Informed consent is the conversation that gives you relevant information, an opportunity to ask questions and freedom to choose before cosmetic care. Corey Anderson RN discusses what he has assessed, suitable options, material risks, limitations, alternatives, practical details and the choice to wait or not proceed.
Consent begins with a conversation
Informed consent means having enough relevant information to make your own voluntary decision before cosmetic care. It begins with what you have noticed, what you hope to understand and what Corey finds during assessment.
You can ask questions, revisit a point or take more time. The useful outcome is clarity about the recommendation and your choices, whether you decide to proceed later, wait or leave without a treatment plan.
What should you understand before deciding?
What Corey has found
You should understand what can be assessed, what remains uncertain and why a recommendation may or may not suit you.
Your realistic options
Alternatives can include waiting, review, referral, no cosmetic care or a different approach after assessment.
Risks and limitations
Material risks, likely limitations and the practical demands of aftercare should be clear enough for you to weigh.
What happens around the decision
Costs where relevant, photographs, preparation, aftercare, review and contact arrangements belong in the conversation.
A form records the conversation, it does not replace it
A signed form can record part of the process, but the conversation is where understanding is built. Corey explains the assessment and recommendation in plain language, then checks what you want clarified rather than treating silence as agreement.
You are welcome to bring a list of questions. If a term is unfamiliar, a risk feels unclear or you want to compare the recommendation with waiting, say so. Consent should make the decision easier to understand, not simply quicker to complete.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia describes informed consent as voluntary agreement made with knowledge and understanding of potential benefits and risks. Its professional standards and codes provide the wider nursing context.
You can pause at any point
A point needs more explanation
Ask Corey to revisit the recommendation, a material risk, an alternative or any practical detail that affects your choice.
You would like more time
You can take the information away, consider it in your own time and arrange another conversation if useful.
The plan does not feel right
You can say no or withdraw consent before care occurs. A consultation does not create an obligation to proceed.
A useful question is always welcome
You do not need clinical language to ask a good question. Try: What have you assessed? What are the realistic alternatives? Which risks matter most in my situation? What would make you advise waiting? Who do I contact if I have a concern afterwards?
For a broader appointment overview, read what happens in an aesthetic consultation. This page stays focused on the consent conversation itself.
What the conversation sounds like in practice
Corey first listens to what brought you in and checks the health information relevant to assessment. He explains what he can see, what cannot be concluded from appearance alone and whether another clinician or more information should come first.
If an option is suitable to discuss, he covers the reason for it, material risks and limitations, alternatives, costs where relevant and what preparation, aftercare and review would involve. You can then choose to continue the conversation, take time or decline.
Ahpra’s current guidelines for registered practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures set the official professional context for assessment and informed consent.
Bring these details to make the discussion useful
| Bring or consider | What to note | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Your concern | What you notice, when you notice it and what you would like to understand. | The conversation starts with your experience, not a treatment label. |
| Health and care history | Medicines, allergies, health conditions, recent care and relevant previous cosmetic care. | Complete information supports a personal suitability assessment. |
| Your questions | Risks, alternatives, costs, photographs, aftercare, review or who to contact. | A written list can make it easier to cover what matters before deciding. |
When consent should pause
Consent does not make an unsuitable plan appropriate. Corey may recommend more information, medical review, referral, waiting or no cosmetic care when health details are unclear, the skin is not ready, decision-making is impaired, pressure is present or the balance of risk and likely benefit is not acceptable.
If you feel rushed, affected by alcohol or another substance, unable to understand the discussion, or uncertain about what you are agreeing to, the decision should pause. You can also withdraw consent before care occurs.
What to expect at your visit
You will meet directly with Corey for a calm, private conversation about your concern, health context and the questions you want answered.
Corey assesses first, explains the available pathways and gives you room to decide. Same-day care is not automatic and may only be discussed when assessment, suitability and informed consent support it.
Come in with questions, leave with clarity
Meet Corey to discuss what you have noticed, understand the choices and decide in your own time.
Is this for you?
Consider booking a consultation if
- Adults who want to understand consent before considering cosmetic treatment
- Patients who want risks, limitations, alternatives and suitability explained clearly
- People who want to know how to ask questions or take time before deciding
- Patients who value a consultation-first approach with the option not to proceed
This may not be for you if
- People seeking a promised result or treatment decision before assessment
- People seeking cosmetic treatment for a person who is not an adult
- People wanting a product-led appointment rather than a consent-based consultation
- People with active infection, unhealed skin or an unresolved medical concern in the area to be assessed
- People who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding and are seeking elective cosmetic treatment
Suitability is confirmed at consultation. This list is general guidance, not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What does informed consent mean in an aesthetic consultation?
It means the patient has enough relevant information to make a voluntary decision. This includes suitability, risks, limitations, alternatives, timing, costs where relevant, aftercare and the option not to proceed.
Is signing a consent form enough?
No. A form can record the discussion, but informed consent depends on understanding. The patient should have the chance to ask questions, hear relevant risks and take time if needed.
Can I change my mind after giving consent?
Yes. Consent can be withdrawn before treatment occurs. You can ask for more time, decline a recommendation, ask further questions or decide that you do not want to proceed.
Can treatment happen on the same day as the consent discussion?
It may be discussed for some adult patients, but only if Corey determines that treatment is suitable and appropriate, consent is complete and proceeding is in the patient’s interests.
What information should be discussed before treatment?
The discussion should cover the concern, assessment findings, suitability, relevant risks, limitations, alternatives, costs where relevant, timing, aftercare, review and the option of no treatment.
What can make consent invalid or treatment unsuitable?
Pressure, poor understanding, impaired decision making, unresolved medical concerns, active infection, pregnancy, breastfeeding or treatment sought for a person who is not an adult may mean treatment is not appropriate.
Are clinical photographs part of consent?
Clinical photographs may be part of assessment or records. Patients should understand why photographs are taken, how they are stored and whether separate permission would be needed for use outside the clinical record.
Can I ask for more time before deciding?
Yes. Taking time to consider information is appropriate. Cosmetic treatment decisions should not feel rushed, and waiting can be the safer choice when questions remain unresolved.