Client Consultation, Contraindications, and Informed Consent
Consultation questions test whether you can screen safely, set realistic expectations, obtain valid consent, and document decisions. A good consultation is a risk assessment, not a sales script.
Core rules
Take a written medical history covering medications, supplements, allergies, skin conditions, bleeding disorders, immunosuppression, pregnancy, and prior cosmetic procedures. Review anticoagulants, isotretinoin, retinoids, and recent Botox or fillers. Absolute contraindications commonly include active infection or lesion in the treatment area, allergy to a product component, and inability to consent. Relative contraindications include pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease, keloid history, and recent isotretinoin; defer and require medical clearance when appropriate. Informed consent must cover nature of the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, aftercare, no guarantee of result, photography permission, and the right to withdraw.
Worked example
A client stopped isotretinoin 3 months ago and wants lip blush. Reasoning: isotretinoin impairs healing and raises scarring risk; many protocols defer at least 6 months. Explain the risk, decline to treat today, document the advice, and invite return after clearance.
Traps
Accepting verbal consent only; ignoring over-the-counter supplements that affect bleeding; treating over an active cold sore; assuming pregnancy is always absolute rather than a documented risk decision; failing to record the client's questions and your answers.