DG MEDICAL AESTHETICS - Frequently Asked Questions

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Trust & Safety
1. What does it mean that you are "CQC Registered"?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. CQC registration means our clinic is held to the same high standards of safety, quality, and patient care as a hospital or GP. It is a mark of our commitment to medical excellence and your safety.

2. What is a "nurse-led" clinic?

A nurse-led clinic means your consultation and treatment are performed by a Registered Nurse with advanced medical training. Our founders, Donna and Kerry, are both highly experienced nurses (Donna is also an Independent Nurse Prescriber), which ensures an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, clinical safety, and patient care.

3. I'm afraid of looking "overdone" or "fake." How do you prevent this?

This is our core philosophy. We believe true aesthetics should "whisper, not shout." We specialise in subtle, natural-looking results. Our goal is to restore and refresh, not to change your face. We achieve this through in-depth consultations, a "less is more" approach, and by creating a bespoke treatment plan that respects your unique features.

4. Are aesthetic treatments safe?

All medical procedures carry some risk, but we minimise this by being a CQC-registered, nurse-led clinic. We use only premium, evidence-based products (like those from Allergan, Teoxane, and Alma), adhere to strict medical protocols, and our practitioners are trained to manage complications (as members of CMAC). Your consultation will cover all risks associated with your specific treatment.

5. I am under 21. Can I have treatment?
No. We operate a strict "Over 21" policy for all aesthetic treatments. We reserve the right to ask for photographic identification.

Our Treatments
6. What is the difference between Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox) and Dermal Fillers?

They treat two different things.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections (like Botox®) are a prescription-only medicine that relaxes muscles. They are used to treat "dynamic" lines, which are wrinkles caused by movement (e.g., frown lines, crow's feet).
Dermal Fillers are a hyaluronic acid gel used to restore lost volume. They are used to treat "static" lines (which are present at rest) or to add structure and definition to areas like the cheeks, jawline, or lips.

7. What are Profhilo® and Polynucleotides? Are they fillers?

No, they are not fillers. They are "biostimulators" or "skin boosters."

Profhilo® is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment that deeply hydrates the skin and stimulates your body's own collagen and elastin production, helping to treat skin laxity (sagginess).
Polynucleotides are a regenerative treatment that works at a cellular level to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve skin quality. Both are designed to improve the health and quality of your skin, not to add volume like a filler.

8. What is the Alma Harmony Laser?
The Alma Harmony is a state-of-the-art, multi-platform laser. Think of it as an all-in-one skin solution. We use its different applicators to perform a range of treatments, including:

ClearLift™: A non-invasive "lunchtime facelift" to tighten skin.
Dye-VL: To treat pigmentation, sun spots, and redness.
iPixel: For laser skin resurfacing to treat texture and scarring.

9. Will my treatment be painful?

We do everything possible to minimise discomfort.

Injectables: We use a strong topical numbing cream. You may feel a small pinch, but most patients find it very tolerable.
Laser: You will feel a sensation of heat, which most patients describe as a "hot flick" against the skin. We use cooling technology to make it as comfortable as possible.

10. How long will my results last?

This varies by treatment and patient. As a general guide:

Anti-Wrinkle Injections: 3-4 months.
Dermal Fillers: 6-18 months, depending on the product and area.
Profhilo®: 6-9 months, after the initial two sessions.
Laser: Results for pigmentation can be long-lasting, while skin tightening (ClearLift) may require maintenance sessions.

The Appointment Process
11. What happens at my first consultation?

Your first consultation is the most important step. You will sit down with one of our nurses, Donna or Kerry, for an unhurried, no-obligation chat. We will take a full medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, analyse your skin and facial structure, and create a bespoke treatment plan. We explain all your options, the risks, the benefits, and the pricing so you can make an informed decision.

12. Do I have to have treatment on the same day as my consultation?

No. In fact, for most new patients, we actively encourage a "cooling-off" period. We want you to go home with all the information and feel 100% confident in your decision, free from any pressure.

13. Do I need to provide a medical history?

Yes. As medical professionals, this is a non-negotiable part of our process. All patients must provide a full and accurate medical history (including all medications and allergies) to ensure we can treat you safely. This is also stated on our consent forms.

14. I'm a returning patient. Do I need another consultation?

Even if you are a returning patient, we will always perform a review at the start of your appointment to discuss your results from last time, note any changes to your medical history, and confirm the plan for your treatment.

Bookings, Payments & Policies
15. How do I book an appointment?

The easiest way is to use our online booking system, which is available 24/7. This allows you to see all our real-time availability and secure your slot. You can also call the clinic or send an email to contact@dgaesthetics.uk.

16. Do you require a deposit?

Yes, a deposit of 10-20% is required to secure all appointments booked online. This fee is non-refundable and will be deducted from the final cost of your treatment.

17. What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly ask for a minimum of 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient.

18. What happens if I cancel late or don't show up?

Late Cancellations (less than 48 hours' notice): New patients who cancel late will forfeit their deposit.
No-Shows: If you fail to attend an appointment without notice, you will forfeit your deposit. All future bookings will then require payment in full in advance.

19. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit/debit cards, and we also offer third-party finance options, including Stripe, Klarna, PayPal, and Clearpay.

20. What is your refund policy?

We do not offer refunds on any treatments that have already been performed or on pre-paid treatment packages. We are a medical clinic, and you are paying for the treatment, product, and our clinical expertise. The risks and realistic expectations of all treatments are discussed in detail during your consent process.