Based in Tunbridge Wells, Founder of Dr Christine Medical Aesthetics, Dr Christine Or, has gained her reputation of achieving natural results for her patients through offering exceptional and uniquely bespoke treatments in a relaxed, safe environment. Her ethos is focusing on a ‘less is more approach’ to enhance appearance and improve self-esteem. Dr Christine treats the face ‘as a whole’ to help restore and maintain facial harmony. Dr Christine Or is a full member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (B.C.A.M.). Before completing her aesthetic training in Harley Street, she qualified from Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London and initially worked as a General Practitioner. Dr Christine has won numerous awards including ‘Best Boutique Medical Aesthetics Clinic – South England 2021’, ‘Aesthetic Practitioner of the Year 2016’ at the Kent Health and Beauty Awards, and ‘Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2022’ at the Global Excellence Awards. We chat to Dr Christine about what to do, and what not to do…

Do think about why you are having an aesthetic treatment and your goals 
Before embarking on any aesthetic treatment, it is important to consider what you would like to achieve and your goal. My patients often come to see me at times when they are in need of a boost of self-confidence, however it is important to understand the reasons why you may be lacking in self-esteem and whether a treatment will give you the confidence you deserve. If you feel that an aesthetic treatment is the right choice for you, it is important to consider the goal for the treatment. Would you like to look less tired, less angry, younger or simply fresher? Would you like to improve skin quality, soften lines or restore lost volume in the face? There are various treatments available and often a combination of treatments will give the best results. 

Do research the right treatment for your area(s) of concern 
Once you have decided on the area(s) of concern that you wish to treat, it is now time to do your research! There is so much information available online about the types of aesthetics treatments and the results they can achieve, from medical facial treatments including chemical peels, RF microneedling and collagen-boosting treatments, through to anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers which treat wrinkles and fine lines and replace volume loss. 

Do choose your practitioner carefully 
When choosing the right practitioner or clinic for your aesthetic treatment, it is essential to do your homework and check the practitioner’s qualifications, training, experience and reviews. The aesthetics industry is currently unregulated allowing anyone to set up and call themselves an aesthetic practitioner with very little training or experience. Remember that aesthetic treatments do come with some risks and possible complications and only a prescriber such as a doctor or nurse will be able to deal with an emergency situation should it arise. Check that your chosen practitioner is a member of a professional body such as the GMC (for doctors) or NMC (for nurses) and a government approved register such as SaveFace who have inspected the clinic. Recently there have also been reports of fake products being used by unscrupulous practitioners leading to complications, so do also check that your practitioner only purchases their products from approved pharmacies and uses genuine products.  Finally check reviews, social media and before and after photos to ensure that your practitioner is on the same page as you regarding the kind of result you are looking to achieve. I am a firm believer in the benefits of a “less is more” approach. I advise on treatments to rejuvenate the face in the most natural and subtle way, so rather than just treating skin concerns in isolation, I prefer to treat the face holistically. Treating the face as a “whole” ensures the results of a treatment are balanced and harmonious. 

Do take your time during and after your consultation 
Once you believe you have found the right practitioner for you, they will offer you a consultation to discuss your concerns, goals, and aesthetic treatment options to achieve the best results possible. The consultation is an opportunity for you to also chat through any worries, concerns, and aspirations with your practitioner. It is also an opportunity for you to check out the clinic itself. Is it clinically clean and would you feel comfortable having a treatment at the clinic? 

Do follow advice from your aesthetic practitioner in preparation for before and after your treatment 
After your consultation, your practitioner should provide you with all the information you need to consider your treatment options. You should never feel pressured to have a treatment there and then. Instead, you should be allowed to take your time to decide which treatment(s) you would like to have and contact the clinic to book your appointment. Following a new patient consultation, all my patients are provided with a written treatment plan.

Don’t rush into a treatment 
If you aren’t completely sure whether an aesthetic treatment is right for you, it is important not to rush, and I would advise taking some time to think about it. It may also be worth getting a second opinion from another practitioner, just in case there is a better chemistry with them. Choosing the right practitioner is completely personal and very important because ultimately you need to trust that they understand exactly what you wish to achieve and they will recommend the best course of treatment. It is also important to consider and think about the side effects of certain treatments as well as any potential risks, not just the benefits of a treatment. 

Don’t let anyone or anything influence your decision 
Some aesthetic treatments can also change the appearance of your facial features, so it is important that you are having the treatment for yourself because you want to, not because you feel pressured by someone else or various trends, for example influencers on social media or your friends. 

Don’t go against advice from your aesthetic practitioner 
If you decide to go ahead with your aesthetic treatment, many practitioners will advise not drinking any alcohol beforehand and only having your treatment if you feel well overall. They may also recommend avoiding exercise straight after a treatment or avoiding exposing the treated area to the sun or extreme temperatures. Certain treatments have very specific aftercare advice or downtime, and it’s important not to go against this.