Compare clinics · Melbourne
How to choose a cosmetic clinic in Melbourne
To choose a cosmetic clinic in Melbourne, compare the named practitioner, assessment process, full costs, aftercare and practical access. Ask the same questions at each clinic and keep the answers. Choose only when you understand who is responsible and what you are agreeing to; you can take time or decide not to proceed.
Compare the same five things at each clinic
Use this checklist for each clinic on your shortlist. Record the answer and anything you still need clarified. A clinic’s website can help you prepare, but your own consultation is needed to assess suitability.
What to compare before choosing a Melbourne cosmetic clinic
| Check | Ask the clinic | Keep a record of |
|---|---|---|
| Who will see you | Who assesses me, who would provide care and who handles review? | Names, roles and how to check registration. |
| The decision process | How will you assess my concern and explain options, risks and alternatives? | Written information and questions left unanswered. |
| Total cost | What is included, what might cost extra and when is payment due? | The proposed plan, quote and cancellation or deposit terms. |
| Aftercare and review | Who do I contact, and what happens if that practitioner is unavailable? | Written instructions, contact routes and review arrangements. |
| Access and accountability | Where do I attend, can I return for review and how do I request records or raise a concern? | Address, entry details and the relevant clinic contacts. |
This is a comparison aid, not a safety rating or a guarantee of an outcome. Core Aesthetics publishes this guide; it is not an independent ranking of clinics.
Confirm who will actually assess you
Ask for the full name and profession of the person you will see, not just the owner or the person pictured in an advertisement. Check individual registered health practitioners on the Ahpra public register. Match the name and profession and read any published conditions.
Registration does not establish experience in every procedure. Ask about training and experience relevant to the proposed care, and who else would be involved. The practitioner selection guide covers those individual checks in more detail. Here, the additional question is whether the clinic makes each person’s role and contact route clear.
Use the consultation to test the explanation
Describe your concern before selecting a procedure. Ask what the assessment found, why an option is being suggested and what it would leave unchanged. You should be able to ask about risks, recovery, alternatives, waiting or having no treatment.
Ahpra’s cosmetic procedure guidelines describe a consent discussion supported by written information in plain language. If two clinics propose different plans, take both explanations away and ask how they reached their recommendation. You do not have to choose during the appointment. The four questions before agreeing can help you check what is still unclear.
Compare what the quote includes
A lower total may cover different care; a higher total does not prove better care. Compare the proposed plan and its inclusions first. Ask about the consultation fee, total treatment cost, review attendance, additional treatment, deposits and cancellation terms. Request the information in writing.
For example, a review that is free to attend does not mean that further treatment is included. At Core Aesthetics, review is offered two weeks after treatment at no charge to attend; additional treatment has a separate fee. See our fees and payment policies.
Check the contact arrangements before you leave
Ask for the routine and urgent contact routes, expected response arrangements and who covers care when the treating practitioner is unavailable. Do not assume a social media message will be read promptly. Also check how you would return for an in-person review if you are travelling across Melbourne or from further away.
After care instructions should identify ordinary symptoms, unusual warning signs, activity or medicine instructions where relevant, and review details. In an emergency, use emergency services rather than waiting for a clinic message.
Read how to use your aftercare instructions and clarify anything you do not understand before proceeding.
When to pause before paying or agreeing
Pause if you cannot identify the treating practitioner, important costs or follow up details remain unclear, or you feel pressured to decide. Ask for the missing information. If the answers still do not make sense, you can seek another opinion or choose not to proceed.
Photographs, star ratings and a polished room do not establish procedure-specific competence or aftercare arrangements. If a clinic claims accreditation, ask which location, standard and accrediting agency it refers to. Avoid assuming that a logo certifies every service.
The absence of prescription medicine names or prices on a website is not, by itself, a warning sign. The TGA restricts public advertising of prescription medicines. A clinic still needs to explain the relevant options and costs during your individual care discussion.
Know how to request records or raise a concern
Ask who handles requests for your health information and how to contact them. The Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner explains access to health records, corrections and transfer requests. Keep your written advice and appointment details if you change clinics.
If you are dissatisfied, the HCC recommends raising the concern with the provider first. Its complaints guidance explains the external process. Immediate medical needs should be addressed separately from a complaint. The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights also sets out expectations for information, privacy and feedback.
Considering Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh?
Use the same checks here. Consultations are with Corey Anderson, Registered Nurse, Ahpra registration NMW0001047575. The initial consultation generally takes 30 minutes and is at no charge or obligation. You can attend to understand your options and take time before deciding.
Core Aesthetics, 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, inside BeautyTHEQUE. Call 0491 706 705 or email support@coreaesthetics.com.au for appointment, access or records questions.
There is direct entry from Atherton Road with one step, street parking out front and a car park opposite. Check directions and access before travelling and live appointment availability when choosing a time. The consultation directory helps you choose by concern without selecting a treatment.
Before you decide
Can I compare clinics before knowing which treatment I need?
Yes. Start with the concern you want assessed and compare consultation fees, the person you will see, the assessment process and follow up arrangements. A proposed treatment plan needs an individual assessment. You can attend a consultation for information without agreeing to a procedure.
Does Ahpra register cosmetic clinic businesses?
The Ahpra public register is for individual registered health practitioners, not a rating or accreditation of clinic businesses. Ask for the name of the person who will see you and check their entry. Separately confirm the clinic address, contact details and arrangements for care after the appointment.
Discuss your questions at a consultation
If you would like an assessment at Core Aesthetics, book a consultation and bring the questions you want answered. This guide is general information, not personal medical or legal advice, a regulator finding or a clinic accreditation.
Check appointment availability
Page updated 25 September 2026. General information only, not a diagnosis or personal recommendation. Clinical responsibility: Corey Anderson RN.