Treatment Consent Information

Last updated: 11 July 2026

At Laserderm Cambridge, treatment decisions are made jointly between you and your doctor. Our aim is to ensure that you understand the proposed treatment, its expected benefits, important risks, reasonable alternatives and what may happen if you choose not to proceed.

Consent is an ongoing conversation, not simply a signature on a form. GMC guidance requires doctors to listen to patients, provide relevant information and support them in making informed decisions about their care.

1. Before treatment

Before any treatment, your doctor will carry out an appropriate consultation and assessment.

You may be asked about:

your medical history
medicines and supplements
allergies and sensitivities
previous procedures or treatments
pregnancy or breastfeeding
your skin type and treatment area
your concerns, expectations and desired outcome

Please provide complete and accurate information. Tell us if anything changes before your appointment, as this may affect whether treatment is safe or suitable.

Laserderm Cambridge does not provide treatments to anyone under 18.

2. What your doctor will discuss with you

Your doctor will explain the information that is relevant to your individual decision, including:

the purpose of the proposed treatment
the likely benefits and limitations
material risks and possible side effects
recovery, aftercare and expected downtime
reasonable alternative options
the option of having no treatment
likely costs and whether further sessions may be needed
any uncertainty about the expected result

A doctor may recommend an option, but should explain the reasons for doing so and discuss reasonable alternatives, including taking no action. You should not be pressured into accepting treatment.

3. Your opportunity to ask questions

You are encouraged to ask questions and raise any concerns before deciding.

Please tell your doctor if:

you do not understand an explanation
you need information presented differently
you would like more time to decide
you want to discuss another option
your expectations or priorities have not been fully understood

For elective treatment, you may decide not to proceed immediately. Where appropriate, your doctor may recommend a cooling off period or a further consultation.

4. Your decision

For consent to be valid, your decision must be:

voluntary
informed
made while you have the capacity to decide

An adult with capacity has the right to accept or refuse treatment, even where the doctor considers another choice preferable.

Booking or paying for an appointment does not itself amount to consent to treatment.

Signing a consent form records part of the discussion and your decision, but does not replace the consultation.

5. Changing your mind

You may change your mind or withdraw consent at any time before treatment begins.

You may also ask the doctor to stop during a procedure where it is safe and reasonably possible to do so. Your doctor will explain any immediate safety steps that may be required.

Withdrawing consent to treatment does not automatically require the clinic to delete clinical records that must be retained for patient safety, legal, professional or insurance purposes. Treatment consent and data protection are separate matters.

6. Treatment suitability

A booking does not guarantee that treatment will be provided.

Your doctor may postpone, change or decline treatment where:

it is not considered safe or clinically appropriate
a contraindication or medical concern is identified
further information or investigation is needed
your expectations cannot reasonably be met
valid informed consent cannot be obtained
proceeding would not be in your best interests

If the proposed treatment is unsuitable, your doctor will explain the available options clearly.

7. Results, risks and further treatment

Every patient responds differently. Results cannot be guaranteed.

Outcomes may be influenced by your health, skin type, lifestyle, treatment area, previous procedures, healing response and adherence to preparation and aftercare instructions.

Some treatments require a course of sessions or future maintenance. Additional treatment will only be arranged with your agreement and may involve additional cost.

8. Clinical photographs

Clinical photographs may be taken where appropriate for assessment, treatment planning, monitoring progress and maintaining an accurate medical record.

They will be treated as confidential clinical information.

Identifiable photographs will not be used for marketing, social media, advertising or promotional case studies without separate and specific permission.

Declining promotional use will not affect the treatment available to you.

9. Preparation and aftercare

You are responsible for following the preparation and aftercare instructions provided.

Contact the clinic promptly if you:

experience an unexpected or concerning reaction
believe you may have a complication
are unsure whether your symptoms are expected
need clarification about aftercare

For urgent or severe symptoms, seek appropriate urgent medical assistance rather than waiting for an online response.

10. Privacy and clinical records

We maintain records of consultations, consent discussions, treatments, photographs and relevant communications.

Information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and professional confidentiality obligations.

Please also read our:

11. Contacting us

For general questions before treatment, please use our:

Contact page

Do not include unnecessary sensitive medical information in the initial contact form. Appropriate clinical information can be discussed securely during your consultation.