Are you worried you'll be talked into more than you need? Not sure what "doctor-led" really means when every clinic seems to use the phrase? Or wondering whether anyone will be honest with you if a treatment isn't right for you?
I'm Dr Jess, and I run Your Beauty Doctor in Mapperley, Nottingham. One of the things patients are often surprised by is how often I say no, or "not yet". This is why, and what it means for you when you choose an aesthetic doctor.
What does a doctor-led aesthetic clinic actually mean?
A doctor-led aesthetic clinic is one where a doctor assesses you, plans your treatment and takes clinical responsibility for your care. It also means having someone who is willing to say a treatment isn't right for you. For me, that last part matters most.
At Your Beauty Doctor, I carry out injectable treatments myself. Device treatments, such as laser and skin treatments, are delivered by our trained team, but every plan sits under my clinical oversight. If something doesn't feel right, the decision stops with me.
The questions I ask before I say yes
Every treatment starts with a conversation, and I ask the same questions every time.
What is your medical history? Some health conditions and medications change which treatments are safe, or how well they work. I would much rather ask too many questions than too few.
Why now? There is often a reason behind a booking: a milestone birthday, a wedding, a difficult year. Knowing it helps me understand what you are really hoping for, and whether the timing works.
What result are you hoping for? I ask patients to describe how they want to feel, not just what they want to change. "I want to look less tired" leads to a very different plan from "I want fuller cheeks".
What have you had before? Previous treatments affect what I recommend next, and sometimes they need to be corrected before we add anything new.
When I say no, or not yet
These are the kinds of situations where I will tell a patient honestly that I won't treat them, or that we should wait.
When the timing is wrong. If someone wants a result for an event next week from a treatment that takes months to work, such as Sculptra, I will say so. The same goes for laser treatment on freshly tanned skin.
When more isn't better. Some patients come in asking for more filler when the kinder answer is to dissolve old filler first and start again. Adding more to a face that already looks overfilled rarely gives a natural result.
When the concern needs a medical check first. A changing mole, a persistent rash or an unexplained skin change needs assessment before any cosmetic treatment. We offer mole checks for exactly this reason.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most aesthetic treatments are not suitable during this time, and I am happy to plan ahead with you for later.
When the expectation isn't realistic. If the result someone wants is not something a treatment can give them, I would rather be honest now than disappoint them later.
What I suggest instead
Saying no doesn't mean sending someone away with nothing. Often the better answer is:
a skin consultation to understand what is really going on
a better home routine with the right skincare
a different, gentler treatment that suits you better
simply waiting a few weeks or months until the timing is right
Patients sometimes tell me that being told "not yet" is the reason they came back and trusted us with their skin for years.
How to choose an aesthetic doctor
Wherever you decide to go, these are the things I would look for.
Check the register. Every doctor in the UK should appear on the GMC (General Medical Council) register. You can search it online in seconds.
Expect a consultation first. A proper consultation should come before any treatment, not in the same breath as a booking.
Be wary of pressure. Same-day deals and "today only" offers are not how good medical decisions are made.
Ask about aftercare. Find out who you can contact if you have a question or concern after treatment.
Look for honesty. A good practitioner will tell you the limitations of a treatment, not just the benefits.
About me
Dr Jessica Haliley
I graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 2014 with Honours and multiple Academic Awards, an established GP with a special interest in Women’s Health, continuing to practice in the NHS alongside her private clinics.
As an esteemed Aesthetics Trainer and Lecturer, Dr Jess teaches on the specialty internationally and is a Key Opinion Leader for multiple leading brands in the Industry. I was named a TATLER Top Injector 2026, recognised in the ELLE Awards 2025 and was an Aesthetics Awards 2025 finalist. I also train and mentor other aesthetic practitioners through our mentorship programme. You can read more on my profile page.
The aim at Your Beauty Doctor has always been to help you look like yourself, just refreshed, and that sometimes means treating less, not more. If you would like an honest opinion on what would help you, and what wouldn't, I would love to see you for a consultation. You can get in touch with the clinic here.
Visit us
Your Beauty Doctor is at 1A Whittingham Road, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 6BL, a short drive from Nottingham city centre. To book a consultation, call us on 0115 795 3453 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your Beauty Doctor a doctor-led clinic?
Yes. Your Beauty Doctor is led by Dr Jessica Halliley. She carries out injectable treatments herself, and every treatment plan at the clinic sits under her clinical oversight.
How do I check that my aesthetic doctor is GMC registered?
You can search the GMC (General Medical Council) register online using your doctor's name or GMC number. It shows whether they are registered and licensed to practise in the UK. Any reputable aesthetic doctor will be happy to share their GMC number.
Will Dr Jess tell me if I don't need a treatment?
Yes. Dr Jess will always tell you honestly if a treatment isn't right for you, if the timing isn't right, or if something else would help more. Sometimes the best advice is a better skincare routine or simply waiting.
Do I have to book a treatment after a consultation at Your Beauty Doctor?
No. A consultation at Your Beauty Doctor comes with no obligation to book. You can take your plan away, think it over and come back when you are ready.
Who performs injectable treatments at Your Beauty Doctor?
Dr Jess performs injectable treatments at Your Beauty Doctor herself. Device treatments, such as laser and skin treatments, are delivered by the clinic's trained team under her clinical oversight.
