How to Prepare for Your First Aesthetics Appointment
By Mr Xavier Chalhoub · Xavier On The Hill, Richmond
Booking your first aesthetics appointment can feel like a big step. You might feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness — and that's completely normal. At Xavier On The Hill, we see first-time patients every week, and the most common thing they say afterwards is: "I wish I'd done this sooner." Here's a straightforward guide to what happens, how to prepare, and what to expect — so you can walk in feeling confident.
Before Your Consultation
The good news is that there's very little you need to do to prepare. No special skincare routine, no fasting, no complicated instructions. Just turn up as you are.
That said, a little thought beforehand can make your consultation more productive. Think about what specifically bothers you when you look in the mirror. Is it the lines on your forehead? The shape of your lips? A general feeling that your skin looks tired? You don't need to know which treatment you want — that's what the consultation is for — but having a clear sense of your concerns helps guide the conversation.
If you've seen results on other people that you like (or don't like), save a few photos on your phone. Visual references are incredibly helpful. They give your practitioner a clear picture of the aesthetic you're drawn to, and they help set realistic expectations about what treatment can achieve.
Write down any questions you have. In the moment, it's easy to forget the things you wanted to ask. Common questions include how long results last, what the downtime is, whether the treatment hurts, and whether results are reversible. No question is too basic — a good practitioner will welcome every one of them.
What Happens During the Free Consultation
At Xavier On The Hill, every new patient starts with a complimentary consultation. There's no cost and no obligation to proceed with treatment. Here's what that consultation involves:
A facial assessment. Mr Chalhoub will examine your face — looking at your skin quality, facial structure, muscle movement, and the specific areas you've mentioned. This assessment is done in natural light and from multiple angles, because the face looks different from the front than it does in profile.
An honest conversation. This is the part that distinguishes a great practitioner from an average one. Based on the assessment, Mr Chalhoub will explain what he sees, what treatment could realistically achieve, and — equally importantly — what you don't need. A trustworthy practitioner should sometimes talk you out of treatment, not just into it. If you come in asking for something that wouldn't suit your face, you should be told that honestly.
Treatment options explained. If treatment is appropriate, you'll receive a clear explanation of the options: what each treatment does, how it works, how long results last, and what it costs. There's no jargon, no hard sell, and no pressure to make a decision on the spot.
Your questions answered. This is your time. Ask everything you've been wondering about. How much experience does the practitioner have? What products do they use and why? What's the worst that could happen? How do they handle complications? A confident, experienced practitioner will answer all of this openly.
The consultation typically takes around fifteen to twenty minutes. Some patients choose to go ahead with treatment on the same day — particularly for quick treatments like Botox. Others prefer to go away, think about it, and book a separate appointment. Both are completely fine.
If You Decide to Go Ahead
Once you've decided on a treatment plan, there are a few simple things to bear in mind in the days before your appointment.
Avoid alcohol for twenty-four hours before treatment. Alcohol thins the blood and increases the likelihood of bruising. One glass of wine the night before isn't going to cause major issues, but avoiding alcohol altogether gives you the best chance of a bruise-free result.
Avoid blood-thinning medications if possible. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements like fish oil and vitamin E can increase bruising. If you take any of these, mention it during your consultation. If you've been prescribed blood thinners by your doctor, do not stop taking them without medical advice — just let Mr Chalhoub know so he can plan accordingly.
Come with a clean face. If your treatment involves the face, arrive without heavy makeup if possible. You'll need to remove it before treatment, and arriving bare-faced saves time.
Eat something beforehand. This is practical advice rather than medical advice. Feeling slightly faint during injections is not uncommon, and it's almost always because the patient hasn't eaten recently. A normal meal or snack before your appointment keeps your blood sugar stable and helps you feel comfortable.
During Your Treatment
The treatment experience varies depending on what you're having done, but there are some universal things to expect.
The treatment room at Xavier On The Hill is a calm, private, clinical space. It's just you and Mr Chalhoub — this isn't a conveyor-belt clinic where you're passed between different people.
For injectable treatments (Botox, fillers, PRP), numbing cream is applied where appropriate. We use ultra-fine TSK invisible needles, which are specifically designed for comfort. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort is involved — the anticipation is almost always worse than the reality.
Botox takes around fifteen to twenty minutes. Dermal fillers take twenty to thirty minutes. PRP takes forty-five minutes to an hour (because of the blood processing step). Profhilo takes around twenty minutes.
Throughout the treatment, Mr Chalhoub will explain what he's doing and why. If at any point you want to pause, ask a question, or simply take a breath, you absolutely can. You're always in control.
After Your Treatment
You'll receive clear aftercare instructions tailored to your specific treatment. General guidance includes avoiding vigorous exercise for the rest of the day, being gentle with the treated area, staying out of extreme heat (saunas, steam rooms) for forty-eight hours, and avoiding lying face-down for four hours after Botox.
Some swelling, redness, or mild bruising is normal in the first day or two — particularly with filler and PRP treatments. This settles quickly. We'll explain exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.
Every treatment at Xavier On The Hill includes a complimentary follow-up appointment, typically scheduled at two weeks. This is your chance to see the settled results together, ask any questions, and make minor adjustments if needed. For Botox, this is when we can assess whether any additional units are required. For fillers, it's when we confirm you're happy with the shape and volume.
Between appointments, you can reach us via WhatsApp if you have any questions or concerns. Supporting our patients doesn't stop when they leave the treatment room.
A Note for the Nervous
If you're feeling anxious about your first appointment, please know that this is completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. A large proportion of our patients at Xavier On The Hill are first-timers, and creating a calm, reassuring experience is something we take seriously.
You are not committed to anything by attending a consultation. You will not be judged for deciding not to go ahead. You will not be pressured, rushed, or made to feel that you "should" have anything done. The consultation exists for your benefit — to give you the information you need to make a decision that feels right for you, on your own timeline.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your practitioner, confident in their expertise, and clear about what to expect. If those three things are in place, everything else follows naturally.
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to take the first step? Consultations at Xavier On The Hill are complimentary, unhurried, and completely no-obligation. Whether you know exactly what you want or you're just exploring your options, you're welcome.
Book Your Free Consultation
Every journey at Xavier On The Hill begins with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
Book Now