Questions to ask a med spa provider

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

Before you go

Take ten minutes to jot down a few things. It saves time and helps you get clear answers.

• What you would like to change or ask about.
• Your medical history and current medications.
• Any reactions you have had to skin products or treatments.
• The questions you want answered.

At the end of the consultation, write down what was recommended, the number of sessions and the total cost.

When to pause

A consultation should feel like an exchange of information. If it feels like a sales pitch, take a step back.

Watch for pressure to commit on the spot, a treatment offered with no consultation, unclear answers about who does the work, or a reluctance to write down the total cost. Each of these is a reason to wait. To look up a license, search the website of the relevant New York state licensing board by the person's name.