Consulting new patients is a lot more complex than people realize. There’s a fine line between suggesting things that might help and pointing out new concerns for them to hyper-focus on/potentially become insecure about.
I can only speak to lasers/in office treatments outside of injections and surgery, since that’s what I do.
What has always worked for me is let the patient lead the conversation in the beginning, and then the provider takes lead when it comes to suggesting a treatment or treatments.
For the example I used, yes freckles come back, but it doesn’t stop the fact that they might be upset. You can still opt for laser resurfacing, but explain that it might fade them a bit or entirely, and they generally come back. That way expectations are still being met, and the patient can say yes or no. There’s also plenty of other treatments you can select too!
It’s not uncommon for a patient to have unrealistic goals, so it’s up to the provider to let them know what is achievable and what isn’t. It’s also important that providers are ready to reject a patient if they have unrealistic expectations or you just don’t have the equipment to treat what their concern is. If you try to treat someone who has unrealistic goals and refuses to acknowledge that they’re unrealistic, you ultimately will have an angry patient in the end.
To be clear, this is my method of consulting. Everyone has their own way of doing things that they find works for them. This isn’t to say you have to do it like this or any other way is wrong.
#consulting #plasticsurgeryclinic #skintreatment #aestheticnurse #dermatology lasertechnician facialtreatment microdermabrasion hydrafacial acnespecialist acnefacials acnetreatments medicalaesthetician medicalaesthetics
From my own experience working as an aesthetic nurse, one crucial aspect of patient consultations is creating an environment where patients feel heard without feeling overwhelmed or insecure about their skin concerns. Starting the conversation with open-ended questions allows patients to express what truly bothers them, whether it's freckles, acne scars, or skin texture issues. Laser treatments, such as laser resurfacing, can be highly effective for improving skin appearance, but like many procedures, results vary and often require maintenance. For example, freckles might lighten significantly after a session but tend to gradually reappear due to genetic factors and sun exposure. Setting this realistic expectation upfront not only prepares patients mentally but also builds trust. Additionally, it’s important to educate patients on alternative or complementary treatments, including microdermabrasion and hydrafacial, which may suit their skin condition or goals better. Sometimes a combination approach yields the best outcome. Handling patients with unrealistic goals requires sensitivity and professionalism. It’s better to decline treatment if their expectations cannot be met, rather than risk dissatisfaction that harms the provider-patient relationship. Honest communication about what laser and other medical aesthetic procedures can and cannot achieve is key. I have found that reflecting back patient concerns using a 'mirror technique'—repeating their words empathetically—helps reassure them they are understood. This approach reduces anxiety and builds rapport. Overall, patient consultations in dermatology and aesthetic practice go beyond suggesting treatments; they involve educating, listening, managing insecurities around skin imperfections, and fostering shared decision-making. This creates a collaborative atmosphere where patients feel empowered to choose treatments suited to their unique needs and realistic goals, ultimately enhancing satisfaction and outcomes.
