Benefits of Aesthetic Consultation for Patient Retention

The burden on medical professionals to guide patients through a frequently difficult aesthetic journey increases as society becomes more enamored with the possibility of improving and rejuvenating one’s appearance.

Despite the pivotal role of aesthetic consultation, it is often overshadowed and, at times, underestimated. Even Barbie Botox starts with a thorough consult, which doesn’t mean Botox is still not called the “lunch break procedure.” While Botox is a quick procedure, it gives people the false impression that it is the same as plucking eyebrows. 

Understanding Aesthetic Consultations

Consultation sessions serve as a personalized analysis of an individual’s unique needs and goals, procedures and recovery, and whether current aesthetic trends would suit them. Through a conversation, you should be aiming to understand your patient’s:

• facial structure
• skin type
• medical conditions
• prescribed medications and OTC
• allergies and intolerances
• history of cosmetic procedures

Qualified aesthetic consultants must educate patients, discuss available treatments, and manage expectations.

Start by considering proportions, symmetry, and the interplay of light and shadow. Skin type, another pivotal element, is the next one. Consider factors such as elasticity, hydration, and texture. The evaluation guides the subsequent steps in the aesthetic process, ensuring treatments harmonize with the unique characteristics of the patient.

Benefits: Here’s How to Consult in 5 Easy Steps

The benefits of medical aesthetics consultations are numerous, and we’ve made them into step-by-step instructions. Skipping steps can mean mistakes, customer dissatisfaction, and a subsequent bad reputation.

Step 1: Personalized Assessment

Beyond the identification of facial structure and skin type, this personalized assessment dives into the facial dynamics, proportions, potential imperfections, scars, and features. This in-depth scrutiny extends to the examination of skin health, paying attention to more than just conventional parameters.

Step 2: Patient Education

Patients are not passive recipients but active participants in their aesthetic journey.

By explaining available cosmetic treatments and discussing potential risks and benefits, medical aesthetics empowers individuals to make informed decisions aligned with their expectations.It is up to you to demystify the complexities of procedures.

This should be an educational dialogue, not a monologue. Encourage patients to express their expectations and concerns. The transparency fostered in these consultations is not merely informative and will help you create a partnership based on shared objectives.

Step 3: Customized Treatment Plans

Armed with insights from consultations, you can easily and precisely craft customized treatment plans. It’s a departure from the one-size-fits-all mentality, acknowledging that aesthetic goals are as diverse as the individual pursuing them.

Step 4: Achieving Natural Results

Consultations help set realistic expectations and help patients achieve results that align with their unique features. The emphasis on natural-looking outcomes is crucial for overall satisfaction.

Step 5: Building Trust

Establishing a high level of trust between patients and practitioners is always top priority. This is the best point at which concerns should be communicated and addressed, regardless of if the matter is about potential discomfort, associated downtime, or a desire for a realistic outcome. This is also where questions should be answered and confidence built in the chosen procedure. Medspas are never an emergency hospital service, instead, they are a place where you want people to come back repeatedly.

Preparing for Cosmetic Treatments after a Cosmetic Consultation

After consultations where you will discuss mental readiness, you must ensure patients are emotionally prepared for the physical changes they seek. Also, make sure they are ready for side effects and recovery, no matter how insignificant they are in most cases.

Don’t forget to mention physical preparation. Provide tips about pre-treatment skincare routines and lifestyle adjustments that can optimize treatment results. Patients need to avoid blood thinners, some other medications (in agreement with their doctor), and limit alcohol consumption.

Do Long-Time Clients Need Consultations?

Yes, even repeating clients need consultations. Each procedure is different and you can’t tell if something has changed on the client’s face or if their mental health is in decline.

It’s best to always treat the patient as if they’re a first-timer, at least when it comes to consultations. Feel free to offer a discount for some trendy new lips, though.

Aesthetic Consultant Job: Raise the Bar

The benefits of this type of consultation extend far beyond the initial patient-practitioner interaction. These sessions are the cornerstone of successful cosmetic practices, influencing treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the overall growth of the aesthetic industry.

For every aesthetic consultant, dentist, and cosmetic surgeon aiming to enhance their practice, prioritizing aesthetic consultations is a strategic and ethical approach that reaps long-term rewards. 

By embracing this holistic perspective, you can exceed the expectations of your patients, ultimately growing the business in a highly competitive industry.

FAQ

Why are consultations important in aesthetics?

Consultations are crucial in aesthetics because they pave the way for personalized care. A thorough esthetician consultation sets the foundation for trust, ensuring that patients feel knowledgeable, heard, and confident.

What is an aesthetic consultation?

An aesthetic consultation is a personalized session between a patient and a qualified practitioner to discuss cosmetic goals and potential treatments. It involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s facial structure, skin type, and overall health. This dialogue serves as the groundwork for creating a customized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s desires and ensures a tailored, effective approach.

How do I do aesthetic consultation?

You can begin an aesthetic consultation by actively listening to the patient’s concerns and goals. Perform a detailed analysis of their facial features and skin condition. Educate the patient on available treatments, discussing potential risks and benefits.

References

1. Caldwell G. The process of clinical consultation is crucial to patient outcomes and safety: 10 quality indicators. Clin Med (Lond). 2019 Nov;19(6):503-506. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2019-0263. PMID: 31732592; PMCID: PMC6899233.
2. Cox A, Li S. The medical consultation through the lenses of language and social interaction theory. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract. 2020 Mar;25(1):241-257. doi: 10.1007/s10459-018-09873-2. Epub 2019 Feb 4. PMID: 30715620; PMCID: PMC7018671.