Core Aesthetics · Oakleigh
How to choose a cosmetic clinic in Oakleigh and south-east Melbourne
Choose a cosmetic clinic by checking the practitioner who will see you, how they assess your concern, what written aftercare and backup contact you receive, and the full cost of the proposed care. Compare those answers before weighing convenience or price. If you cannot identify who is responsible or feel pressured to decide, pause. This guide is published by Core Aesthetics; it is not an independent ranking of Melbourne clinics.
Start with the named practitioner, not the clinic’s star rating
Ask who will conduct your consultation and who would perform any agreed procedure. Search their name or registration number on the Ahpra public register. Match the full name, profession and registration number, and read the registration status and any listed conditions. If a name does not appear, ask for the registered name or number rather than assuming a similar entry is the same person.
Then ask about training and experience in the specific procedure. Registration is an important starting check, not evidence of competence in every cosmetic procedure. Reviews, awards and a polished website do not answer that second question. At Core Aesthetics, the practitioner is Corey Anderson RN, registration NMW0001047575. See our practitioner and clinic verification details.
Use the same questions when comparing clinics
You can compare two clinics without choosing a treatment first. Keep a short note of each clinic’s answers, separating a confirmed fact from something you still need explained.
| Check | Ask for | Follow up if the answer is unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Practitioner | Name, profession, registration and relevant training. | Who will actually see me, rather than who appears on the website? |
| Assessment | An explanation of your concern and which options fit it. | Why this option, and what would make you recommend another professional or no treatment? |
| Aftercare | Written instructions and named contacts. | Who covers care if the treating practitioner is unavailable? |
| Cost | A written quote with inclusions and possible additional charges. | Does review include attendance only, or any further treatment? |
| Access | Actual address, entry arrangements and follow-up availability. | Can I return if an in-person review is needed? |
A low quote can exclude things that another includes. A higher quote is not proof of better care. Compare the proposed plan and its inclusions before comparing totals.
Does the recommendation answer your concern?
You should be able to explain what you have noticed before being asked to choose from a treatment menu. A useful assessment connects the recommendation to a finding: for example, whether your question concerns skin texture, a line in movement or a change in facial shape. Ask the practitioner to explain that connection in ordinary language.
Ahpra’s non-surgical cosmetic procedure guidelines require assessment of suitability and discussion of alternatives, including care elsewhere or no procedure. If two recommendations differ, ask each clinician why. You can take the explanation and quote away before deciding. Our consultation questions guide can help you prepare.
Check what happens after you leave
‘Contact us if you need anything’ is incomplete unless you know whom to contact and when. Before proceeding, ask for written instructions covering usual symptoms, warning signs, activity restrictions, review dates and the relevant phone numbers. Ask what happens outside usual availability and who provides care if the treating practitioner is away.
Ahpra requires formal alternative post-procedure care arrangements when the responsible practitioner is unavailable. The TGA consumer checklist also emphasises written aftercare and follow-up. A routine review appointment is not the route for an urgent complication. Keep the instructions accessible and follow their escalation advice if a concern develops.
Which costs should be clear before you agree?
Ask about the consultation fee, total proposed treatment cost, any deposit, cancellation terms, review attendance and possible additional treatment charges. Also ask whether a recommended home-care product is optional and what it costs. You do not need to accept an extra service because it was suggested during the appointment.
At Core Aesthetics, the initial consultation is free and usually takes 30 minutes. Review is usually around two weeks and attendance is free; additional treatment is charged. American Express, Mastercard, Visa and cash are accepted without a surcharge. Cancellation is free with at least 24 hours’ notice. The pricing page explains these policies; any proposed treatment cost is discussed before proceeding.
What should you check about an Oakleigh appointment?
Choose a location you can reach for both the first appointment and a possible review. Check the actual entrance, any steps and the availability you need rather than relying on a suburb label or an old directory listing.
Core Aesthetics is at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, inside BeautyTHEQUE, with direct entry from Atherton Road and one step. Street parking is out front and a car park is opposite, but spaces are not guaranteed. If the step or another access requirement may be a problem, call 0491 706 705 before travelling.
Appointments are preferred but not mandatory. Use live appointment availability to choose a time; it is not a fixed opening-hours timetable. See arrival details before your visit.
When should you pause or seek another opinion?
Pause if the person treating you is unclear, the explanation changes when you ask about cost, an outcome is guaranteed, or you feel you must decide before you understand the plan. You can say, ‘I would like the information and quote to take home.’ If a clinic cannot provide a clear answer, choosing another provider is reasonable.
Ask how feedback and complaints are handled before any procedure. Ahpra’s guidelines require information about complaints pathways. You can raise a concern with the provider or the relevant health complaints body; immediate medical needs should be addressed separately from a complaint.
Questions you may still have
How do I compare cosmetic clinics without knowing which treatment I need?
Start with the concern you want explained. Ask each clinic who will assess you, how they decide what is appropriate, what follow-up includes and what the consultation costs. Compare those answers before choosing a procedure or accepting a treatment quote.
Does Ahpra registration mean a practitioner is qualified for every cosmetic procedure?
No. Check the profession and registration entry, then ask about training, experience and competence in the particular procedure. Registration and procedure-specific competence are separate checks. A title used in advertising does not replace either.
What if two clinics suggest different options?
Ask each practitioner which finding the recommendation addresses, why they favour it and what it would leave unchanged. Ask whether another type of professional assessment would help. You can take time or seek another opinion without committing to either plan.
What aftercare contact details should I receive?
You should know who is responsible, how to contact them and who covers care if they are unavailable. Written instructions should explain usual symptoms, warning signs and when to seek help. Check these arrangements before proceeding, especially if you will be travelling afterwards.
Is a free consultation followed by a free review the same as free treatment?
No. At Core Aesthetics, the initial consultation is free and usually 30 minutes. Review attendance is also free and is usually around two weeks. Any treatment or additional treatment is charged, with the proposed cost explained before you agree.
Is Core Aesthetics step-free?
No. There is one step at the direct Atherton Road entrance to 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, inside BeautyTHEQUE. Call 0491 706 705 before travelling if you need to discuss access. Street parking is out front and a car park is opposite, but availability is not guaranteed.
Discuss your concern in Oakleigh
Core Aesthetics, 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, within BeautyTHEQUE. Initial consultations are free and usually take 30 minutes. Check live appointment availability or call 0491 706 705.