You have done the searching. You have opened a few clinic websites. You might even have a list of questions saved in your phone. Now you are wondering what actually happens at a first consultation.
You do not need to arrive with a treatment plan worked out. If you are considering a Botox consultation in Surrey, the useful preparation is much simpler: bring your questions, your health information and an honest sense of what you are comfortable with.
At BC Laser & Skincare, Dr. Sachit Shah and Dr. Yasmin Garcia are our physician injectors. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss suitability and make an informed decision.
Start with what brought you in
Tell us in your own words why you booked. There is no need to choose the “right” medical phrase. Just as helpful is telling us what you are worried about, what you would prefer to avoid and whether you have had an experience elsewhere that you want to discuss.
If you have an upcoming event or travel plans, mention the date. Ask what your schedule would mean for assessment, potential side effects and follow-up. An appointment immediately before an important occasion may leave little room to address an unexpected concern.
Bring your medication list and treatment history
Bring the names of your prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements. Tell the physician about allergies, relevant medical conditions, previous reactions and any recent injections, including treatment at another clinic.
If possible, bring the name of the previous product and the treatment date. A receipt or treatment record can be useful if you are unsure. Tell us if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding so the physician can discuss appropriate next steps.
Do not stop a prescribed medication, including a blood thinner, to prepare for a cosmetic appointment without advice from the clinician who manages it. Tell us what you take so that your care can be planned appropriately.
You do not need to choose a brand before meeting us
Patients often use “Botox” when asking about neuromodulator appointments, but it is a brand name. Our clinic offers Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Nuceiva and Boey. Mention a product if you have a question about it, or if you have received it before.
There is no homework requirement to compare every option online. Ask the physician which information is relevant to you, what the product’s patient leaflet says and what they need to know before making a recommendation.
Ask about the full cost
“How much is the appointment?” and “How much is the proposed treatment?” are different questions. Ask about consultation fees, the written estimate, what is included and the arrangements for follow-up. Confirm current fees with our team before booking.
A number you saw on an old blog or a quote given to a friend may not apply to your appointment. You should understand the proposed cost before deciding whether to proceed.
Make room for the questions you nearly did not ask
It is easy to forget your questions once you are sitting in a consultation room. Save a short list on your phone. Include anything you have been reluctant to ask, whether it is about discomfort, medical history, product choice or taking time to decide.
Useful questions include: “Is treatment appropriate for me?”, “What are the risks in my situation?”, “What are my alternatives?” and “What would make you recommend waiting?”
A consultation is not a commitment
You can listen, ask questions and go home to think. You can also decide not to have treatment. That is part of informed consent, and a reason to make the assessment a meaningful conversation.
For a closer look at the people you will meet, meet Dr. Shah and Dr. Garcia. Dr. Shah’s injectable experience dates to 1997, and our Surrey clinic has been established since 2000.
Ready to ask us your questions?
Read more about Botox consultations in Surrey here. You can also get in touch with us or call/text 604-580-2464 to enquire about an appointment at Suite 101, 13805 104th Avenue.
Patient information: Read the Canadian Botox Cosmetic patient information and the AAD’s preparation guide. Bring anything you would like explained to your consultation.
From the BC Laser & Skincare team. This article is general information, not a personal treatment recommendation. A physician must assess your suitability and explain the risks, alternatives and product-specific instructions.
