What to Expect at Your First Skin Consultation

Are you interested in making a change in your skin’s health and appearance? Are you unsure where to start? 

Scheduling a skin consultation with one of Skin Pharm’s advanced practice providers can give you a chance to discuss your goals and get a customized plan to help you reach them. Here’s what to expect at your first skin consultation and why it is such a beneficial tool for improving your skin.

Who can benefit from a skin consultation?

The best part of a skin consultation is that it can benefit anyone — from skin care minimalists to experienced skin care enthusiasts.

We also specialize in helping people who deal with the following:

• Breakouts
• Age-related concerns (fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of volume or elasticity)
• Scarring
• Dark spots
• Sun damage

Whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin or just want to find ways to keep your skin looking its best for as long as possible, having a skin assessment from a skin care expert can make all the difference. 

Why should I have a professional assess my skin?

From the start, we want you to know that we take your skin care very seriously. 

That’s why all skin consultations are scheduled with one of our knowledgeable advanced practice providers — an NP (nurse practitioner) or a PA (physician assistant) — who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. All of our providers have been trained in a specialty relating to aesthetic medicine, like plastic surgery or dermatology.

But why is this important?

When your skin care is managed by a medical professional, you can rest assured that you’re getting the very best care. Our providers use a holistic approach that considers you as a whole person; we care about more than just your skin. 

We also focus on using science-backed ingredients. We use skin care products and treatments to create a customized plan that considers your lifestyle, schedule and budget, as well as your skin concerns.

In addition to their expert advice, our providers are licensed and board-certified to perform powerful and effective treatments. 

Take microneedling, for example. While there are some who claim you can do it yourself at home, at-home treatments can also come with unnecessary risks (like infection). 

Plus, at-home microneedling tools typically aren’t able to reach nearly as deep into the skin — the difference between an at-home 0.2mm microneedling treatment and an in-office 2.5mm microneedling treatment is significant. And you deserve the very best.

What can I expect at my skin care consultation?

So you’ve scheduled your appointment and paid your deposit — what can you expect next?

As the first order of business during your skin care consultation, you’ll be able to get acquainted with your Skin Pharm provider. Feel free to ask them any questions about their experience; we want you to feel comfortable and safe with the level of care you’re getting. 

From there, your provider will perform an exam. Make sure to point out any specific areas of concern, especially if there is a specific skin issue that inspired you to make an appointment. 

After your exam, you’ll compare notes with your provider. We want you to feel empowered, so you’ll have the floor to tell us what you’re looking to achieve, what elements of your skin care routine have worked for you in the past, what hasn’t worked and any other information you think is important for our providers to know. 

By combining all that information, our providers will work with you to devise a plan. More than anything, we want you to feel heard and understood. Your plan may include skin care products, treatments (like Botox, filler, facials, etc.), or a combination of the two. 

We’ll also schedule your follow-up appointment, so you have something else to look forward to!

Why do I have to pay a deposit?

While a deposit is required to schedule your skin consultation, that money isn’t just there to hold your spot. The deposit covers the visit itself, but it can also be applied toward any skin care products or treatments you purchase during your visit. 

If you choose not to purchase anything, the money goes toward your advanced practice provider’s time.

Can I schedule a skin consultation if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Absolutely, although we recommend contacting your OB-GYN for clearance before your appointment. Many of our skin care products and treatments are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding patients, with the exception of retinoids and hydroquinone. 

Just make sure you tell your provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (or have any other health or skin conditions), so that they can customize the best plan to take care of your skin.

Is there anything I should do before my consultation?

There’s no prep needed before your appointment, but it may be helpful for you to write down a list of your concerns and what you’re hoping to achieve. We also request that you arrive with a bare face, if possible. 

If you can’t, we’ll have you wash your face before our provider assesses you. Bare skin gives us the most accurate idea of your skin type and helps us create the most efficient treatment plan possible.

What happens after my skin consultation?

Once you have had your consultation, you’ll leave with a customized treatment plan and product recommendations. The most important thing that you can do after your appointment is to follow your provider’s skin care advice as strictly as possible. Treat your new skin care regimen like you would a prescription medication — use it as directed for the best results. 

Remember, it takes time for your skin cells to turn over. We recommend waiting at least eight to 12 days before re-evaluating your skin. 

In the meantime, adjustments can be a normal part of the process. Your skin is constantly changing, so your treatment plan may also need to adjust to stay effective.

What skin care treatments are available?

Depending on your customized plan, your provider may suggest that you book one or more of our skin care treatments. At Skin Pharm, we offer a variety of different treatment options, each with a specific goal in mind. 

Here is a brief overview of each.

BOTOX + DYSPORT —

Botox and Dysport are injectable cosmetic treatments that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are one of our most popular options, with approximately 4.4 million treatments performed in the United States in 2020.

FILLER —

Injectable fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, are designed to add the appearance of volume to certain areas of your face. Popular filler areas include the lips and under the eyes.

MICRONEEDLING —

Microneedling is an impressive, fix-all treatment that can address concerns like dark spots and age-related issues. Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types.

BBL PHOTOFACIAL —

The BBL photofacial harnesses the power of light to target everything from dark spots to active breakouts.

GOLD INFUSION FACIAL —

Gold infusion facials “stamp” a customized cocktail of ingredients into the skin, encouraging collagen production and targeting areas of concern.

PRP —

PRP, short for platelet-rich plasma, uses a component of your own blood to encourage quicker healing and rejuvenation of your skin cells.

CHEMICAL PEELS —

Resurfacing chemical peels can help support the turnover of skin cells, leaving you with more youthful-looking and radiant skin.

KYBELLA —

Kybella injections can help dissolve fat in unwanted areas, like under the chin.

The bottom line...

Having a skin analysis performed by a licensed, board-certified skin care professional is one of the most effective ways to address your unique concerns. Plus, scheduling a skin consultation with one of our advanced practice providers can help you get the most accurate, appropriate recommendations possible. 

As an added bonus, medical professionals can perform stronger, more efficient treatments, helping you get the results you’ve always wanted. We’d love to meet you; schedule an appointment today!

SOURCES:

Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment | AAD

Safety of skin care products during pregnancy | PMC

Rosacea: Diagnosis and treatment | AAD

2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report | American Society of Plastic Surgeons