Having your first non-surgical cosmetic treatment? Here are 4 things to check first, according to a doctor.

If you’re considering having your first non-surgical cosmetic treatment, it’s not uncommon to wonder “where do I even... begin?"

With an increasing number of clinics offering new and innovative treatments – like facials, laser hair removal, chemical peels, skin needling, anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler injections – doing your research upfront will help you find a qualified and reputable expert, to deliver you the best results.

To help navigate this process, I spoke with cosmetic physician, Dr Vilma Di Maria. Dr Vilma has nearly three decades of experience in the medical industry, and she shared with Mamamia her best advice on what to expect (and the most important things to consider) before booking in your first non-surgical cosmetic treatment.

First things first, do your homework.

Most treatments will require ongoing appointments over a period of time to achieve or maintain your result, so establishing a relationship with a practitioner – one where you trust their guidance and skill – is paramount. 

“The best place to start is usually referrals from family or friends who have received treatments already. You can also check third party websites for reviews for added reassurance. Read the detailed bios on their website and make sure to take a look at the clinician’s work with other clients to see if they have experience achieving what you are after," Dr Vilma told Mamamia. 

Dr Vilma Di Maria, Cosmetic Physician. Image: Supplied.

“If they say on their site that they aim to achieve a natural look, yet their before and after pictures don't show this, then that’s not the person for you."

Find a practitioner whose experience and examples of their work match the treatment and outcome that you’re looking for.

Understand the technology and devices the clinic offers.

Different clinics will provide and specialise in different types of non-surgical cosmetic treatments. These can include anti-wrinkle injections, chemical peels, body contouring and hair loss treatments.

“The technology and devices that clinics use will also differ so it’s important to ask your practitioner what they use and their reasons for it," Dr Vilma shared. 

Observe the clinic’s cleanliness.

“Most places will practice what we call an aseptic technique,” says Dr Vilma. This means using masks, gloves and cleaning the skin well before any treatment. Sterile packs should also be used. 

Observing this practice, and the clinic's overall cleanliness, makes for a clean procedure and minimises the risk of infection – which is all added reassurance for yourself as the client before proceeding with your own treatment in their care. 

What to discuss in your face-to-face consultation.

Once you know who will be carrying out your treatment and you are confident in their experience (as well as the clinic’s products and technology), it’s time to shift the focus to you. 

This consultation is just as important as the actual treatment itself. Dr Vilma recommends both practitioners and patients approach it as they would a medical consultation. 

“A thorough appointment will normally go for about 40 minutes."

In this appointment it’s the practitioner’s job to understand your goals. They should ask you to share your concerns, any particular areas you’re wanting to focus on and they should also ask you to provide a thorough medical history.

“A trusted clinician will educate you about what will look good or not, as well as what is or isn't possible. Then you are able to have a discussion about a positive treatment result.

“This will also involve educating patients about possible complications, contraindications – which are the reasons a person should not receive treatment, such as pregnancy – as well as who will be the contact for any follow-up care."

The face-to-face consultation is the time to discuss the number of treatments and the cost, as well as any timing that needs to be taken into account so you can plan the treatments together accordingly. 

“This is a partnership and a mutual decision. It is not just about the clinician telling you what to do. You should be guided by one another on what’s appropriate.” 

The key piece of advice from Dr Vilma for anyone seeking their first non-surgical cosmetic treatment? 

“Do your own deep research!" 

Focus on finding a clinician who has demonstrated experience achieving what you are after, is willing to take the time to understand your goals and most importantly, is equipped with the technology, tools and training to help you achieve this. 

All content in this article is intended as a guide to be used only for general information purposes. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for qualified healthcare professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Feature Image: Supplied (Dr Vilma Di Maria, Cosmetic Physician)/Mamamia.