Laser treatments have gained in popularity in recent years. They offer an effective and, if carried out properly, safe way to address a raft of skin concerns. Longevity Live Paid Content.
Whether you’re looking for laser treatments for acne scarring, unwanted hair removal, or to treat sun damage or wrinkles, it’s important to know all about your treatment before it begins. To save you some time, we’ve asked the experts at the Laser Treatment Clinic to outline the main questions you should ask in your consultation – no matter what your reason for treatment is.
Effectiveness and Expectations
It’s vital to know what to expect in terms of how successful your treatment is likely to be. Some people think one session will be enough to solve all their problems, and this isn’t necessarily the case. Good questions to ask include:
- What results should I expect from my treatment? – This is perhaps the most important question. Discuss your concerns with your therapist and they will be able to give you realistic answers about the effectiveness of the treatment in order to manage your expectations.
- How long will results last? – Depending on your treatment, your results may be permanent, or you may need top up sessions over time. These will also depend on your individual skin condition and the treatment plan that is most appropriate for your needs.
About the Procedure
Before you begin treatment, knowing what is likely to happen will allay any fears and allow you to be prepared for your appointment. Some questions that might be useful here include:
- What type of laser will you use? – Laser treatment clinics may differ in the types of laser they use for certain skin concerns.
- What happens during my treatment? – Your therapist should be able to explain the treatment in a step-by-step manner, explaining whether there is likely to be any discomfort, and how long your treatment will last.
Safety Questions
Whether you’re nervous or not, you’re likely to be better prepared if you know any risks or safety precautions you’ll need to take. Questions could include:
- What are the potential side effects? – There is always going to be the potential for side effects for this type of treatment, however mild or temporary they may be. Your skin therapist should be able to explain these in detail, as they will depend on your unique skin condition and the type of treatment you’ve chosen.
- What safety precautions are taken – If your skin therapist is a good one, they will have a raft of safety procedures to follow to ensure any risks are minimised. They should be happy to show you their qualifications and be able to describe the steps they take to minimise any risks to you.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Knowing how to take care of your newly treated skin is paramount to ensuring the longevity of your treatment and the health of the treated area, Questions to ask should include:
- What kind of aftercare will I need? – Whether topical creams, keeping an area dry, or ensuring you don’t irritate the area, your skin specialist should be able to give you a full aftercare programme to ensure your skin is in perfect health.
- Do I need a maintenance routine? – Depending on the treatment you have undergone, you may need to change your skincare routine. If so, the skin therapist will advise you on what to do to ensure your treatment lasts as long as possible.
Cost
Of course, being able to afford your treatment plan in full is the best way to ensure you get the results you want. Common questions include:
- How much is my treatment plan in total? – This will ensure that you have all the costs covered and won’t be surprised with any maintenance and extras that might be needed to prolong your results.
- How do I pay? – Some laser treatment clinics will offer payment plans, allowing you to spread the costs of your treatments, while others prefer payment upfront.
- Do you offer packages/discounts? – You may find that your clinic is running a promotion, or they’ll offer discounts for more than one treatment. You could then save some money on your treatment.
By asking the right questions about your laser treatment options at your consultation, you’ll be confident your skin concerns will be addressed. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing what to expect, and what to do to ensure the results you get are the best they can be.
