Your First Year in Aesthetics — A Treatment Planning Guide

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Embarking on your aesthetic journey can feel both exciting and daunting. This guide provides a structured, evidence-based framework for your first twelve months, developed in accordance with principles from the BCAM and JCCP.

The core philosophy: build from the foundation up. Start with skin health, then structure, then refine details.

Months 1-3: The Foundation Phase

Priority 1: Professional Skin Assessment

• Fitzpatrick skin typing
• Skin health evaluation — hydration, barrier function, pigmentation, texture
• Facial volume and structure assessment
• Lifestyle and medical history review

Dr Maryam Zamani emphasises: “The first consultation should be an assessment, not a treatment session.”

Priority 2: Medical-Grade Skincare Routine

Research in the British Journal of Dermatology (2024) confirms skincare enhances all subsequent treatments:

1. Gentle, pH-balanced cleanser
2. Vitamin C serum (L-ascorbic acid 10-20%)
3. Retinoid — start with retinol 0.25-0.5%
4. Ceramide moisturiser
5. SPF 50 — non-negotiable, 365 days per year

Allow 6-8 weeks to acclimatise to retinoids before professional treatments.

Priority 3: First Treatment — Skin Quality

• Chemical peel course (3-4 sessions, monthly)
• HydraFacial or similar
• LED light therapy — zero downtime

Months 4-6: The Building Phase

Injectable Treatments

The “Foundation First” approach (Dr Tim Pearce) addresses structure before surface refinements.

Botulinum toxin: Upper face first (forehead, frown, crow’s feet). Conservative dosing — add more at review, cannot remove excess.

Dermal fillers: Structural areas first (cheeks, temples, jawline) before lips/nasolabial folds. “Less is more” philosophy. Allow 2-4 weeks between areas.

Continuing Skin Treatments

• Microneedling course (3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart)
• Polynucleotide injections for skin quality

Months 7-9: The Refinement Phase

• Botulinum toxin repeat, minor filler adjustments
• Targeted treatments — IPL, laser, RF microneedling
• Skincare advancement — increase retinoid strength, add niacinamide or azelaic acid

Months 10-12: The Maintenance Phase

1. Botulinum toxin — 2-3 sessions per year
2. Dermal fillers — annual review with conservative top-ups
3. Skin treatments — quarterly microneedling or peels
4. Skincare — daily routine with seasonal adjustments
5. Annual skin check

Budgeting

• Skincare — £400-£800/year
• Skin treatments — £150-£350/session, 6-8 sessions
• Botulinum toxin — £200-£400/session, 2-3/year
• Dermal fillers — £250-£600/syringe

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too young (or too old) to start?

No universal correct age. Preventative botulinum toxin commonly starts late twenties to early thirties. Skincare benefits at any age. Patients in their fifties and beyond still achieve significant improvements.

Should I get everything done at once?

No. Staged plans are strongly preferred. Simultaneous treatment prevents evaluating individual responses, increases complication risk, and can look “overdone.”

What if I do not like the results?

Botulinum toxin wears off in 3-4 months. HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Starting conservatively minimises risk.

How do I know if I am having too many treatments?

Warning signs: needing increasingly frequent top-ups, family concern, compulsive rather than planned treatments. A responsible practitioner will sometimes recommend doing nothing.

Patient Safety Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Treatment plans must be individualised by a qualified medical professional. Always seek personalised advice from a GMC-registered doctor, NMC-registered nurse prescriber, or GDC-registered dental professional.