The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly resulted in an influx of people flocking to aesthetic practices to enhance their looks after staring at themselves on Zoom meetings all day. This means a lot of new clients and people unfamiliar with the world of injectables will be flooding your office. So what do you tell a first time injectee and where do you start?
They need to understand what Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers are and what they do
The patient must understand that Neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin are used to treat those fine lines and wrinkles whereas Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra (just to name a few) are used more to “fill” and “lift” certain facial elements. First time patients often refer to any treatment as Botox, so it’s important to educate them on the different products and what they do.
Cost
First time injectees will probably not understand the cost of a treatment. Specifically, how much per unit a product costs, but also that it depends largely on the provider and location of the provider. It may be also important to note that searching out the cheapest treatment or specific deals may not be in their best interest.
What to expect during the procedure
You’ll want to go through the things to do or not do before coming in for the treatment such as avoiding drinking alcohol or taking any medications that could thin their blood and increase the risk of bruising. But you’ll also want to prepare them for the actual procedure. Let them know they shouldn’t feel more than a small pinch, especially if they’re feeling unnerved about the pain that could be associated with it. Enforce that with the fact that practitioners are well trained in making the process as smooth and painless as possible. Let them know how long the procedure will take too.
What to expect after the procedure
You’ll want to walk them through what happens after they are injected. For example, let them know they can probably return to work following a treatment. Prepare them for the side effects that could occur such as bruising or moderate pain. Make sure they know what to avoid like alcohol, being out in the sun, working out, or lying down immediately after. The post treatment instructions vary depending on what products are used. It is important to develop specific patient instructions for both neurotoxin and dermal filler treatments. And finally, you’ll really want to stress that effects are not always immediate and it may take several days to see results. Then, prepare them for how long the treatment should last, and when they should expect to need another treatment.
Side Effects
We’ve all seen the horror stories on social media of “Botched Botox” so being transparent about this is important, especially to a new client who may be nervous about it happening to them. This is the time to spotlight your expertise, share your success stories, and just be open with them about possible side effects and how you manage them.
By taking the opportunity to really educate a first time injectee on what to expect for their first injection, you will ultimately form a better relationship with that person. The more time you take to ensure they are feeling comfortable with the procedure, the more likely they are to come back for more, and even refer their friends to you.