Getting cosmetic treatments may seem simple. However, while they can treat conditions, enhance your appearance, and improve your self-esteem, cosmetic treatments have risks like any other medical procedures.

Dermatologists say you can reduce the risks by asking the right questions before your cosmetic treatment.

“The more information you have before a cosmetic procedure, the better! You should know as much about the procedure as possible,” says board-certified dermatologist Thomas E. Rohrer, MD, FAAD.

How should I prepare for a cosmetic procedure?

The cosmetic consultation is necessary when preparing for a cosmetic procedure. Information will be provided on the indications, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure you are considering, which is important, so you can make the best-informed decision on whether you want to proceed with the treatment or not.

─ DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD

We all have things that bother us about our looks, and you should bring them up with your dermatologists prior to the treatment. These are good areas to start with. You should also ask your dermatologist if they see anything else that could be addressed. Often, others see us differently than we see ourselves, so it is always good to have both points of view before having any cosmetic procedure.

─ Thomas E. Rohrer, MD, FAAD

Patient safety is dermatologists’ No. 1 priority. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, consumers should ask the following questions:

Questions to ask yourself before a cosmetic procedure

First, check in with yourself. The following questions can help you get started:

• What do I want to get out of this procedure? Having clear goals can help you decide which procedure to get.

• What kind of downtime and risk am I willing to take? Some procedures require more recovery time than others.

• How much can I pay or will my insurance cover? Talk to your insurance provider for more information.

Protect your health, safety, and appearance by partnering with a board-certified dermatologist for cosmetic treatments.

Questions to ask about the doctor performing your cosmetic procedure

Because your results depend largely on the skill and experience of the person performing the procedure, it is important to select a board-certified physician. A dermatologist can tell you if a procedure will deliver the desired results, based on the condition of your skin as well as your age and health.

• Are you a board-certified doctor? Remember, dermatologists are physicians with extensive education, training and experience keeping the skin, hair, and nails healthy. Board-certified dermatologists, or ones with the initials “FAAD” after their name, are the skin, hair, and nail experts.

• What’s your experience with this procedure? Find out how many times your doctor has performed the exact procedure. As the skin experts, dermatologists have developed and refined many of the cosmetic procedures available today.

• How often do you treat patients with my skin tone and type, and in my age range? Everyone responds differently to cosmetic procedures. If your doctor has treated people who look like you before, you’re more likely to get the results you expect. Dermatologists have the expertise to treat people of all ages and skin tones.

Questions to ask your doctor about your cosmetic procedure

Ask the following questions during your consultation:

• What kinds of procedures could address my skin, hair, or nail concern? Dermatologists know which cosmetic procedures are a good fit for your concerns.

• Is this procedure the best option for me? Dermatologists consider your medical history and your skin health to recommend the best procedure for you. You might have several options to choose from, including those you may not have originally considered.

• What results can I realistically expect? Ask to see before and after pictures of patients your doctor has treated with this procedure — especially of patients with a similar skin tone and type as you.

• What are the risks for this procedure? Every medical or surgical procedure has risks. Dermatologists have the medical training needed to help avoid complications and provide you with the best outcome.

• How long will the procedure take and how many treatments will be needed to achieve my ideal outcome? Ask whether you’ll be numbed during the procedure, as well. If you’re not comfortable with these answers, a dermatologist can help you select another option.

• What is the typical recovery time for this procedure? A dermatologist can tell you when you can safely resume your normal activities, like exercise, work, or attending social events.

• How can I prepare for my procedure and care for my skin afterward? Dermatologists can recommend specific steps to follow before or after your procedure.

• What will my procedure cost? Your doctor’s office can provide cost information. Then, check whether your insurance may cover any part of the procedure. (Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered, but it's worth confirming.)

Remember, undergoing a cosmetic procedure is not just about your appearance and convenience. It is about your health and safety first. A dermatologist has the medical training and experience required to keep skin healthy and youthful-looking.

If you are interested in having a cosmetic procedure, you can locate a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist near you at Find a Dermatologist.

Images

• Image 1: Courtesy of DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD

• Image 2: Courtesy of Thomas E. Rohrer, MD, FAAD

• Image 3: Getty Images

Written by:
Brooke Schleehauf

Reviewed by:
Elizabeth Damstetter MD, FAAD
DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD
Elisa Gallo, MD, FAAD
Thomas E. Rohrer, MD, FAAD
Desmond Shipp, MD, MSBS, FAAD

Last updated: 8/28/25