Question 1

Is it safe to have aesthetic treatments?

Accepted Answer

When carried out by a qualified medical professional with regulated products, yes. Every treatment at Visage is performed by a registered nurse with an MSc in Advanced Practice and 20+ years of clinical experience. We take a full medical history, assess your suitability honestly, and only proceed when it is in your best interest. If a treatment is not right for you, I will say so.

Question 2

What qualifications does Bernadette have?

Accepted Answer

Registered Nurse (NMC), MSc Advanced Practice, accredited aesthetic practitioner with continuous professional development across all treatments offered. Full evidence of qualifications and indemnity insurance is available on request and at consultation.

Question 3

What happens if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

We talk through possible side effects fully at consultation, before consent is signed. Most are mild and short-lived (a small bruise, a little swelling). For anything more involved, you have direct access to me by phone, and I have all the protocols and reversal products on hand. You are never left wondering what to do.

Question 4

Are you accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visage Aesthetics holds practitioner-level accreditation through industry-recognised bodies, in addition to NMC nurse registration and full medical indemnity. Accreditation requires evidence of training, ongoing CPD and adherence to the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners standards.

Question 5

What is the difference between Botox and dermal filler?

Accepted Answer

They do completely different jobs. Anti-wrinkle injections (often called Botox) relax the muscles that cause expression lines like forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Dermal filler is a hyaluronic acid gel that adds volume or definition: lips, cheeks, jawline, tear troughs. Many clients have both, planned together.

Question 6

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most treatments are surprisingly comfortable. Anti-wrinkle uses very fine needles and feels like a small pinch. Filler products contain a built-in local anaesthetic and we numb the area first when needed. Profhilo and micro-needling can feel a little more, but never something most people would call painful. We always go at your pace.

Question 7

How long do results last?

Accepted Answer

Anti-wrinkle injections typically 3 to 4 months. Dermal filler 9 to 18 months depending on the product and area. Profhilo around 6 to 9 months from a course of two. Micro-needling builds gradually, with collagen continuing to develop for 3 to 6 months after a course. We talk through realistic timelines at consultation.

Question 8

Will I look natural?

Accepted Answer

Always. The whole philosophy at Visage is that you should look like a refreshed version of yourself. Never altered. We start conservatively, build gradually, and would always rather under-treat than over-treat. If anyone asks whether you've had something done, I haven't done my job properly.

Question 9

Can I have multiple treatments at once?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Anti-wrinkle and filler can usually be carried out in the same appointment. Profhilo is normally booked as its own session because of the technique. We plan a sensible sequence at consultation so each treatment has the chance to settle and work as intended.

Question 10

What is Profhilo and how is it different from filler?

Accepted Answer

Profhilo is a high-concentration hyaluronic acid that bio-remodels the skin. It does not add volume or contour like filler does. Instead it spreads under the skin and stimulates the body's own collagen and elastin production, improving hydration, texture and laxity. It's brilliant for skin that looks tired or dehydrated.

Question 11

How much do treatments cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies by treatment. As a guide: anti-wrinkle from £150, dermal filler from £200 per ml, Profhilo from £300 per session, AQUALYX from £250 per area, micro-needling from £150, CryoPen from £80. Full pricing is discussed openly at consultation, in line with what is right for you.

Question 12

What happens at a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

We sit down properly. I take a full medical history, ask about what you'd like to address, examine the area, and we discuss what is realistic. If a treatment isn't right for you, I'll tell you. If it is, we plan it together with no pressure to book on the day.

Question 13

Do I have to book after my consultation?

Accepted Answer

No. Consultations are genuinely no-obligation. Many clients take a few days to think it through, ask family or weigh up cost. I would much rather you come back when you are ready than make a decision in the moment.

Question 14

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

For first-time clients I usually suggest booking the consultation 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Treatment slots typically have 1 to 2 weeks' availability. For events (a wedding, a milestone birthday), I recommend planning at least 4 weeks before so any swelling settles fully.

Question 15

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Most treatments are paid in full at the appointment. For longer treatment courses (Profhilo, AQUALYX, micro-needling) we can split payment across the sessions. We do not offer financing or buy-now-pay-later schemes, by choice.

Question 16

What should I do before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours, ibuprofen and aspirin for 48 hours where medically possible, and arrive with a clean face. Eat normally beforehand. If you have a holiday or event in the next 2 weeks, mention it: timing matters.

Question 17

When will I see results?

Accepted Answer

Filler is largely visible immediately. Anti-wrinkle takes 3 to 5 days to start working, with full effect at 14 days. Profhilo results build over 4 to 6 weeks. Micro-needling shows initial radiance within a week and continues to improve for months.

Question 18

How long is recovery time?

Accepted Answer

For most injectables, none. You can return to normal activity straight away. Bruising or small swelling is possible and usually settles in a few days. Micro-needling causes a little redness for 24 to 48 hours.

Question 19

What should I avoid after treatment?

Accepted Answer

No exercise, alcohol, hot showers, saunas or facial treatments for 24 hours after injectables. No make-up for 12 hours. Sleep on your back where possible for the first night. I send full written aftercare via email after every appointment.

Everything you might wonder, answered.

Safety and qualifications.

The treatments.

Booking and cost.

Before and after.

Ready when you are.