Consultation & Aftercare

How to prepare for your aesthetic appointment

How to prepare for your aesthetic appointment

How to prepare for your aesthetic appointment

By Elise Bernard, Registered Nurse Prescriber

31/07/2026

5 min read

Regenerative treatment consultation

Whether you’re visiting for anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, microneedling, polynucleotides or another treatment, a little preparation can make your appointment smoother. Most patients don’t need to do anything complicated beforehand, but there are a few simple steps that help me assess your skin properly, reduce the risk of infection and ensure it’s safe to proceed with treatment. Here’s what I recommend before your appointment.

Whether you’re visiting for anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, microneedling, polynucleotides or another treatment, a little preparation can make your appointment smoother. Most patients don’t need to do anything complicated beforehand, but there are a few simple steps that help me assess your skin properly, reduce the risk of infection and ensure it’s safe to proceed with treatment. Here’s what I recommend before your appointment.

Key takeaways

- Pay your deposit to secure your appointment. - Complete your medical forms before arriving. - If possible, attend with minimal or no makeup. - Let me know about any changes to your health or medications. - Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment where possible. - Never stop prescribed medication unless advised by the clinician who prescribed it. - Come with questions—consultations are encouraged.

Secure your appointment

Your appointment is only confirmed once the required deposit has been paid.

Appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than one person requests the same appointment time, the slot will be secured for the first person to complete their booking and pay the deposit.

If you have any questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch.


Complete your medical forms before your appointment

If you’ve received medical history or consent forms before your appointment, please complete them in advance.

This allows me to review your medical history properly and gives us more time to focus on your consultation and treatment.

If anything has changed since completing the forms, simply let me know when you arrive.


Wear as little makeup as possible

If possible, please arrive with minimal or no makeup on the area being treated.

Before any injectable treatment, the skin needs to be thoroughly cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. Heavy makeup takes longer to remove, which means less time can be spent on your consultation and treatment.

If you’re coming straight from work or another commitment, don’t worry—you can absolutely attend wearing makeup. We’ll remove it before treatment.

However, if you have the option of arriving with clean skin, it will help your appointment run more smoothly.


Let me know about any illnesses or infections

Please contact me before your appointment if you:

  • Feel unwell

  • Have a cold, flu or fever

  • Have a skin infection

  • Have an active cold sore

  • Have recently started antibiotics

  • Have recently had another cosmetic procedure elsewhere

Sometimes it’s safer to postpone treatment until you’ve fully recovered.


Tell me about any medications or supplements

Some medications and supplements can increase the likelihood of bruising.

These include, for example:

  • Aspirin (unless prescribed)

  • Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medicines

  • Fish oil or Omega-3 supplements

  • Vitamin E

  • Ginkgo biloba

  • Garlic supplements

Never stop prescribed medication unless you’ve been advised to do so by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

If you’re unsure whether a medication or supplement is relevant, simply ask before your appointment.


Avoid alcohol before treatment

If possible, avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment.

Alcohol can increase the likelihood of bruising after injectable treatments.

If you’ve had a drink the evening before, don’t panic—it doesn’t necessarily mean your treatment can’t go ahead—but avoiding alcohol where possible is sensible.


Eat and drink normally

There’s no need to fast before your appointment.

Having something to eat and staying well hydrated can help you feel more comfortable during treatment and reduce the chance of feeling light-headed.


Wear comfortable clothing

If you’re having treatment to the neck, jawline or décolletage, wearing clothing that allows easy access to these areas can make your appointment more comfortable.


Bring your skincare routine if you’d like advice

If your main concern is improving your skin, it can be helpful to know what products you’re currently using.

If you’re unsure of the names, don’t worry—you can simply bring the products with you or take a few photos on your phone.

This often makes it easier to discuss your routine and avoid recommending products you already own.


Allow enough time

Although many treatments themselves take only 15 to 30 minutes, your appointment also includes consultation, assessment, clinical photography (where appropriate), treatment planning and answering any questions you may have.

Try not to book another appointment immediately afterwards, so you don’t feel rushed.


Bring your questions

You don’t need to know exactly which treatment you want before booking.

In fact, many patients book because they’re unsure.

Your consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns and understand your options before making any decisions.

There is never any obligation to proceed with treatment if you decide it isn’t right for you.


What about aftercare?

Every treatment has slightly different aftercare advice.

You’ll receive personalised instructions before you leave the clinic, and you’re always welcome to contact me afterwards if you have any questions or concerns.


My approach

Preparing for your appointment doesn’t need to be complicated.

My priority is making sure your treatment is safe, appropriate and tailored to you.

If something isn’t quite right on the day—whether that’s an illness, an infection or simply a reason to wait—we’ll discuss it together.

Sometimes the safest decision is to postpone treatment, and that’s perfectly okay.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I wear makeup to my appointment?

Yes. If you’re coming from work or another commitment, that’s absolutely fine. However, if possible, it’s best to arrive with little or no makeup on the area being treated, as the skin needs to be thoroughly cleansed before treatment.


Should I stop taking my medication before treatment?

Not unless you’ve been advised to do so by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

If you’re unsure, ask before your appointment.


Can I have treatment if I have a cold sore?

Usually not around the affected area. Please let me know beforehand so we can advise whether your appointment should be postponed.


What if I’m running late?

Please contact the clinic as soon as possible. We’ll always do our best to accommodate you, but depending on the day’s schedule, we may need to rearrange your appointment.


Do I have to know which treatment I want?

No.

Many patients book because they’re unsure what treatment—if any—is most appropriate

We’ll discuss your concerns first and decide together whether treatment is the right option for you.

Elise Bernard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise Bernard

Registered Nurse Prescriber

French Care London focuses on evidence-based aesthetic medicine, natural-looking results and honest patient education, helping patients make calm, informed decisions about treatment.

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