What to ask a provider before you decide

Good questions to bring

You are allowed to ask all of these. Most providers expect them.

• Who performs the treatment, and are they supervised by anyone?
• What license and training do they have?
• What product or device is used, and where does it come from?
• How do you decide if this is suitable for me?
• What does a typical course of treatment look like?
• What aftercare is needed?
• What do you do if I have a reaction or a problem afterward?
• What is the total price, including any follow-up visits?

What to bring or write down

A little preparation makes a consultation more useful. Before you go, write down:

• Any medical conditions, past or current.
• Medications and supplements you take.
• Allergies, including to anesthetics or skin products.
• Past cosmetic treatments and when you had them.
• What you hope to talk about, in your own words.

Bring your list of questions and a way to take notes.

When to pause

A consultation should feel like an exchange of information. If it feels like a sales pitch, take a step back.

Watch for pressure to commit on the spot, a treatment offered with no consultation, unclear answers about who does the work, or a reluctance to write down the total cost. Each of these is a reason to wait. To look up a license, search the website of the relevant California state licensing board by the person's name.