Disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Treatments described here are medical procedures with potential risks; candidacy, results and recovery vary from person to person. Consult a qualified, licensed provider before any treatment.
Overview
A consultation is your opportunity to discuss goals, learn about options and evaluate a provider before committing. Many practices offer consultations at no charge, while others charge a fee that may be credited to treatment.
Prepare by noting your goals, medications, health conditions, previous treatments and budget. Photos of results you like can help, but remember results vary by individual.
A good consultation includes honest discussion of what's realistic, risks, costs and alternatives, without pressure to book immediately.
What to expect, step by step
- Discussion of goals and concerns.
- Health history review.
- Pricing and scheduling information.
- Skin or facial assessment.
- Explanation of options and expected results.
Before you decide
- Ask about credentials.
- Avoid pressure tactics.
- Consider getting more than one opinion.
- Get written pricing.
- Understand package terms.
Local notes for Colorado Springs
Colorado's high elevation and abundant sunshine mean stronger UV exposure than at sea level, which makes sun protection especially relevant before and after laser and light treatments.
We take inquiries from Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield.
Getting ready to reach out
- Think about timing, including upcoming events, travel or sun exposure, since some treatments need recovery time.
- Be ready to describe your skin type and any history of scarring, pigmentation changes or cold sores.
- Prepare questions about who will perform the treatment and who supervises it.
- List your medications, supplements, allergies and relevant medical history so you can share them during a consultation.
- Note any previous cosmetic treatments, including when and where they were done.
Red flags to watch for
- Guarantees of specific results, or claims that a treatment has no risks or downtime.
- No plan for handling complications or follow-up questions after treatment.
- Prices that seem far below typical without an explanation.
- No clear answer about who will perform the procedure and what their credentials are.
- Treatment offered without a consultation or review of your medical history.
How to vet a provider
- What are my options?
- What results are realistic?
- What are the risks?
- What's the total cost?
- What's your cancellation policy?
Quick answers
- Is a consultation required?
- Most practices require one before treatment.
- Are consultations free?
- Policies vary by practice.
- What should I bring?
- A list of medications, health history and questions.
Related topics
- Skin Resurfacing: An overview of laser skin resurfacing, ablative versus non-ablative options, downtime and questions to ask a provider.
- Pigmentation and Sun Damage: Treatment options for sun spots, uneven tone and other pigmentation concerns, and questions to ask a provider.
- Laser Hair Removal: How laser hair removal works, why multiple sessions are needed, skin type considerations and questions to ask a clinic.