Editor’s Note
Holiday Clinic Tokyo’s latest survey sheds light on what patients truly prioritize before aesthetic treatment—from cost and side effects to expected outcomes. These insights offer valuable guidance for clinics aiming to build trust and transparency.
Aesthetic dermatology clinic Holiday Clinic Tokyo conducted a survey on the information patients want to know before treatment and the key points they consider when choosing an aesthetic clinic.
Even those interested in aesthetic medicine often feel uncertain about which clinic to consult for their first treatment. There are many points to confirm in advance, such as whether side effects or skin issues will occur, how much the treatment will cost, and whether the results will meet expectations.
In particular, the expected effects and required number of sessions vary depending on the treatment type. Therefore, it is important to choose a clinic based on several factors—not just low prices or past case photos—such as whether the doctor clearly explains both the benefits and precautions, and whether they propose treatments suited to your concerns and wishes.
To address this, Holiday Clinic Tokyo (https://holiday-beauty-clinic.jp/), an aesthetic dermatology clinic specializing in nasolabial folds, wrinkles, and sagging, conducted a survey of 200 women aged 20–60. The survey summarizes responses regarding anxieties about first-time aesthetic medicine, information they want to know before treatment, and reassuring approaches when consulting a clinic.
We hope this helps those considering aesthetic medicine, as well as those unsure about treatment or clinic selection, to organize their concerns and identify key points to confirm before consultation.
Q1: What is the biggest concern when receiving aesthetic medicine for the first time?
Q2: What information do you want to know before receiving aesthetic medicine?
Q3: What reassuring responses or information do you expect when first consulting an aesthetic clinic?
Summary: What first-time aesthetic medicine patients need, based on survey results
The most common response was “Whether side effects or skin issues will occur,” at 23.5% (47 people). This shows that many people worry about physical effects, such as redness, swelling, or adverse skin reactions after treatment.
The second most common concern was “How much will it cost?” at 16.0% (32 people). Additionally, “Whether there will be additional costs or high-pressure contracts” was cited by 10.5% (21 people), indicating that a certain number of people are anxious about unexpected payments beyond the treatment fee itself.
Other concerns included “Whether the results will look unnatural” at 9.5% (19 people) and “Whether the expected effects will be achieved” at 8.0% (16 people). Since aesthetic medicine aims to change appearance, many people carefully consider whether the results will look natural and whether the outcome will be worth the cost.
Furthermore, “Whether I can consult someone if problems occur after treatment” was cited by 4.5% (9 people), and “How to choose a doctor or clinic” by 3.5% (7 people). This shows that some people value post-treatment support systems and information to identify trustworthy doctors and clinics.
Additionally, “How much pain will there be,” “Whether I will be pressured into treatment,” and “Whether I can discuss suitable treatments with the doctor” were each cited by 3.0% (6 people). “How long is the downtime?” was cited by 2.5% (5 people), and “Other” by 0.5% (1 person). Meanwhile, 12.5% (25 people) answered “No particular concerns.”
The most common responses were “Total cost and whether there are additional fees” and “Possible risks and side effects,” each at 41.0% (82 people). Cost and safety are equally prioritized, indicating that many people want to confirm the final expense and physical impact before treatment.
Next, “Estimated pain and downtime” was cited by 17.0% (34 people), “Treatments suitable/unsuitable for me” by 14.0% (28 people), and “Aftercare and consultation methods” by 13.5% (27 people). Knowing the level of pain during treatment and the time needed to return to daily life is important for adjusting work and household schedules. Furthermore, many people want to confirm specific pre- and post-treatment details, such as whether the treatment suits their concerns and constitution, and where to consult if problems arise.
Additionally, “Required number of sessions and visits” was cited by 12.5% (25 people), and “Doctor’s background and track record” and “Case photos and treatment results” each by 10.5% (21 people). Knowing how many sessions are needed to achieve the desired effect and the frequency of visits is essential for planning costs and schedules. Moreover, a certain number of people want to verify the doctor’s experience and past cases to determine if they can entrust their care with confidence.
Other responses included “How effects appear and their duration” and “Cancellation/termination conditions,” each at 9.5% (19 people); “Post-treatment lifestyle and precautions” at 9.0% (18 people); and “Treatment flow” at 8.0% (16 people). Meanwhile, “What can be discussed during counseling” was only 3.0% (6 people), and no one selected “Other.”
Notably, 20.0% (40 people) answered “No particular information I want to know.”
The most common response was “Not being pressured into treatment” at 36.0% (72 people). This shows that many people feel reassured by an environment where they can make decisions at their own pace, rather than being pushed into a contract or treatment on the day of consultation.
Next, “Clear explanation of fees in advance” was cited by 31.0% (62 people), and “Explanation of not only benefits but also precautions” by 27.5% (55 people). Understanding the cost breakdown and potential additional fees, as well as receiving clear information about risks and precautions, seems to contribute to a sense of security.
Additionally, “The doctor directly explains the treatment content and risks” was cited by 20.5% (41 people), “Being able to take the estimate home and consider it” by 17.5% (35 people), and “Being told which treatments are suitable and unsuitable for me” by 17.0% (34 people). Many people want the doctor to directly explain the treatment and risks based on their suitability, and to have time to think without deciding on the spot.
Other responses included “Being listened to carefully about concerns” at 12.0% (24 people), “Privacy considerations” at 8.5% (17 people), “Post-treatment consultation methods being available” at 8.0% (16 people), and “Easy to consult even just for counseling” at 7.5% (15 people). This suggests that some people value not only treatment content and fees but also an atmosphere where they can easily discuss concerns, consideration for privacy, and a support system available after treatment.
Furthermore, “Knowing the clinic’s atmosphere and cleanliness” was cited by 6.5% (13 people), and “Online consultation availability” by 2.5% (5 people).
Notably, 21.0% (42 people) answered “No particular concerns.”
This survey reveals that when considering aesthetic medicine for the first time, many people feel anxious not only about the treatment itself but also about costs, physical effects, and post-treatment changes.
It appears that first-time aesthetic medicine patients tend to want to fully understand the treatment content, costs, and risks before making a decision. Therefore, a clinic where they can easily ask questions and receive thorough explanations will help first-time patients choose treatments with confidence.
Furthermore, an environment where they can take home explanations and estimates to consider rather than deciding on the spot also seems to provide reassurance. Since aesthetic medicine options vary depending on individual concerns, wishes, and skin/body conditions, an environment that allows for informed decision-making is essential.
For those considering aesthetic medicine for the first time, we recommend not only researching treatments of interest but also organizing your questions and concerns before attending a consultation. Finding a trustworthy medical institution, receiving sufficient explanations, and taking time to make a decision you are comfortable with is the first step toward receiving aesthetic medicine with peace of mind.
At Holiday Clinic Tokyo, we carefully listen to each patient’s concerns and wishes, proposing aesthetic medicine that emphasizes natural results. If you are unsure about receiving treatment, why not start by discussing your concerns and hopes?
Survey date: July 14, 2026
Target region: Nationwide (Japan)
Survey organization: Freeasy
Survey method: Online questionnaire
Target and number of respondents: 200 women aged 20–60
Conditions for using survey results: Please cite “Holiday Clinic Tokyo” as the source. When using on websites, please include the following link: https://holiday-beauty-clinic.jp/