Your First Aesthetic Consultation: How to Prepare and What Clinicians Need

A first aesthetic consultation sets the tone for every treatment that may follow, so it is worth arriving ready and informed. When people come prepared, our clinicians at Estetica can understand their skin, face and health in context, which helps us build a safe plan that looks fresh and natural, not overdone.

At Estetica, in our Windsor and Chertsey clinics, we welcome many people who are excited, curious or a little nervous about aesthetic treatments. No one needs to know exactly what they want in advance; they simply need to bring honest information and an open mind. This guide explains what happens at a first consultation with Estetica, what to bring, what to pause beforehand and which questions help each person get the most from the time spent with our clinical team.

Feeling Confident at a First Aesthetic Consultation

An aesthetic consultation at Estetica is much more than a quick chat before treatment. It is a medical appointment where our clinicians look carefully at the face, skin and smile, talk through health and lifestyle, and listen to what each person hopes to change or improve.

We understand that some people worry that they will be judged, pressured into treatment or pushed towards a certain look. At Estetica we keep things calm, friendly and private in both our Windsor and Chertsey clinics. Our aim is always to work out what is realistic, what is safe and what will still look like the individual.

Coming prepared with a few key things makes a big difference, such as:

• Photos of the face now and from a few years ago  

• A list of skincare products and devices currently in use  

• Details of any medicines and supplements  

• A small list of questions or concerns  

These details help our clinicians design aesthetic treatments and skin plans that are safe, gentle and tailored to the individual.

What to Expect at Estetica’s First Consultation

On arrival at Estetica in Windsor or Chertsey, visitors are welcomed at reception and given time to settle. Before seeing a clinician, new patients are usually asked to complete medical and consent forms. These cover general health, medicines, allergies and any previous aesthetic or dental treatments.

During the consultation itself, people can expect:

• A conversation about main concerns, such as fine lines, dull skin, scarring or facial volume  

• A full facial and skin assessment, not just one small area  

• Clinical photos, often in good lighting and with neutral expression, to record a baseline  

At Estetica there is also a strong focus on the relationship between the smile, teeth and facial structure. Our digital technology, facial assessment and smile analysis help us to see how different areas link together. For example, small changes to tooth shape or colour may affect lip support and overall facial balance.

Treatment at Estetica is never rushed. Injectable treatments are not carried out on the spot without a full assessment and clear consent. Safety, suitability and realistic outcomes always come first, even if that means suggesting a different treatment or taking more time to plan.

How to Prepare Skin and Daily Routine

To build a safe plan, our clinicians need to see the skin as it really is, without too much irritation, fake colour or heavy product on top. It can help if people pause or adjust some parts of their routine before they come in.

A few simple steps we often recommend are:

• Avoid strong acids, peels and prescription-strength retinoids for a few days before the appointment, unless a doctor has advised otherwise  

• Skip home microneedling, aggressive scrubs or at-home peels in the week before the consultation  

• Arrive with clean skin and minimal or no make-up if possible  

We also suggest bringing details of the current skincare routine, including:

• Brand names and product names  

• Active ingredients and strengths if known, such as vitamin C or retinol  

• How often each item is used  

• Any devices used at home, such as LED masks or microneedling rollers  

Summer can bring extra considerations. If someone has been on holiday, has used sunbeds, or has had recent sunburn or heat rash, our clinicians need to know. We also recommend avoiding fake tan on the face before assessment, as it can hide redness, pigmentation and texture that we need to see clearly.

Photos, Inspiration and What to Avoid Bringing

Photos are very helpful because faces change slowly over time and it can be hard to remember what they looked like a few years ago. At Estetica we often suggest bringing:

• A recent, make-up-free photo taken in natural light  

• One or two older photos, roughly five to ten years apart, if available  

These help our clinicians to see natural ageing patterns, for example where volume has reduced or where skin has thinned or lost brightness.

Inspiration photos can also help people explain what they like. Some individuals prefer smoother skin, others prefer to keep lines that move with expression. It is perfectly acceptable to bring an image to show the kind of freshness or softness that feels appealing.

However, some images are less helpful, such as:

• Heavily filtered social media images that remove all texture and pores  

• Requests to copy a celebrity face or a friend’s features  

• Expectations of drastic change that do not fit the person’s bone structure or facial harmony  

At Estetica, our aim is always natural, individual results. Our clinicians will explain what can and cannot be achieved safely and will guide each person towards a realistic plan.

Medications, Supplements and Lifestyle Our Clinicians Must Know

A full medical history is one of the most important parts of a safe aesthetic plan at Estetica. We ask patients to list all medicines they take, not only those that seem linked to the skin.

This should include:

• Prescription medicines, such as acne treatments, anticoagulants, blood pressure tablets or antidepressants  

• Over-the-counter medicines, such as painkillers, antihistamines or indigestion tablets  

• Herbal and natural supplements, such as ginkgo, garlic, fish oils or high-dose vitamins  

Some products can affect bruising, bleeding, healing, inflammation and skin sensitivity. This may change the timing, type or dose of aesthetic treatments that are suitable.

Lifestyle information also helps our clinicians manage risk and plan carefully. We encourage open discussion about:

• Smoking or vaping  

• Alcohol intake  

• Recent illnesses or infections  

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to conceive  

• Upcoming events, holidays or long flights  

• Planned dental work, such as implants, extractions or orthodontics  

For example, if someone has an important event such as a wedding or graduation, our clinicians will plan treatments so that any swelling or redness settles in good time, ensuring that results are at their best when it matters.

Smart Questions to Ask About Aesthetic Treatments

A first consultation at Estetica is the patient’s dedicated time with our clinical team, so we always welcome thoughtful questions. Many people find it helpful to bring a written list.

Useful questions might include:

• What treatment options are suitable for my concern, and which would you recommend first?  

• How does each treatment work, and what areas will it address?  

• What results should I realistically expect, and how long might they last?  

• Who will carry out my treatments, and what is their clinical background?  

• Which products or brands do you use at Estetica, and why?  

Safety-focused questions are also important, such as:

• What are the common side effects, and what are the rare but serious risks?  

• What happens if something goes wrong or I am not happy with the result?  

• How many review appointments will I have, and how are follow-ups arranged?  

It is also helpful to explore how aesthetic treatments at Estetica fit with:

• The current skincare routine  

• Any planned dental treatment or smile makeover  

• Travel plans, especially summer holidays, when sun exposure is higher  

Our clinicians always aim to answer clearly, in language that makes sense, and we encourage people to ask for clarification whenever they need it.

How Our Clinicians Build a Safe, Tailored Treatment Plan

Once our clinicians at Estetica have taken a detailed medical history, clinical photos, a skin assessment and an understanding of someone’s goals, we begin to shape a structured plan. This is usually staged over time rather than carried out all at once.

A tailored plan might include:

• Injectable aesthetic treatments where appropriate, such as dermal fillers or wrinkle-softening treatments  

• Skin treatments such as gentle chemical peels, microneedling or in-clinic facials  

• Medical-grade skincare to support skin health at home  

• Cosmetic dentistry where relevant, for example to balance the smile with facial features or to improve tooth colour and alignment  

At Estetica we always look at the full picture, not just one wrinkle or one line. Facial proportions, expression, skin quality, teeth, lips and jawline all work together, and our team in both Chertsey and Windsor takes time to consider each aspect.

Subtle, gradual tweaks with regular review appointments allow us to adjust treatment plans as the face responds, which usually gives a softer and more natural effect. Our approach is centred on harmony, balance and long-term confidence.

We also place strong emphasis on long-term skin health and steady anti-ageing rather than quick fixes. Sometimes the first step may be to strengthen the skin barrier or to treat underlying concerns such as acne, pigmentation or sensitivity before moving on to injectable treatments.

Why Choose Estetica in Chertsey and Windsor

Our clinics in Chertsey and Windsor are designed to provide a calm, professional environment where patients can feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Estetica brings together experienced clinicians, advanced technology and a comprehensive range of aesthetic and dental services under one roof.

By integrating facial aesthetics, skin treatments and cosmetic dentistry, we can create treatment plans that respect natural structure and enhance features in a measured way. Whether someone is considering subtle skin rejuvenation, facial contouring or a more confident smile, our team works collaboratively to support those goals.

Every consultation at Estetica is focused on education as well as treatment. We want people to understand why a particular approach is recommended, what to expect at each stage and how to maintain results over time.

Next Steps to Start an Aesthetic Plan with Estetica

To feel ready for a first consultation at Estetica in Chertsey or Windsor, it helps to gather a few things in advance. We suggest:

• Writing down the current skincare routine  

• Noting any devices used at home, such as LED masks or rollers  

• Listing all medicines and supplements  

• Collecting a couple of recent and older photos  

• Pausing strong active skincare products for a few days before the appointment  

• Avoiding fake tan on the face  

• Bringing any questions, no matter how simple they may seem  

We encourage people to think of the first appointment as the start of a longer partnership in their skin and smile health with Estetica. Our aim is not to rush anyone into treatment on the day, but to help each person feel informed, safe and confident about any aesthetic treatments chosen in the future.

Our teams in Chertsey and Windsor are always happy to discuss options and explain how Estetica’s services can be tailored to support long-term results. By investing time in a thorough first consultation, we can build a clear, personalised plan that respects individuality and prioritises safety at every stage.

Refresh Your Confidence With Personalised Aesthetic Care

If you are ready to enhance your skin with proven results, our tailored aesthetic treatments can be adapted to your unique concerns and goals. At estetica, we take time to understand what you want to achieve and recommend only what is genuinely suitable for you. Speak to our team to discuss your options or book a consultation via our contact page today.