Key takeaways
- The first question is always "What exactly is my diagnosis?" A treatment without a diagnosis is a guess.
- Ask who will do the procedure, and check the doctor's registration on the National Medical Commission's public register if you wish.
- Get the total cost, number of sessions and review dates in writing before paying.
- Ask specifically about risks in brown skin, such as pigmentation after peels and lasers.
- Take time to decide. A cooling-off period is normal and sensible.
Why ask questions at all?
I am very straightforward with patients, and I would like patients to be straightforward with me. If you ask me hard questions, I take it as a good sign. It means you want to understand.
The NHS advice for anyone thinking about a cosmetic procedure is worth repeating. Every procedure, surgical or not, carries risks. Choose a practitioner who is qualified and experienced in that specific procedure. Ask about the procedure, the products used and what could go wrong. Factor in aftercare and maintenance costs. Take time, and walk away if you are not comfortable. None of that is specific to the UK. It applies just as much in Thane or Bandra.
Questions about your diagnosis
- What is my diagnosis, in plain words? Melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation, sun tan and acanthosis nigricans can all look like "dark patches", and each is treated differently.
- What is causing it? Hormones, sun, friction, a product, insulin resistance, an infection?
- Do I need any tests first? And will the result change what we do?
- Could anything I am using be making it worse? Bring your creams. An Indian multicentre study found that many people with facial skin problems were using steroid creams without proper advice, and most had side effects.
- What happens if I do nothing? Some conditions, such as DPN or milia, are harmless and treatment is optional. You should know that before choosing.
Questions about the treatment
- Why this treatment for my diagnosis? And what are the alternatives, including simpler ones like creams?
- What result is realistic for me? Not the best photo on social media. Your likely result.
- How many sessions, how far apart, and when will I see a change?
- What will it feel like, and what is the downtime? Redness, peeling, crusting, days off work.
- What are the risks in Indian skin specifically? Darkening or lightening after peels and lasers, scarring, and how the settings are adjusted for brown skin.
- What should I stop before treatment? Retinoids, certain acids, sun exposure, some medicines.
- Is this treatment suitable if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy? Many are postponed. See my article on skin changes in pregnancy.
Questions about who will treat you
- Who will perform the procedure? A doctor, or a trained therapist under a doctor's supervision? Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
- What is their training and experience in this specific procedure?
- Is the doctor registered? The National Medical Commission's Indian Medical Register is publicly searchable by name and registration number.
- What equipment or product will be used, and is it the one you were quoted for?
Questions about cost and commitment
- What is the total cost of the course, in writing? Including consumables, tests and follow-up visits.
- What does maintenance cost after the course, and how often is it needed?
- What happens if I need to stop midway?
The NHS specifically advises including aftercare and any future maintenance procedures in your costs. I would add: be cautious of any pressure to decide on the spot.
Questions about aftercare
- What should I do and avoid for the first week?
- When should I call the clinic, and how do I reach them?
- When is my review, and is it fixed from the start?
- What is the plan when the course ends? A plan for the end matters as much as the start.
A quick checklist to take with you
| Topic | Did you get a clear answer? |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis in plain words | Yes / No |
| Why this treatment, and alternatives | Yes / No |
| Realistic result and timeline | Yes / No |
| Risks in brown skin | Yes / No |
| Who performs it, and their registration | Yes / No |
| Total cost and sessions in writing | Yes / No |
| Aftercare and contact details | Yes / No |
| Review date and maintenance plan | Yes / No |
If several of these are "No", that is very important to understand. It does not mean the treatment is wrong, but it means you need more information before you decide.
Warning signs to take seriously
- A treatment is recommended before you have been examined.
- Results are described as certain, free of any discomfort for everyone, or lasting forever.
- The price is only valid if you pay today.
- You are not told about side effects, or told there are none.
- You cannot get a written quote.
- Your questions are brushed aside.
How we approach this at Dr Tvacha
Under the Second Layer Skin Plan, the Rs 499 skin consultation at our Thane, Andheri, Bandra and Dahisar centres is designed to answer these questions. The order is Diagnose, Treat, Protect, Maintain. The treatment plan and fees are quoted in writing after diagnosis, tests are charged at actual cost, and review dates are fixed on day one. Bring this list with you. My article on what happens at a skin consultation explains the visit step by step, and chemical peel aftercare shows the kind of aftercare detail you should expect.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a doctor is registered in India?
The National Medical Commission publishes the Indian Medical Register on its website. You can search by the doctor's name, registration number, year of registration or State Medical Council. A registered doctor should also be happy to tell you their registration number. It takes a couple of minutes and gives you peace of mind.
Is it normal to get a written quote before skin treatment?
It should be. A written plan with the treatment, number of sessions, total cost and review dates protects both you and the clinic and avoids surprises. If a clinic will not give you the cost in writing, or asks you to decide immediately to get a price, take that as a reason to pause and think.
What should I ask about laser treatment on Indian skin?
Ask what the laser is treating, why it suits your diagnosis, how the settings are adjusted for brown skin, what the risk of darkening or lightening is, how many sessions are needed, and what to avoid before and after. Ask who will operate it and what sun protection you need during the course.
How long should I take to decide on a skin treatment?
For most elective treatments, there is no rush. Take the written plan home, discuss it with family, and read about the options. The NHS recommends a cooling-off period after a consultation for cosmetic procedures. If something feels unclear, ask for a second conversation before you start rather than after.
Can I ask for a simpler or cheaper option?
Yes, and you should. Many skin problems improve with the right creams, sunscreen and routine before any procedure is needed. Ask what the doctor would expect from a simpler plan and how long to try it. A good doctor will tell you honestly when a procedure is really needed and when it is optional.
Written by
Dr Amit KarkhanisAesthetic Physician · MBBS, Dip. Dermatology (UK) · Reg. No. 2001/02/1124Founder of Dr Tvacha, practising in Thane since 2005. Leads the weight loss and hair programmes.
Sources
- Before you have a cosmetic procedure (NHS)
- Cosmetic procedures (NHS)
- Indian Medical Register (National Medical Commission)
- Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: a prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients (Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol)
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (DermNet)
This article is for general education and does not replace a consultation. Medicines and treatments are prescribed only after a doctor's assessment. Last reviewed 25 October 2026.