Hydrodermabrasion consent form: what to include and why each part matters
Hydrodermabrasion has a reputation as the gentle facial: little or no downtime, a glow on the way out. That reputation is exactly why the consent form matters. Clients who think a treatment is harmless are the least likely to mention the prescription retinoid they started last week or the wax they had on Saturday.
Here is what I put in my hydrodermabrasion consent, and why each section earns its place.
This exact form is built into SlickChart, so you can send it to your client's phone to sign before the visit.
Explain the treatment in plain words
A client can't agree to something they don't understand. So the form opens with what it is, what they'll feel, what to expect, and the alternatives.
The "what it is" line should name every step, because each one carries its own risk. Mine describes a device facial that cleanses and exfoliates, applies a mild acid solution, gently suctions out pores, then infuses hydrating serums. Clients often don't realize there is an acid step, and naming it makes the allergy questions later make sense.
"What you'll feel" sets up the sensations before they happen, so a client isn't startled mid-treatment. It's also where you invite them to speak up:
What you'll feel: A cool, wet tip gliding with light suction, and brief tingling from the acid step. Tell me if anything feels too strong.
"What to expect" manages expectations: some pinkness for a few hours, and results that are temporary, kept going with regular visits. That heads off the client who expected one session to last forever.
The "other options" line lists alternatives: a classic facial, a light peel, homecare products only, or a referral to a dermatologist. Alternatives are part of what makes consent informed.
List the real risks
Every risk you name in writing is one the client agreed to knowing about. For hydrodermabrasion, my list covers redness, mild swelling, stinging or itching; suction marks, bruising or broken capillaries; a reaction to an acid or serum; dryness or light flaking for a day or two; a few breakouts afterward; and dark marks, which are more likely in deeper skin tones.
Suction marks and bruising are specific to this treatment, so a generic facial consent won't cover them.
Screen for who should wait
This is the section that protects the client most. Mine is a checklist with a reassuring opener: a yes doesn't always mean no treatment. I may skip the acid step, lower suction, or reschedule. That matters, because clients hide things when a yes sounds like being turned away.
What I screen for on this form includes:
- Isotretinoin now or in the past 6 months
- A prescription retinoid in the past 7 days
- A peel, laser, Botox or filler in the past 2 weeks
- Waxing or hair-removal cream in the past 5 days
- Allergy to aspirin, salicylates or shellfish
- Rosacea flare, broken capillaries or easy bruising
The allergy line ties straight back to the acid step, and the bruising line ties back to suction. When screening matches the steps you described, the form reads as one argument instead of boilerplate. The full checklist also covers pregnancy, active skin conditions, cold sores and slow healing.
The agreements that close it out
After screening, my form asks the client to confirm a handful of short statements: their health and medication history is complete and they'll tell me about changes before each visit; this is a cosmetic treatment and results are temporary and not guaranteed; they'll follow aftercare and wear SPF 30+ daily; and they can ask questions and stop any part of the treatment at any time.
Then a photo choice (private chart only, social with face hidden, social with face visible, or no photos), a guardian name for anyone under 18, and a signature. Keeping photo consent as its own choice avoids an awkward conversation later. I wrote more about photos and records in what to chart after every facial.
What the client should take home
Freshly exfoliated skin absorbs everything and burns more easily, so aftercare belongs in writing. Mine is broken into stages. On day 0, leave the serums on tonight if possible, wash gently with lukewarm water, and avoid makeup for 6 to 12 hours along with hot showers on the face, sauna, steam rooms, hard workouts and pools. On days 2 to 3, no retinol, acids, scrubs, waxing, hair-removal cream or other facial treatments for 48 to 72 hours.
The guide also tells them when to call: redness or burning lasting more than 24 to 48 hours, suction marks that don't fade, blisters or crusting, a rash or hives, dark patches developing, or a cold sore. It also says to stop retinoids 5 to 7 days before the next visit.
Questions to decide for your own practice
- What do you do with each checked contraindication: skip a step, adjust, reschedule, or refer?
- Will you collect the form before the visit or in the room?
- How will you confirm nothing changed for a returning client?
Consent requirements and scope of practice vary by state, so check with your state board. This is not legal or medical advice.
Making it easy
SlickChart has this exact form and aftercare built in for esthetician subscribers. It goes to the client's phone to sign before the visit, or they sign on your device in the room, and any checked contraindication is flagged for you. The aftercare lands in the client's own app, styled with your logo, and it all works alongside the Square account you already have. If that would save you paperwork, try SlickChart.
Prefer paper? The printable hydrodermabrasion set, with the consent form, protocol and aftercare, is in my Etsy shop, ready to print or edit in free Canva.