What Happens at a Skin Consultation in Nottingham Clinic?
Not sure which treatment your skin actually needs? Worried you'll walk into a clinic and be sold something you don't want? Or simply wondering what really happens once you're in the room?
A skin consultation is the best place to start if you have a skin concern but no clear idea of the answer. This guide walks you through a skincare appointment at our Nottingham clinic, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
What happens at a skin consultation?
A skin consultation at Your Beauty Doctor is a 45-minute appointment where your skin is assessed, your concerns and routine are discussed, and you leave with a clear plan. There is no obligation to book a treatment afterwards. For many patients, the plan starts with changes to their home routine rather than anything in clinic.
Step by step, from booking to your plan
Before your appointment
It helps to come prepared. Bring a list, or photos, of the skincare products you currently use, and let us know about any medications you take, since some affect how your skin behaves and which treatments are safe. If your skin flares up from time to time, photos of a flare-up are useful too.
If you can, arrive without make-up. It gives the clearest picture of your skin, and it means your scan is accurate.
The conversation
Your consultation starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. We will ask what bothers you most about your skin, how long it has been an issue, what you have already tried and what you would like to change. We will also talk about your lifestyle, from sun exposure to sleep, because these often play a bigger part than people expect.
Your skin scan
Next comes a skin scan. This uses imaging to show what is happening beneath the surface, including sun damage, pigmentation, redness and texture that is not always visible in the mirror. It gives us a baseline, so any future progress can be measured rather than guessed. If you would like to know more about how the scan works, our guide to skin analysis in Nottingham explains it in detail.
Your plan
Finally, we put it all together into a plan. This usually includes:
a home care routine, often with medical-grade skincare where it will genuinely help
in-clinic treatment options, if you need them, with an honest idea of how many sessions each one takes
a realistic timeline, so you know when to expect changes
You are welcome to take the plan away and think about it. Many patients start with skincare alone and come back later.
Skin therapist consultation or doctor consultation?
We offer two types of consultation, and choosing the right one saves you time.
A skin consultation and scan with our skin therapist is the right first step for most skin concerns, such as dullness, uneven tone, pigmentation, texture, breakouts or early signs of ageing. It focuses on your skin, your routine and treatments such as facials, peels, microneedling and laser.
A consultation with a doctor is the better choice if you are considering injectable treatments, have a more complex concern, or would like a medical view on your skin and treatment options. Dr Jess leads the clinical side of every treatment plan, whichever consultation you start with.
If you are unsure which to book, call us and we will point you in the right direction.
When to Book a Skin Consultation, and When to Book Something Else
A skin consultation suits you if you:
have a skin concern and don't know where to start
have tried several products without much change
are thinking about a treatment but want advice first
want a skincare routine built around your skin rather than a trend
It isn't the right appointment in every case. If you have a mole or lesion that is changing in size, shape or colour, book a mole check instead, so it can be assessed properly. And if you have a medical skin condition that has not yet been diagnosed, such as a persistent rash, it is best to see your GP or a dermatologist first. We will always tell you honestly if your concern needs a different kind of appointment.
What happens after your consultation
Once you have your plan, there is no pressure to book on the day. If you do start treatment, we will review your progress at follow-up appointments, and a repeat skin scan lets you see the changes for yourself. Your plan can be adjusted as your skin changes through the seasons.
Dr Jess's insight
"I never want someone to book a treatment because it is popular or because a friend had it. Good skin results start with understanding what is actually going on, and that is what a consultation is for. Sometimes the most useful thing we do is tell someone they don't need a treatment at all, just a better routine."
Dr Jessica Halliley
Your next step
A skin consultation gives you a clear picture of your skin and an honest plan, without any obligation to book. At Your Beauty Doctor in Nottingham, every consultation is led by our team under Dr Jess's clinical oversight. To book yours, visit our skin analysis page.
Visit us
Your Beauty Doctor is at 1A Whittingham Road, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 6BL, a short drive from Nottingham city centre. To book your skin consultation, call us on 0115 795 3453 or book online.
Frequently Asked Question about our Skin Consultation
How much is a skin consultation at Your Beauty Doctor?
A skin consultation and scan with our skin therapist at Your Beauty Doctor starts at £50. The appointment lasts 45 minutes and includes your skin scan and a personal plan.
How long does a skin consultation take?
A skin consultation at our Nottingham clinic takes around 45 minutes. That gives enough time for a proper conversation, your skin scan and your plan, without feeling rushed.
Do I have to book a treatment after my skin consultation?
No. A skin consultation comes with no obligation to book anything. Many patients start with changes to their skincare routine and decide on treatment later, if at all.
Should I wear make-up to a skin consultation?
It is best to arrive at your skin consultation without make-up if you can. Bare skin gives the clearest view and the most accurate scan. If that is not possible, we can help you remove it when you arrive.
Is a skin consultation the same as skin analysis?
Skin analysis is one part of a skin consultation. The scan shows what is happening beneath the surface, while the consultation adds your history, routine and goals, and turns everything into a plan.
