Here is what your written plan should include :
• Timing of each session .
• The number of session ( s ) needed / recommended .
• The length of time of the appointment ( i . e ., do they need to arrive early for numbing ?).
• The estimated cost , including any products that you have recommend , including those for pre- and post-treatment .
Overall , it is important to manage your patient ’ s expectations so you can obtain positive and rewarding feedback and results . To potentiate and enhance the effects of their office visit , let your patients know that multiple treatments may be required for the best results and that maintenance will be needed . We are all organically made and forever changing , which is why no treatment is a “ one and done ” that lasts forever ! By doing so , you are taking the additional step of ensuring your patient understands their commitment to the success of their treatments .
The consultation and treatment plan , in my opinion , are the hardest part of our job . Generally , when a new patient tells me that they were unhappy with the results of a procedure , it is often because they didn ’ t have a comprehensive treatment plan , or they didn ’ t follow it .
This is a good reminder to not just go over the plan with the patient but give them a copy for their reference along with any written material or pamphlets that you have .
Upon concluding your appointment , encourage them to schedule their next appointment before they leave . Oftentimes , a successful consultation will have the patient feeling informed and eager to book their next appointment before they have even concluded their current one . However , if they are not quite ready to commit or need more time to think about it , then encourage them to do further research and make them feel comfortable to reach out to you with any questions .
Finally , life goes by , and people get busy . However , part of our job as aesthetic providers is to follow up . Always ensure to follow up with your patients , whether it be about their previous treatments or an upcoming one . It will demonstrate care and will provide you with more information as to what type of patient they are and how you can best fit their needs .
From the thoughts of Linda Pitt .
The complications of providing the wrong treatment could be catastrophic for both you and the patient .