Before you book
Why the cheapest quote is not the whole price
An opinion on reading quotes for dental, skin and aesthetic treatment: what a low total can leave out, and what to ask before you say yes.
Thomas Lefèvre3 min read
Thomas Lefèvre
Writer
Writes the guides on skin and aesthetic treatments for patients. These are general guides, not medical advice.
Articles by Thomas
Aesthetics
Cosmetic treatment abroad: what to ask first
Thinking of having a cosmetic or dental treatment abroad or on holiday? Here is what official advice says to check about aftercare, insurance and consultations.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Aesthetics
Who should be injecting you? Three questions
Before any injectable treatment, ask who prescribes it, who gives it and what happens if there is a problem. Three questions, one rule.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Skin and derma
Laser hair removal: what to ask before you book
Laser hair removal questions to ask before booking: who is licensed, how skin and hair are assessed, side effects, aftercare and what to get in writing.
Thomas Lefèvre4 min read
Skin and derma
Acne: when to see a dermatologist, not a salon
Acne is common and has many treatment options. Here is when official advice suggests seeing a doctor or dermatologist, and what to ask at the visit.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Aesthetics
Skin boosters or fillers: how they differ
Skin boosters or fillers? They are both injected, but they are used for different purposes. Here is how they differ and what to ask a licensed professional.
Thomas Lefèvre3 min read
Aesthetics
Muscle-relaxing injections or fillers: what differs
Muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers are different treatments. Learn how they differ in general and what to ask before you choose either one.
Thomas Lefèvre3 min read
Skin and derma
Should I get a mole checked? What to do next
Wondering whether to get a mole checked? Here is when the NHS says to see a doctor, who to ask and what to bring, in plain words. Not a diagnosis.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Aesthetics
Dermal fillers: what to ask before you book
Considering dermal fillers? Here are the questions to ask about who injects, what is used, side effects and aftercare, plus red flags to watch.
Thomas Lefèvre5 min read
Skin and derma
Questions to ask before a chemical peel
Thinking about a chemical peel? Here are the questions to ask a licensed professional, red flags to watch for and what to expect before and after.
Thomas Lefèvre5 min read
Before you book
Why a quote can differ between two clinics
Two quotes for the same treatment can cover different things. Here is how to line them up and what to ask so you compare like with like.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Skin and derma
How to choose a sunscreen: SPF, stars and amounts
How to choose a sunscreen for daily use: what SPF and UVA star ratings mean, how much to apply and when to reapply, based on NHS and AAD advice.
Thomas Lefèvre5 min read
Aesthetics
Non-surgical body contouring: what to ask first
Non-surgical body contouring covers many devices and claims. Here are the questions to ask about who runs the device, risks, sessions and what is promised.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Aesthetics
Thread lift: what to ask before you consider one
A thread lift places fine threads under the skin. Here is what to ask about who does it, the risks, how long it lasts and what to get in writing first.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Skin and derma
Laser tattoo removal: what to ask before you book
Thinking about laser tattoo removal? Here are the questions to ask about who is licensed, the laser used, skin checks, side effects, sessions and aftercare.
Thomas Lefèvre4 min read
Aesthetics
How long do fillers last? What affects it
How long do fillers last? There is no single answer: it depends on the product, area, amount and your body. Here is what to ask your clinic about it.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Before you book
How to read a treatment quote line by line
How to read a treatment quote from a dental, skin or aesthetic clinic: what each line should show, what is often left out and the questions to ask first.
Thomas Lefèvre4 min read
Skin and derma
Sunburn: what to do and when to get help
Sunburn: general first steps from official advice, such as getting out of the sun and cooling the skin, and the signs that mean you should seek medical help.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Aesthetics
Fillers and pregnancy: what to ask your doctor
Fillers and pregnancy or breastfeeding: why clinics often ask you to wait, who to ask and the questions that matter if you are pregnant or may become so.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Skin and derma
Retinol or vitamin C serum: how they differ
Retinol or vitamin C serum? Here is how they differ in general, how people usually fit them into a routine and what to ask a pharmacist or dermatologist.
Thomas Lefèvre3 min read
Aesthetics
Lip filler: what to ask before you book
Considering lip filler? Here are the questions to ask about who injects, the product, risks, what to do if something looks wrong and how to compare clinics.
Thomas Lefèvre4 min read
Skin and derma
How to patch test a new skincare product
How to patch test a new skincare product: where to put it, how long to wait, what a reaction can look like and when to stop and ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Thomas Lefèvre2 min read
Skin and derma
Microneedling: what to ask before you book
Considering microneedling? Here are the questions to ask about who does it, the device, hygiene, who it may not suit, aftercare and what to get in writing.
Thomas Lefèvre4 min read
Aesthetics
First time injectables: what to ask and what to expect
Thinking of injectables for the first time? Here are the questions to ask about who injects, the product, risks and aftercare, plus red flags and timing.
Thomas Lefèvre4 min read