Your first med spa visit can be exciting, but you may also be nervous about what to expect, especially if you are a cosmetic treatment newbie. We’ve created this guide to walk you through the process so you can arrive feeling prepared and confident. Whether you’re considering laser hair removal or Botox, knowing what to expect can help you relax and enjoy the experience, so you leave feeling better than when you arrived.

How to Prepare for Your Treatment

When you schedule your treatment, you can ask how you should prepare. Different treatments have different preparation guidelines, so a quick Google search can also help if you prefer to book online. Generally, any treatments that involve lasers or injections require avoiding the sun for a week before your appointment. For other treatments, you may need to stop using active ingredients or medication, so it’s crucial to find out details before you arrive.

What Should You Do When You Arrive?

It’s important to arrive for your first appointment at least 15 minutes early so you have time to complete the medical history, allergy, skincare routine, and aesthetic goals forms. Wear comfortable clothing so it’s easier to access the part of your body we need to treat. If you are booked for a skincare treatment, arrive with clean, product-free skin. Makeup, lotion, and SPF can interfere with lasers and skin rejuvenation procedures.

If you are having a treatment that may be uncomfortable (lasers or needles), make sure you eat something before coming in to avoid lightheadedness or fainting. We use numbing creams, but if you are particularly sensitive to pain, eating helps maintain stable blood sugar, which can dip due to physical stress and discomfort. If you feel severe pain at any point, let us know so we can reassess and help you feel more comfortable.

The Consultation

The first step is a quick chat about your health and medications to make sure there won’t be any negative drug interactions. We’ll then move on to the aesthetic consultation, where you have a one-on-one with one of our registered nurses. We will listen to your concerns while we examine your skin type and conditions. Next, we’ll discuss your chosen treatment to make sure you understand the ins and outs of the procedure.

Depending on factors like your age, skin texture, hydration, pigmentation, and laxity, we may recommend specific treatments suited to beginners. At The Laser Cafe, we prioritize safety, so if we feel that your chosen treatment may cause harm, we will advise against it and suggest an alternative. For example, instead of a deep chemical peel, it may be better to start with a more gentle skin resurfacing treatment to see how your skin reacts.

The skincare consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions, so don’t be shy. We’re here to help you feel at ease, and there are no silly questions when it comes to your health. Our nurses are highly educated and have plenty of experience helping other clients reach their goals. Common questions we receive include those about downtime, the number of sessions needed, and what the treatment will feel like.

What Should Patients Expect During The Treatment?

When we’re ready to start, you’ll be in a private procedure room so you can relax completely. For many of our clients, longer treatments are the ideal time for a quick nap. We will first prep your skin with a cleanser and numbing cream. If you have concerns at any point, please let us know. Some procedures result in a mild warmth, tingling, or pricking sensation, but you shouldn’t feel any severe pain. Beginner cosmetic treatments rarely take more than an hour.

Post-Treatment Care

After your treatment, we will provide verbal and written aftercare instructions. For example, you may need to use ice for swelling, skip intense workouts, or use only gentle cleansers. It’s essential to adhere to aftercare guidelines to avoid complications. You may experience mild redness, puffiness, and bruising that should fade within a few days. Remember, you can call us anytime if you have questions or concerns about your results.

The Importance of Choosing a Reputable Provider

Choosing a local med spa that is board-certified and employs registered nurses is a critical factor in achieving successful results. When a med spa isn’t certified, there is no way to know whether it follows US health and safety standards. Infections aren’t worth the dollars saved, so make sure you choose a spot with rave reviews and proof of its qualifications, like The Laser Cafe. We follow all the guidelines that govern our industry to keep our clients safe at all times.

Bring Out Your Inner Glow

If you’re ready to feel fabulous inside and out, contact The Laser Cafe to schedule a consultation. Take a look at our website to learn more about our full med spa services and book your first appointment. Email or call us if you are unsure about anything, or even when you need reassurance before your first session. We welcome med spa beginners and seasoned pros. We are here to help everyone look and feel their very best.

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