Aesthetic Medicine 101: Where Should I Start?
A visit with your “aesthetic injector” is most likely not something you would’ve thought you would schedule annually, let alone quarterly when you were in your early twenties—like you do for the OB/GYN or dentist. Thankfully the increased acceptance of maintaining our “looks” with the help of medicine, specifically aesthetic medicine, has become mainstream. And now our Botox appointments are a commonly scheduled event on our Gmail calendar.
Ashley Perkins, PA-C, Renée C. Gage Photography
For those just starting to schedule these appointments and not sure what to expect or plan for, here’s your “Aesthetic Medicine 101” Guide to help prepare for your initial consult:
Word of mouth referrals. I pride the growth of my business on its organic growth —which has 100% come from word of mouth or client referrals. This organic growth naturally creates an environment of like-minded people, which means if your best friend loves me, chances are you’ll love me, too. Find someone who your friends speak highly of, where you feel heard and well taken care of, and appreciate the clinician’s honest opinion and recommendations.
What do you want? The first thing I ask you when you sit down with me is always “What do you love about yourself?” This is the most important reason (to me) for why you are sitting in my chair. I want to naturally enhance or support what you love about yourself (and by the way that may not just be what you see, it can also be how you feel when you describe your goals). Be sure to come to your appointment with some idea or feeling of what you want to accomplish. And not to worry I will help guide you with what that could look like with all the tricks and tools medical aesthetics has to offer!
What will we talk about? We will always discuss the three important aspects of aesthetic medicine:
Movement and the associated “lines” that result: think ‘Tox
Volume and the associated hollowness or heaviness: think fillers
Skin health including texture, hydration and elasticity: think all things skincare
Day of Prep: If you’re a bruiser or someone worried about bruising, do try to follow the pre-appointment prep; limit things that can cause you to bruise easier: alcohol, aspirin based products and fish oil supplements.
Key questions to ask? Ask about me! Ask me how I got into aesthetics, ask me what I love about it, ask me what I've done - I’m an open book and happy to share why I love this part of medicine. Of course other important questions: How long will the procedure take? Will it hurt? What can and can’t I do after? Will I bruise? (See above!) Can I workout? Can I put makeup on? Can I ice or take Tylenol? When should I schedule one procedure versus another? And one of the most important questions: Cost - this one deserves its own section!
Cost: Real talk: Aesthetic medicine is not cheap. Our products are expensive, the training we attend to stay on top of our skills is expensive but an absolute required business expense and insurance sadly does not recognize these treatments (yet!). There are a wide range of treatments within aesthetics which means a wide cost range. ‘Tox for smaller areas like your “crows feet” (lines around your eyes) could be as little as $300 a treatment where a full face “sprinkle” could be $800 to $1000.
The more advanced injectables like the collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra or Radiesse can be over $700 to $1000 depending on the number of vials or syringes needed. Practice size also affects cost (larger practices may be able to have lower price points due to volume, but may also charge more for the experience or the number of years the provider has been injecting).
The technique of facial balancing is treating the entire face and not just spot treating which results in a more natural and sustainable result. This often requires 2-5 syringes for some which can increase the price tag to thousands of dollars. I list this out to not discourage you from starting your aesthetic journey, but instead so you are well informed for your visit. We can come up with a plan that works for both you and your budget.
The consultation is probably one of my favorite parts: we learn a little bit about each other, come up with a results-driven sustainable plan all while jamming to my favorite 90s/2000s hip-hop playlist. My consults are always complimentary, and allow for time to start treatment. If you decide you’re ready to start your aesthetic journey with me – just be prepared to sing along to a great playlist!
Yours in Health & Happiness,
Ashley
See Also: Protection is Prevention
