Client consultation, contraindications and treatment planning
Client consultation, contraindications and treatment planning
This domain tests whether you can take a safe, structured history, identify absolute and relative contraindications, obtain valid consent and turn the findings into a written treatment plan with realistic outcomes.
Core rules
- Record medical history, medicines, allergies, pregnancies, surgeries, recent aesthetic treatments, occupation and lifestyle. Ask open questions and record the client's own words.
- Absolute contraindications mean do not treat: active infection, open lesions, uncontrolled epilepsy, recent heart attack, pacemaker for electrical treatments.
- Relative contraindications require modification, postponement or medical referral: pregnancy, diabetes, anticoagulants, photosensitising drugs, recent sunburn or exfoliation.
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) affects skin fragility and healing; avoid waxing, peels and abrasion for at least six months after stopping, and refer.
- Patch-test colourants, lash adhesives and tints 24 to 48 hours before, and record the result.
- Obtain informed consent for each treatment, explain alternatives, risks and aftercare, and review the plan at every visit.
Worked example
A client on doxycycline asks for a lip and chin wax. Doxycycline causes photosensitivity and can make skin fragile. The correct plan is not to wax immediately: explain the risk of skin lifting, offer threading or tweezing as a lower-risk alternative, and advise waiting until the course is finished plus about two weeks, with GP advice if unsure. Record the discussion and the client's choice.
Traps
Accepting 'I had it before, I'm fine' without a record; treating a new client without a patch test; ignoring over-the-counter medicines; writing a plan that promises permanent hair reduction from waxing.