Question 1

Is It a Good Idea to Compare Consultations from Multiple Clinics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, comparing consultations from two to three clinics is a reasonable decision-making process. Even if you go with the same concern, each clinic may offer different diagnoses and recommendations. By comparing multiple consultations, you can distinguish between issues that are commonly pointed out (reliable diagnosis) and procedures recommended only by a specific clinic (proposals that need further verification).

The core of comparing consultations is not price comparison but consistency of diagnosis. By listening to each clinic's explanation of 'how they define the problem with my face' and 'why they believe that procedure is necessary,' you can deepen your understanding of your own condition and judge which doctor accurately understood your concerns.

However, visiting too many clinics for consultations can lead to information overload and confusion. Therefore, we recommend narrowing down your options and conducting an in-depth comparison at 2–3 clinics.

Question 2

What Is the Checklist to Verify During a Consultation?

Accepted Answer

The five key items to verify are: diagnostic basis, practitioner, authenticity of products, management of side effects, and total cost breakdown. If you note down the checklist below before your consultation, you can compare any clinic using the same criteria.

Item	Question to Ask	Good Sign
Diagnosis	What do you see as the problem with my skin?	Specific explanation after observing the condition
Practitioner	Does the consulting doctor perform the procedure themselves?	Clearly specifies the practitioner
Authenticity & Equipment	What equipment or products do you use?	Accurately discloses model and product names
Side effects	How do you respond to adverse reactions?	Provides specific guidance on response procedures
Cost	What is included in the total cost?	Specifies number of sessions, shots, and additional costs

In addition, asking 'What happens if I don't get this procedure?' and 'Is there a simpler alternative?' can help you gauge the clinic's consultation attitude. A clinic that tells you a procedure is unnecessary when it is not needed is a trustworthy one.

Question 3

What Should I Do If Pressured to Pay on the Day?

Accepted Answer

You do not have to respond to pressure to pay on the day; you can simply say, "I'll think about it and decide," and leave. Conditions such as "this price if you pay today" or "the event ends today" are typical sales tactics that deprive patients of time to consider. Medically, there is virtually no cosmetic procedure that must be decided on the spot. For reference, Article 27, Paragraph 3 of the Medical Act prohibits inducing patients for commercial purposes, such as discounts on out-of-pocket expenses or offering goods, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare has regulated excessive price discounts or first-come-first-served event advertisements as acts that may induce patients. An excessive same-day discount condition itself may be a signal of how the clinic operates. A good clinic respects the time patients need to think. If a clinic's attitude changes because you postponed your decision, that reaction itself has already given you the answer.

Question 4

How Can I Determine if I Am Being Recommended Overtreatment?

Accepted Answer

If multiple treatments unrelated to the concern you came to consult about are bundled together and proposed, you can suspect overtreatment. For example, if you go for a consultation about nasolabial folds and are presented with a package of lifting, botulinum toxin type A, Skin Booster, and laser toning without a diagnostic explanation, you should ask for the rationale for each treatment one by one. The criterion for judgment is "whether the problem definition came first." A good consultation proceeds in the order of diagnosing the skin condition, explaining the cause of the problem, and then proposing a treatment accordingly. Conversely, if the consultation presents a list of treatments and price tags first, followed by the diagnosis, it is likely sales-driven. When you ask about priorities during a consultation, the specificity of the answer is a good clue for evaluating the clinic. If you ask, "If my budget is limited, what should I do first?" and the doctor provides a clear priority and rationale, it indicates that the doctor is planning from the patient's perspective.

Question 5

What Is the Difference Between a Good Consultation and Sales?

Accepted Answer

A good consultation starts with a diagnosis and offers options, while sales start with a sales target and rush the decision. The two can be relatively clearly distinguished by the sequence and tone of the consultation. Distinction · Good Consultation · Sales-Type Consultation. Starting Point · Diagnosis of skin condition / problem definition · Presentation of treatment products / price list. Options · Alternatives and priorities presented · Emphasis on high-cost packages. Time · Respects time for consideration · Rushes with same-day payment conditions. Expectations · Explains limitations and individual differences · Emphasizes only the effects. In particular, a consultation that first mentions "the areas that can and cannot be improved with this treatment" and "individual results may vary" reflects a clinical attitude aimed at setting realistic expectations for the patient. It is never too late to have a consultation, compare, and then decide on a clinic where the diagnosis is convincing and trust is established. If you still have questions, we recommend requesting a follow-up consultation to verify thoroughly before proceeding.