HOW CONSULTATIONS WORK
It's important to understand that facial aesthetic procedures are classified as medical treatment. They are not simple 'beauty' treatments. Some downtime can be expected after a non-surgical procedure and very rarely, complications can occur. This is why a thorough consultation, medical history review, facial assessment, clinical photos, examination and a consent process is mandatory for new patients.
On this page you'll find everything you need to help you understand how things work with Dr Jake before your treatment, on the day and afterwards.
ONLINE BOOKINGS & CONSULTATION FEES
Consultation fees:
-
All consultations whether you are new or a returning patients are $250. This is payable when you book in and acts as a consultation fee.
-
If you proceed with a treatment on the same day as the consultation, the $250 is redeemable off the total amount owing.
-
It is not transferable to another day, including if you decide you don't want a treatment or you aren't appropriate to be treated. (ie the fee goes towards the consultation)
-
The $250 fee is also not refundable for no-shows or late arrivals where there isn't enough time to perform your treatment.
WHAT CONSULTATION SHOULD I BOOK?
All new patients will have an in depth 60 minute consultation
Facial aesthetics and facial aging is complicated! Patients therefore aren't expected to know what they need, nor should they pick and choose treatments from a menu. Regardless of what treatment you think you might want or need, you'll first have an in depth consultation, medical history review, clinical photography and examination so that Dr Jake can guide you as to what's appropriate. When booking online there's one simple option for new patients listed under:
Consultation for new patients +/- treatment if suitable
This booking is suitable for all new patients, regardless of how simple or complex you think your needs are. Dr Jake will go through all of your questions, options, examine your features and suggest a bespoke treatment plan. If you are medically suitable and have consented, some treatments may be offered within the 60 minute time slot.
LONG-TERM PLANNING
Every patient is different but most commonly a slow and step-wise approach for new patients is suggested.
Simpler and more affordable treatments would usually recommended first as the first step in your aesthetic journey. Patients are usually far more comfortable doing something simple in their first appointment and this help reduce any anxiety about the perception of 'looking done' or any other preconception about what aesthetics is.
Patients also often worry about what their budget can cover and this again is why Dr Jake recommends going slowly and working towards more ambitious or costly treatments if these are indicated.
Your treatment options will be explained in your consultation and you'll be taken through a consent form that explains the intended effect, anticipated downtime and the risks of the procedure. It's vital that you understand what you are signed and you will be given the opportunity to read an example consent form prior to your consultation when you book in online.
PROCEDURES ON THE DAY
-
Simple procedures may be done on the day of your first consultation if you are suitable. Whatever is offered is dependant on your medical suitability, the time available and Dr Jake's assessment of your aesthetic needs.
-
Occasionally there may a very good reason to delay doing something - for example if you need more time to think things over or for medical reasons when certain procedures are contraindicated. In this scenario you can of course rebook for a future appointment but your consultation fee is not refundable or transferable to a future date.
COME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT ALONE
-
Cosmetic consultations are very personal conversations. To allow you to speak openly and without judgement, Dr Jake's policy is that aesthetic consultations and treatments are done in private. This means that your partner, children, family members or friends will not be allowed into the consultation with you room. Not only is it not very practical from a logistical perspective, but it's also unnecessary for anyone else to sit in, listen to your consultation and watch your treatment.
-
Speaking to Dr Jake one on one helps avoids any unintended pressure to do (or not do) a treatment. You'll have an in depth discussion about your medical history, your features, your feelings, your motivations to seek an aesthetic opinion and your goals. This needs to be done without anyone else's judgement or influence.
-
Whilst we understand that it's not easy to juggle child care, our clinics have a strict child-free policy. It is not our staff's responsibility to mind your children, no matter how well behaved you think they might be! We aim to provide a quiet environment where all of our patients can relax and hope that you can enjoy a brief moment of 'me' time. Please respect this policy so that our staff can focus their attention solely on you.
KEEPING YOU SAFE
Most treatments will need to be delayed or moved to a future appointment if any of the following scenarios apply:
-
If you're not feeling well or feel like you are coming down with something
-
If you are suffering with symptoms such a cough, a cold, runny nose, sinusitis, a sore throat or have a fever
-
If you have a flare up of an auto-immune condition such a thyroid disease, rheumatoid, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, etc
-
If you are suffering with allergies such a itchy eyes, hay fever, runny nose, etc
-
If you have a dental concern including needing a filling, have a painful tooth or are undergoing dental surgery such as an implant, root canals or gum surgery.
-
If you are having any surgery, an endoscopy, colonoscopy, a biopsy or some other invasive medical procedure
Why are these scenarios a potential issue?
When your immune system is triggered by an illness or your body is under stress, the immune system can in rare circumstances cause unpredictable and prolonged swelling, tenderness, unpredictable or unsightly lumpiness of several of the products used in injectables.
If any of the above circumstances or similar affect you and you have an appointment coming up with Dr Jake, you will need to move your appointment - you can move your booking yourself online by clicking here (if your appointment is less than 72 hours away, this method won't work and you'll need to call us)
If you wake up on the day feeling unwell, please just call the clinic and let us know what's happening. We will reschedule you to our next available slot - with at least a 2 week buffer period to allow you to fully recover. If your symptoms linger longer, we will then need to consider moving you further ahead until you are fully recovered.
The same advice goes for dental or any other invasive procedure like surgery - include fillings, crowns, implants, any invasive treatments, local or general anaesthesia. Please complete these appointments prior with at least a 2 week gap before or after and ensure that you are fully healed.
Bruising, swelling and downtime:
It's worth emphasising that bruises and swelling cannot be avoided by any injector. Injectable treatments involve needles and injections into the soft tissues and so they will always result in some degree of downtime.
If you have an important social event, work meeting, wedding or just simply aren't comfortable with people knowing that you’ve had injectables, it's strongly recommended that you plan your treatments whilst taking the expected downtime into account. This is especially true if you are new to these treatments.
To try and reduce your risk of bruising, Dr Jake recommends avoiding the following at least five days before you undergo injectables:
-
Alcohol
-
Aspirin
-
Anti-inflammatory medicines (neurofen, ibuprofen, etc)
-
Fish or krill oils
-
Garlic/ginger supplements
Injectables & pregnancy:
If you're female and any of the following situations apply to you, you will not be able to have an injectable treatment:
-
You're actively trying for a baby or not using contraception and could fall pregnant
-
You're pregnant
-
You're preparing for or undergoing IVF
-
You're breastfeeding
We don't know the effects of injectable medicines in these circumstances as there have been no large scale studies to assess the safety of these. Please do not book a consultation in any of the above scenarios as you will not be treated and you will forfeit your consultation fee if you have to be cancelled on the day.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION?
-
You'll be reminded what you can and can't do after your procedure
-
You'll be sent an automatic email straight after your treatment with a copy of the aftercare so you don't need to remember it. Please ensure that you accept emails from gettimely.com and check your junk box also.
-
Some treatments are recommended every 3-4 months for the best results and the most consistent look. Dr Jake will recommend re-booking your next appointment before you leave the clinic so that you know you have a guaranteed booking and that things are in sync with your previous treatment results.
-
Other treatments are usually needed much less frequently but you'll be guided when your next session might be needed. If you have multiple sessions already planned, these should be booked before you leave the clinic so that you can plan your work and social diary around them.
POST-TREATMENT REVIEWS
Reviews after your consultation are complimentary and occasionally Dr Jake will book one as standard. No medical procedures or outcomes are ever guaranteed to go perfectly and occasionally a dose adjustment or something else may be required.
Treatment reviews are a great opportunity to feedback to Dr Jake how things went and discuss any concerns that you might have. You can book a review on the day of your treatment before you leave the clinic or you can book online once you are home. If you can't find a convenient space online, please call the clinic and we'll try to fit you in as best as we can.
QUICK REVIEW (15 MINS)
-
Please use this option for wrinkle consultations and only after 14 days
-
This is useful if you think that you might need a minor dose adjustment or you have any other questions.
-
NB Any additional product used will be charged for as usual.
LONGER REVIEW (30 MINS)
-
Bruising, swelling and tenderness are part and parcel of most treatments and will take a week or so to settle - reviews aren't usually needed for this.
-
Please be patient and allow 3-4 weeks before booking in for a review unless it's urgent.
-
NB Any additional product requested will be charged for as usual.