What to ask a provider before you decide

A checklist for your consultation

Ask each one and note the answer.

• License and role of the person performing the treatment
• Their training and how often they do this treatment
• The device, product or method being used
• What a series involves and how it is spaced out
• Aftercare instructions and how long they apply
• Possible side effects and how they are handled
• What happens and who pays if something goes wrong
• Total cost in writing before you start

Your consultation notes

It helps to treat a consultation like any appointment where you need to make a decision. Bring notes in, and leave with notes.

Going in, have your health history, medications, allergies and past treatments written down, plus your questions. Coming out, write down who you met, what they suggested, the device or product named, the aftercare, and the total cost they quoted. Notes make it much easier to compare providers or sleep on it.

If something feels rushed

Trust your sense that something is off. Common warning signs include:

• Being told to decide now or lose a deal.
• Being treated without a consultation first.
• Not being told who will do the treatment.
• No clear, written total cost.
• Promises about exactly how you will look.

You can check the person's license with the relevant Texas state board before you return.