthetic consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, understand your options and receive professional advice before making a decision.

At Aesthetic Boutique in Exeter, every treatment begins with an individual assessment, taking into account your medical history, facial anatomy, skin condition and personal goals.

Here's what you can expect during your appointment.

1. We Start by Listening to Your Concerns

Your consultation begins with a conversation about what has brought you to the clinic.

Perhaps you've noticed changes in your skin, loss of facial definition, fine lines or changes around your lips.

Or perhaps you simply feel that your appearance doesn't look quite as refreshed as you'd like, without knowing exactly why.

You don't need to describe your concerns using medical terminology or arrive with a treatment already chosen.

Oksana will take time to understand what you're noticing, what you'd like to achieve and, equally importantly, what you would prefer to avoid.

You might say:

“I'd like to look fresher, but I still want to look like myself.”

Understanding your preferences is an important part of creating an appropriate treatment plan.

2. We Review Your Medical History and Treatment Suitability

Before recommending treatment, it's important to understand your relevant medical history.

You may be asked about:

• Existing medical conditions

• Current medication

• Allergies

• Previous aesthetic treatments

• Any complications from earlier procedures

• Recent illness or infections

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, where relevant

• Your history of cold sores, particularly when considering lip treatments

This information helps identify contraindications, potential risks and whether additional medical assessment may be required.

You may be asked to complete a confidential medical questionnaire before your appointment.

Your medical information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and professional confidentiality requirements.

A thorough medical assessment is an essential part of responsible aesthetic care, not simply a formality.

3. We Assess Your Skin and Facial Anatomy

Every face is different, and aesthetic treatments should reflect that individuality.

Oksana will assess the areas you're concerned about, taking into consideration your skin condition, facial proportions, underlying anatomy and any previous treatments.

For facial procedures, this may involve looking at how different features relate to one another rather than focusing only on a single area.

For example, concerns about facial definition may involve changes in volume, skin elasticity or natural facial structure.

Similarly, tired-looking skin and tired-looking eyes may have several possible causes that require different approaches.

The purpose of the assessment is to identify what may be contributing to your concerns before discussing appropriate options.

4. We Explore Suitable Treatment Options

Once your concerns and medical suitability have been assessed, we'll discuss any treatments that may be appropriate.

Depending on your needs, these could include:

• Dermal fillers or lip enhancement

• Facial harmonisation

• Skin boosters and Profhilo®

• Polynucleotide treatments

• Microneedling or other skin-rejuvenation procedures

• Assessment of facial lines and wrinkles

• Other suitable approaches where clinically indicated

Oksana will explain why a particular option may be considered, along with its limitations and any alternatives.

Sometimes more than one approach may be appropriate.

Sometimes improving skin quality may be more beneficial than adding volume.

And sometimes no aesthetic treatment is recommended at all.

The purpose of the consultation is to identify the right approach for you, not to fit you into a predetermined treatment package.

5. We Discuss Realistic Results, Risks and Recovery

Understanding what a procedure can and cannot achieve is essential before deciding to proceed.

During your consultation, we'll discuss:

• The improvements you may reasonably expect

• When results are likely to become visible

• How long the effects may last

• Possible side effects and complications

• Expected downtime and recovery

• Any recommended preparation and aftercare

• Whether one appointment or a course of treatments may be needed

• Possible maintenance or follow-up appointments

Some procedures provide visible changes relatively quickly, while others produce gradual improvements over several weeks.

Treatments such as polynucleotides, Profhilo® and microneedling may involve a planned course of sessions, depending on the product, treatment protocol and individual concerns.

You'll be given an explanation of the potential benefits, risks and limitations so that you can make an informed decision.

6. You Have Time to Ask Questions

Your consultation is also an opportunity to ask anything you're unsure about.

Some common questions include:

• Will the treatment be uncomfortable?

• Will the results look natural?

• How long will recovery take?

• What happens if I don't like the result?

• What complications should I be aware of?

• Will I need further treatment?

• Are there alternatives?

• What happens if I decide not to proceed?

You should feel comfortable asking questions, however small they may seem.

A professional consultation should give you clear, understandable information rather than leaving you feeling rushed or uncertain.

7. We Explain the Treatment Plan and Costs

If a treatment is considered appropriate, we'll explain the proposed plan and associated costs.

This may include the recommended product or procedure, expected number of sessions, appointment intervals and whether follow-up or maintenance may be necessary.

For some concerns, a single treatment may be sufficient. Others may benefit from a planned course delivered over several weeks.

You'll have the opportunity to understand the likely overall cost before deciding whether to proceed.

There should be no unexpected charges or pressure to purchase a larger treatment package.

8. The Decision Is Yours

Following your consultation, you can decide how you'd like to proceed.

You may feel ready to consider treatment, prefer more time to think, request further information or decide that treatment isn't right for you.

Some procedures may require additional assessment, prescribing arrangements or a separate appointment.

There may also be circumstances where Oksana advises postponing treatment or recommends against it for medical or professional reasons.

Booking a consultation does not create an obligation to undergo treatment.

Your decision should be informed, voluntary and based on realistic expectations.

How Much Does an Aesthetic Consultation Cost?

At Aesthetic Boutique, an individual consultation costs £20.

The consultation includes a discussion of your concerns, relevant medical history, an assessment of treatment suitability and personalised guidance about your options.

The £20 consultation fee is fully redeemable against your first treatment, subject to the clinic's published booking terms.

If you decide not to proceed with treatment, you will still have received an individual assessment and professional advice.

The purpose of the consultation is to help you understand your options before making a decision.

Why a Consultation Matters

Aesthetic treatment isn't simply about choosing a product or selecting an area from a price list.

Two people may have similar concerns but require different approaches because of their anatomy, skin condition, medical history or personal expectations.

A proper consultation allows these differences to be considered.

It also provides an opportunity to identify when treatment may not be appropriate, discuss alternatives and establish realistic expectations.

Starting with an assessment helps ensure that any recommendations are based on your individual needs.

Meet Your Aesthetic Practitioner

Your consultation is with Oksana Vincent, an NMC Registered Nurse with over 30 years of nursing experience and specialist aesthetic training, including training at Harley Academy in London.

Oksana brings her clinical experience to a personalised approach to aesthetics, with an emphasis on patient safety, careful assessment and natural-looking outcomes.

She believes that understanding the individual is just as important as understanding the treatment.

Your face is individual. Your treatment should be too.

Ready to Have a Conversation?

If you're considering aesthetic treatment but aren't sure where to begin, a consultation can help you explore your concerns and understand which options may be appropriate.

You don't need to choose a treatment beforehand or arrive knowing exactly what you want.

Simply bring your questions and an open mind.

We'll discuss your goals, consider your options and help you make an informed decision.

Consultation: £20

Fully redeemable against your first treatment.

There is never any obligation to proceed.