Before you book HIFU: 7 questions to ask

The treatment name is only the starting point. Before choosing an appointment, get clear on the areas included, who will treat you, the proposed visit plan and the full cost.

Use these seven questions at your consultation. You can save them on your phone and tick them off as you go.

1. Which areas are included?

Ask the practitioner to name the exact areas in the proposed treatment. Face-only and face-and-neck appointments have different inclusions. If your main concern is your neck, chin or jawline, say so and check how it fits the option being discussed.

At Brisbane HIFU Clinic, the A$300 Essentials Face Lift is face-only and excludes the neck and chin. Essentials Face & Neck and Signature Face & Neck are separate options. Check the current price list for the full treatment names and inclusions.

Useful question: “Can you show me which areas this appointment includes and which it leaves out?”

2. Who will perform my treatment, and what training have they completed?

Ask who will carry out your appointment and about their relevant training and experience with the proposed equipment and treatment areas. A clear answer should identify the training rather than rely only on a title.

You can read about the team before your visit, then bring any questions you want to discuss in person.

Useful question: “What training have you completed for this device and the areas we’re discussing?”

3. How will you assess whether treatment is suitable for me?

Explain what you want to discuss and ask what information the practitioner needs before recommending an option. You do not need to choose a package before that conversation.

Ask what could make treatment unsuitable, whether another approach should be considered and whether you need advice from another qualified professional. Keep personal health information for a private consultation.

Useful question: “What needs to be checked before we decide whether to go ahead?”

4. What changes are realistic, and when should they be reviewed?

Be specific about your expectations. Ask what the proposed treatment may achieve, its limitations and how progress would be assessed. If you have an event in mind, mention the date without assuming a particular result will be ready by then.

Results and their duration vary from person to person. Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations at your consultation.

Useful question: “What would be realistic for me, and when would we review the result?”

5. What should I know about risks, comfort and aftercare?

Ask about possible side effects and risks for the proposed treatment, what the appointment may feel like and what guidance you will receive afterwards. Make sure you know who to contact if you have a concern.

You should leave with answers that are specific enough to help you make a decision. If something is unclear, ask the practitioner to explain it again in everyday language.

Useful question: “What should I expect afterwards, and who do I contact if I’m worried?”

6. How many visits are we discussing, and what is the full cost?

Check whether the quoted price is for one visit or is a per-visit rate within a package. Ask for the visit count and total alongside the price, including any unavoidable charges.

Also confirm how the booking deposit is handled, when the balance is due and the cancellation, rescheduling and refund terms. A package price alone does not answer those questions.

Useful question: “What will all the proposed visits cost, and what are the payment and cancellation terms?”

7. What happens after the consultation?

Ask what the next step would be if you decide to proceed, who to contact with another question and what follow-up applies to the proposed treatment. Make sure any written information matches what was discussed.

You can take time to consider the information before deciding. Keep a note of the treatment areas, visit plan, cost and any questions you still want answered.

Useful question: “What information should I take away, and how can I ask a follow-up question?”

Bring the checklist to your consultation

Brisbane HIFU Clinic offers a free consultation at 88 Allen Street, Hamilton. Bring your goals and questions, check the current prices, and discuss your options before choosing an appointment.