Thinking About a Medical Aesthetic Treatment? Read This First.

Got questions about mesotherapy, fillers, or anti-wrinkle treatments? You’re not the only one. What you really need is thoughtful, trustworthy guidance. Zeynep Gökalp shares what to expect before and during a procedure, how often certain treatments make sense, and why a strong rapport with your doctor is just as important as the treatment itself.

What should you know before saying yes to a treatment?

Start by getting clear on what you’d like to address—and the kind of results you’re hoping for. But—and this part matters—don’t walk in with a treatment already in mind. The ideal approach is figuring it out together with your doctor. Everyone’s face and needs are different. What worked wonders for someone else might not be the right call for you—and that’s more than okay.

Where you get treated matters just as much. Make sure the practitioner is a licensed medical professional, and the clinic is a certified healthcare facility. As for the products being used, they should be original, Ministry of Health-approved, and high quality.

Also: never underestimate the value of good communication. A positive experience depends on open, respectful dialogue. If you feel heard, understood, and at ease, you’re already in good hands.

How should you prep before an appointment? What kind of questions should you ask?

We love a patient who’s done their homework. It makes everything smoother and more collaborative. Most of us have some sort of skincare routine—but when asked to describe how we actually care for our skin, we often pause.

Before your first consultation, take a moment to review your habits: your daily skincare steps, past procedures, current products, and any relevant health concerns. It’ll help you answer your doctor’s questions clearly—and make the appointment far more efficient.

Before moving forward with a treatment, make sure you’re crystal clear on what’s being proposed. What exactly will the procedure involve? Which products and techniques will be used? What kind of results should you expect—immediately and over time? And just as crucial: what are the potential side effects or risks?

All this should be outlined in your informed consent form. But don’t just sign it and move on—take the time to read and truly understand it. Feeling informed fosters trust, and trust makes for a better experience all around.

How often should these treatments be repeated?

Preventive and skin-revitalizing treatments like mesotherapy tend to work best when done every four to six months. That rhythm supports skin health and helps slow visible signs of aging. Fillers, on the other hand, shouldn’t be tied to a schedule. They’re best reserved for when there’s an actual need to restore lost volume—and always with a light, natural touch. Going overboard, whether in frequency or volume, can take you far from the subtle, refreshed look you’re aiming for.

What would you say to someone who feels hesitant about these procedures?

How we look—and how we feel about how we look—matters. So if you’re feeling unsure, know that it’s completely valid.

Try to identify where the hesitation is coming from. Honest, open communication with your doctor can ease many of those concerns. Some may turn out to be unfounded, others completely fair—but either way, you’ll feel more grounded once you’ve talked them through.

Managing anxiety is just as important as managing expectations. Stick to reliable sources. And remember: what worked (or didn’t work) for someone else won’t necessarily apply to you. Every face is different. So is every outcome.