Before your visit
A little preparation, a better result.
What to do in the days before your appointment, what to bring, and when it's better to rearrange. Gwen will give you advice specific to you, too.
On the day
- Clean skin
- A list of your medicines
- A little extra time
The countdown
From two weeks out to treatment day.
Choose your treatment to see just the advice that applies. It's general guidance: Gwen will tailor it to you at your consultation.
All 17 tips
Two weeks before
Plan ahead
- Anti-wrinkle & Fillers
Give it time before an event
Anti-wrinkle results take up to two weeks to settle, and filler can swell for a few days, so leave room before a wedding, holiday or party.
Work out your dates - Masseter
Masseter builds slowly
The jaw muscle relaxes gradually, with the full result at 4 to 6 weeks, so book well ahead of a big day.
Work out your dates - Skin booster
Start a course in good time
Skin boosters work best as a course of sessions a few weeks apart, so begin early if you have a date in mind.
- Fillers
Hold off on dental work
If you're having filler, avoid dental treatment for two weeks before and after, and tell Gwen if any is booked.
- Anti-wrinkle & Fillers
One week before
Go gently on bruising
- Face treatments
Pause bruise-prone supplements
If you can, pause supplements that can increase bruising, such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic and St John's wort.
- Face treatments
Choose painkillers carefully
Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless they're prescribed for you. If you need something for pain, paracetamol doesn't usually affect bruising.
Keep taking prescribed medicine
Never stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your GP or prescriber first. Just let Gwen know what you take.
- Face treatments
24–48 hours before
Easy does it
- Face treatments
Skip the alcohol
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment: it can make bruising more likely.
- Skin booster
Pause retinoids and acids
Stop retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids on the area for a couple of days before skin boosters, so your skin is calm on the day.
- Fillers
Mention cold sores
If you get cold sores, tell Gwen before lip filler: lip treatments can sometimes trigger one, and she can advise you on what to do beforehand.
- Face treatments
On the day
Come as you are
- Face treatments
Clean skin
Come with clean skin, make-up free if you can. Your skin is cleansed before treatment either way.
- Vitamin B12
Sleeves that roll up
Wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily: B12 is usually given in the upper arm.
Eat normally
Have your usual meal beforehand, so you feel your best.
Bring a list
Any medicines and supplements you take, and any aesthetic treatments you've had before.
Allow a little time
Especially at your first visit, so nothing feels rushed.
- Face treatments
Keep the rest of the day easy
Plan no workout straight after: strenuous exercise is best avoided for 24 hours.
- Face treatments
Afterwards
Aftercare, handled
Written aftercare to take home
You'll leave with a written aftercare card, and the booklet for your treatment is ready to download.
Read the aftercare guide
Good to know
Please tell Gwen, or rearrange, if…
Most of these simply mean treatment is better another day. To rearrange, call Gwen at least 48 hours before your appointment.
You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or might be
Injectable treatments aren't recommended, so let Gwen know straight away.
You're unwell or have a temperature
Call to rearrange and rest up: treatment can wait until you're well.
There's a cold sore or skin infection near the area
Treatment has to wait until the skin has fully healed.
You've had dental work, or have some booked
For filler, allow two weeks either side of dental treatment.
You've started a new medicine
Some can affect what's suitable, so Gwen will check before treating.
There's a big event within two weeks
Gwen may suggest waiting until afterwards, or planning around it.
Plan with the event planner
New to Gwen?
Your first consultation.
Every journey at Aesthetics by Gwen starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your concerns and goals, assess your skin and facial features, and build a plan that is honest about what each treatment can and cannot do.
- 20–30 minutes
- Complimentary
- No pressure to book
- 01
Your goals
We talk through what you'd like to change and what you'd like to keep.
- 02
Medical history
A short health questionnaire so every recommendation is safe for you.
- 03
Assessment
A careful look at your skin, muscle movement and facial balance.
- 04
Your plan
A written plan with options and prices. No pressure to book on the day.
What to bring
- A list of any medicines and supplements you take
- Details of any aesthetic treatments you've had before, and when
- Your goals: what you'd like to change, and what you'd like to keep
- Your questions, written down so nothing is forgotten
Questions
Quick answers, before you come.
Should I stop my medication before treatment?
No. Never stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your GP or prescriber. Tell Gwen what you take and she'll advise you.
Can I wear make-up to my appointment?
You can, though coming make-up free saves time: your skin is cleansed before treatment either way. Afterwards, it's best to skip make-up for at least four hours.
How long should I allow?
Most treatments take between 15 minutes and an hour, and a consultation 20 to 30 minutes. Allow a little extra at your first visit so nothing feels rushed.
What if I need to cancel or rearrange?
Call Gwen at least 48 hours ahead. Without that notice, a deposit or a treatment from a package may be lost.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. New clients have a consultation before any treatment. It's free, and there's no pressure to book.
All prepared?
Ready when you are.
Send Gwen the treatments and dates you'd like. She'll take it from there.